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Assistant Curator Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Conservator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $111K/yr

... curation, and preservation of collections of objects and specimens of natural history, which tells ... Learn more about this agency Duties Help The Assistant Conservator will support the care of NMNH ...

Focus on artifact section, storage, and curation requirements while assisting the Historian in ... The ability to assist with multiple tasks and prioritize assignments effectively in a fast-paced ...

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Assistant Curator information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$7

$22

$33

How much do assistant curator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant curator in Silver Spring, MD is $22.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $25.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant curator do?

The job of an assistant curator is to assist the chief curator at a museum with various tasks. These jobs include things like helping to research exhibits and collect new items to display as well as cataloging. An assistant curator frequently helps plan and implement new exhibits, oversees permanent galleries, supports restoration work, helps create educator guides, and supports the marketing efforts of the museum. They may also supervise museum employees, teach students, and respond to inquiries from the public. Many curators also help draft budgets and maintain electronic databases. The qualifications for this position typically include a postsecondary degree in a relevant field.

What is an assistant curator?

Assistant curators are museum or gallery professionals who support senior curators in managing collections, organizing exhibitions, and conducting research. Their responsibilities often include cataloguing artifacts, assisting with acquisitions, preparing displays, and helping develop educational programs. They also collaborate with other staff, handle administrative duties, and may interact with the public or researchers. This entry-level to mid-level role is vital for the smooth operation and preservation of cultural and historical collections.

How does an assistant curator typically collaborate with other museum departments?

Assistant Curators frequently work alongside colleagues in education, conservation, registration, and marketing to develop and execute exhibitions and programs. They may coordinate with registrars for object loans, communicate with conservators to assess and prepare artworks, and support educational staff in creating interpretive materials. This collaborative approach ensures that exhibitions are both engaging and logistically sound, offering valuable cross-departmental experience and insight to Assistant Curators.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant curator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Curator, you need a solid background in art history or museum studies, usually with a relevant degree, and experience in research or collection management. Familiarity with collection databases, exhibition planning software, and digital cataloging tools is often required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating on exhibitions and engaging with the public. These skills ensure the accurate care, interpretation, and presentation of collections, contributing to a museum's educational mission and visitor experience.
What are the most commonly searched types of Curator jobs in Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Curator jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
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What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Assistant Curator jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Assistant Curator job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Curator job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,109 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Assistant Conservator

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$85K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums


Job description

Summary
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is a bureau of the Smithsonian Institution responsible for the acquisition, curation, and preservation of collections of objects and specimens of natural history, which tells the history of the planet and a record of human interaction with the environment. More than one selection may be made from this announcement.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The Assistant Conservator will support the care of NMNH's biological, geological, and anthropological collections in a variety of preservation formats.
In this position, you will:
  • Assist in the implementation of conservation services across NMNH and assists the Museum Conservator in planning and coordinating conservation activities.
  • Prepare written collection and/or facility or exhibit surveys, technical examination reports, and treatment proposals with sketches, analytical reports, digital images, and radiographs.
  • Perform skilled conservation work in the examination, documentation, preservation, and restoration of specimens and objects in the collection.
  • Provide exhibition conservation support, guidance, and assistance to the Office of Exhibits and relevant departmental staff.
  • Contribute to all aspects of preventive conservation program to generate and disseminate pertinent information to relevant stakeholders.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
  • May need to complete a Probationary Period
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Conditions of Employment
Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website.
Qualifications
Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as experience in conservation theories, practices, and treatment methods applicable to the scientific examination, restoration and preservation of museum artifacts of natural science and/or anthropological collections; and in the practice in one area of preventive conservation (e.g. disaster management, environmental monitoring, surveys and assessments, shipping, exhibit and storage strategies, digital documentation).
Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
Or Education: Three full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree related to the position may be substituted to meet the experience requirements.
Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Additional information
This position is included in the bargaining unit.
Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.
Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.
Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/
Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp
Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp
Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp
Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com
Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

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