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Assistant Museum Curator Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Museum Curator information

See Oregon salary details

$29.6K

$80.6K

$143.3K

How much do assistant museum curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant museum curator in Oregon is $80,630.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,900.00 and $88,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant museum curator do?

An Assistant Museum Curator helps manage and care for a museum's collections, assists with research, and supports the planning of exhibitions. They often handle cataloging artifacts, preparing displays, and coordinating with other museum staff or external partners. Additionally, assistant curators may participate in educational programming, community outreach, and administrative tasks. Their role is essential in preserving, interpreting, and presenting collections to the public.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant museum curator?

To thrive as an Assistant Museum Curator, you need a background in art history, museum studies, or a related field, often supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital cataloguing tools, and exhibition planning software is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences set exceptional curators apart. These skills and qualities are essential for preserving collections, creating engaging exhibits, and supporting the museum’s educational mission.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant museum curators in managing collections?

Assistant Museum Curators often encounter challenges such as maintaining accurate and detailed records of collections, ensuring proper storage and conservation of artifacts, and balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines. They may also need to coordinate with various departments, such as education and exhibitions, to support programming and public engagement. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential to navigate these responsibilities and uphold the museum’s standards for collection care.

How hard is it to get a job as an assistant museum curator?

Securing an assistant museum curator position typically requires a relevant bachelor's degree in museum studies, history, or a related field, along with some experience in collections management or exhibit work. Competition can be high, and candidates often need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with museum software or databases. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or specialized certifications, making entry-level roles accessible but competitive.

How to become an assistant museum curator at a museum?

To become an assistant museum curator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in art history, archaeology, museum studies, or a related field; a master's degree is often preferred. Relevant experience through internships or volunteer work in museums can improve prospects, and strong organizational, research, and communication skills are essential. Some positions may require familiarity with collections management software and knowledge of preservation techniques.

How to become an assistant museum curator with no experience?

To become an assistant museum curator with no experience, focus on gaining relevant education such as a bachelor's degree in art history, archaeology, or a related field. Internships, volunteer work, or entry-level positions in museums can provide practical experience and help develop skills in collections management, research, and public engagement.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Museum Curator jobs in Oregon?

For Assistant Museum Curator jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Museum Curator jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Museum Curator jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Assistant Museum Curator job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,630 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

European & American Art Post Graduate Museum Fellowship

University of Oregon

Eugene, OR • On-site

$38K - $40K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


University Of Oregon rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 625 rated colleges and universities


Job description

European & American Art Post Graduate Museum Fellowship
Job no: 536887
Work type: Officer of Administration
Location: Eugene, OR
Categories: Architecture/Art/Design, Arts/Theater/Museum
Department: Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
Appointment Type and Duration: Interim (OA), Limited
Salary: $38,000 - $40,000 per year
Compensation Band: OS-OA04-Fiscal Year 2026-2027
FTE: 1.0
Application Review Begins
August 20, 2026; position open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
To ensure consideration, a complete application must include:
1. A current resume/CV.
2. A cover letter demonstrating how your skills and experience meet the minimum and preferred qualifications for the position.
3. Three (3) professional references with contact information. References will not be contacted until you are notified."
For questions please email Mitch Kutin at PASTHR@Uoregon.edu
Department Summary
The only academic art museum in Oregon accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the University of Oregon's Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA) features engaging exhibitions, significant collections of historic and contemporary art, and exciting educational programs that support the University's academic mission and the diverse interests of its off-campus communities. The JSMA's collections galleries present selections from its extensive holdings of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and American art. Special exhibitions galleries display works from the collection and on loan, representing many cultures of the world, past and present. The JSMA continues a long tradition of bridging international cultures and offers a welcoming destination for discovery and education centered on artistic expression that deepens the appreciation and understanding of the human condition.
Position Summary
The Museum Fellow will assist in all aspects of the curatorial and collections work of the museum's programs for American and European Art, and global contemporary art. Work activities will include managing schedules and providing regular reports; assisting in exhibition preparations and curatorial work; assisting with the publications program; helping schedule and attend exhibition meetings; taking minutes, assisting with exhibition design, production, installation, and other tasks, as assigned. Fellows will also conduct research on the museum's collection; write for didactic labels and catalogs and the museum's website, and for PR and marketing materials. Additionally, Fellows will research works for acquisition and loan; prepare loan forms; and prepare materials for the museum's Collections Committee.
Minimum Requirements
• MA/Ph.D./MFA/MArch in art history, studio art, architecture, and design, or a program with a relevant visual art component.
Professional Competencies
• Knowledge of Western art history and global contemporary art.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, including an understanding of how and why to write for different audiences.
• Comfortable receiving and providing contextualized critique as related to art and museum practice.
• Ability and enthusiasm for speaking publicly about art and the museum.
• Commitment to working with faculty and students in an academic museum context.
Preferred Qualifications
• Graduate of the University of Oregon.
• Experience working in a museum.
• Experience in project management.
FLSA Exempt: Yes
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.
The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.
UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.
In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.
Advertised: August 6, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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