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Geology Museum Collections Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ

$75K - $102K/yr

The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of ... Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area. Considerable (3 - 5 years) collections experience ...

Museum Curator

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

... Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area. Considerable (3 - 5 years) collections experience ... Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area and ...

$60 - $80/hr

The newly renovated museum is home to remarkable collections that span paleontology, anthropology, and geology. YPM is dedicated to advancing knowledge through innovative exhibits, cutting-edge ...

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Geology Museum Collections information

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How much do geology museum collections jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for geology museum collections in the United States is $21.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are geology museum collections?

Geology museum collections are curated assortments of rocks, minerals, fossils, and related geological specimens that are preserved and displayed for educational, research, and public interest purposes. These collections serve as valuable resources for scientists studying the Earth's history, processes, and materials. Items in geology collections are often cataloged and maintained by museum professionals to ensure their preservation and accessibility. In addition to research, these collections play an important role in public education and outreach, helping visitors learn about natural history and earth sciences.

What are some common challenges faced when managing geology museum collections and how can they be addressed?

Managing geology museum collections often involves challenges such as proper cataloging of specimens, preventing deterioration due to environmental conditions, and ensuring accurate documentation. Specimens can be delicate and require specific storage solutions to maintain their integrity. Collaboration with curators, conservators, and researchers is essential for maintaining best practices and improving collection accessibility. Regular audits and updates to digital records also help in mitigating risks related to loss or misidentification of items.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in geology museum collections, and why are they important?

To thrive in Geology Museum Collections, you need a background in geology or earth sciences, experience in museum studies or curation, and knowledge of specimen preservation. Familiarity with collection management systems, cataloging databases, and conservation techniques is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing collections and engaging with the public or researchers. These skills ensure the accurate preservation, documentation, and accessibility of geological specimens for education and research.

What is the difference between Geology Museum Collections vs Geology Curator?

AspectGeology Museum CollectionsGeology Curator
CredentialsDegree in geology, museum studies, or related fieldDegree in geology, museum studies, or related field; often with experience in curation
Work EnvironmentMuseum storage, cataloging, and preservation areasMuseum galleries, research labs, and public engagement spaces
Industry UsageHandling and maintaining geological specimens and collectionsManaging collections, developing exhibits, and educational programs
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on collection management and preservationFocus on curation, exhibit development, and public outreach

While Geology Museum Collections involves the physical handling and preservation of geological specimens, a Geology Curator oversees the collections, develops exhibits, and engages with the public and researchers. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but their primary responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

How to get into geology museum collections work?

To work in geology museum collections, a relevant bachelor's degree in geology, earth sciences, or museum studies is typically required. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level positions in museums or geological labs helps develop skills in specimen handling, cataloging, and conservation. Knowledge of mineralogy, paleontology, or geochemistry, along with attention to detail and familiarity with collection management software, is also beneficial.

What does a geology museum collections specialist do?

A geology museum collections specialist manages and preserves mineral, rock, and fossil collections, ensuring proper cataloging, conservation, and documentation. They may also assist with research, educational programs, and exhibit preparation, often using tools like databases and conservation techniques to maintain collection integrity.

What are popular job titles related to Geology Museum Collections jobs?

For Geology Museum Collections jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Geology Museum Collections job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,646 per year, or $21.5 per hour.
City of Mesa
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees

$75K - $102K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


City Of Mesa rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

201st of 858 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description/Duties The current vacancy is in the Arizona Museum of Natural History; however, this recruitment will also be used to establish an eligible list for possible future vacancies in other assignment areas. The first review of all applications will be on Monday, July 6, 2026. The Museum Curator develops, interprets, evaluates, communicates, and curates the collections of the Arizona Museum for Natural History for the fields of natural and social sciences.

Responsibilities include: developing and implementing procedures of a general curatorial nature relating to the fields of Social Sciences (history, ethnology, archaeology, anthropology) or Natural Sciences (paleontology, geology, biology); conducting original and secondary research; ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws in the acquisition and collection of objects; writing policies, plans, grant proposals, reports, etc., regarding museum collections, general curatorial information, or a designated subject area; and providing curatorial expertise on certain changing and permanent exhibits. The Museum Curator also supervises full-time, part-time, contractual, and volunteer personnel. This class is also responsible for performing related duties as required

Anthropology Assignment: Conducts primary and/or secondary research in anthropology or related disciplines; oversee the disciplines of ethnology, and archaeology; coordinates the permanent gallery rotations, changes and updates exhibits, public engagement, and educational programming. General supervision is received from the Chief Curator, who reviews work through conferences, meetings, reports, and overall results achieved. This class is FLSA exempt professional.

Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions. Qualifications & Requirements Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity. Minimum Qualifications Required.

Any combination of training, education, or experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in a Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area. Considerable (3 - 5 years) collections experience in museums, cultural centers, institutes, academics, or equivalent. Preferred/Desirable Qualifications.

A Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Social Science, Natural Science, or related field such as: Museum Studies, Anthropology, Biology, Geology, Paleontology, or a closely related area and experience in responsible positions in a museum is preferred. Experience in Triassic paleobiology field collection and publication desirable

Experience in application and administration of grants, permits, and federal and state repositories. Experience in large museum projects. Link to Job Description http://apps.mesaaz.gov/jobdescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs4225.pdf


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