What are the responsibilities and job description for the Collections Apprentice position at The University of New Mexico?
Requisition IDreq35133 Working TitleCollections Apprentice Pay$12.00 - $15.00 Hourly CampusMain - Albuquerque, NM DepartmentArt Museum (272A) Employment TypeStudent Employment Student TypeWork-Study StatusNon-Exempt Background Check Required For Best Consideration Date11/25/2025 Position Summary
Position Summary
The University of New Mexico Art Museum (UNMAM) is dedicated to advanced learning and creating connections, both in and outside of the University community. As a teaching museum, we are committed to offering students professional development and mentorship opportunities as well as access to the largest collection of artworks in New Mexico.
During the 2025-26 academic year, UNMAM will pause public exhibitions to transform exhibition galleries into workspaces for a collections care initiative, "Collections Year." Under direct supervision, Collections Apprentices will support collections management activities, including condition reporting, cataloging, photographing artworks, and moving artworks. Collections Apprentices will have a unique opportunity to gain hands-on skills through these behind-the-scenes opportunities during "Collections Year."
A work-study award is required for this position. The ideal candidate should have M-F availability between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This position is for the Spring semester, with the possibility of renewal for future semesters.
Duties & Responsibilities
Collections Apprentices will work closely with UNMAM's Collections Manager, Collections Assistant, Coordinator of Exhibitions, Curator of Collections & Study Room Initiatives, and Manager of Visitor Experience, on the following activities:
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Please include a cover letter describing your interest in the Collections Apprentice role, current resume, verification of your work-study award, and your availability during the Spring 2026 semester with your application.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
Position Summary
The University of New Mexico Art Museum (UNMAM) is dedicated to advanced learning and creating connections, both in and outside of the University community. As a teaching museum, we are committed to offering students professional development and mentorship opportunities as well as access to the largest collection of artworks in New Mexico.
During the 2025-26 academic year, UNMAM will pause public exhibitions to transform exhibition galleries into workspaces for a collections care initiative, "Collections Year." Under direct supervision, Collections Apprentices will support collections management activities, including condition reporting, cataloging, photographing artworks, and moving artworks. Collections Apprentices will have a unique opportunity to gain hands-on skills through these behind-the-scenes opportunities during "Collections Year."
A work-study award is required for this position. The ideal candidate should have M-F availability between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This position is for the Spring semester, with the possibility of renewal for future semesters.
Duties & Responsibilities
Collections Apprentices will work closely with UNMAM's Collections Manager, Collections Assistant, Coordinator of Exhibitions, Curator of Collections & Study Room Initiatives, and Manager of Visitor Experience, on the following activities:
- Attend art handling, security, skill, and tool trainings led by UNMAM staff
- Maintain security of all UNMAM spaces
- Maintain best and safe art handling practices throughout all tasks
- Assist with conducting collection procedures
- Complete appropriate forms and documentation according to project assignment
- Rehouse collection objects
- Utilize basic hand and power tools
- Use of project management tool to access training and project documents and track task progress and completion
- Attend project and planning meetings as needed
- Research collection objects as needed
- Current work-study award
- Enrolled in a degree seeking program at UNM
- Enrolled at least half-time (6 hours) at UNM for Fall and Spring semesters (Audit hours do not count), and if Work Study, you must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- Availability to work during business hours: M - F, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Ability to work independently and take initiative, while also working effectively in a team environment.
- Excellent verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and spatial reasoning.
- Be able to perform physical tasks including bending, kneeling, pulling, pushing, walking, standing for a period of time, and ability to lift at least 25 lbs.
- Career interests in museums, archives, galleries, cultural work, and/or other creative industries preferred but not required.
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Please include a cover letter describing your interest in the Collections Apprentice role, current resume, verification of your work-study award, and your availability during the Spring 2026 semester with your application.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
Salary : $12 - $15
