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Museum Archivist Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Cares for the museum's collection of objects, photos, and archives, while adhering to professional standards regarding acquisition, documentation, housing, and exhibiting. Develops and implements ...

We steward 15 million objects, photographs, and archival resources that make up the State ... Experience working in a museum, cultural institution, or similar visitor-driven entertainment venue ...

We steward 15 million objects, photographs, and archival resources that make up the State ... Experience working in a museum, cultural institution, or similar visitor-driven entertainment venue ...

Museum Archivist information

See Colorado salary details

$30K

$76.5K

$125.1K

How much do museum archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum archivist in Colorado is $76,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,300.00 and $87,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a museum archivist do?

As a museum archivist, you help appraise and maintain the materials and documents associated with a specific collection. In this role, you may help restore historical items, research this history of specific objects, oversee other museum staff, and otherwise authenticate various materials. Museum archivists also help coordinate educational study programs, manage tours and workshops, and otherwise help keep the museum functioning. Archivists usually work for curators, who serve as directors and help manage the daily operations of each facility. Many museum archivists specialize in specific areas, such as botany, geography, or metallurgy, and what you specialize in can affect the number and type of archivist roles you qualify for.

What does a museum archivist do?

A Museum Archivist is responsible for preserving, organizing, and managing the historical records and documents of a museum. Their tasks include cataloging and maintaining archives, ensuring the proper storage and conservation of materials, and making these records accessible to researchers and the public. Archivists may also assist with exhibitions, digitalization projects, and educating staff or visitors about the museum's collections. Their work is essential for safeguarding the museum’s history and supporting research activities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum archivist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Archivist, you need expertise in archival science, records management, and preservation techniques, usually supported by a degree in library science, history, or a related field. Familiarity with digital asset management systems, cataloging software, and archival standards such as DACS or EAD is typically required. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure the accurate preservation, organization, and accessibility of valuable museum collections for research, education, and public engagement.

What are some common challenges faced by museum archivists when managing large or diverse collections?

Museum archivists often encounter challenges such as limited storage space, preservation of delicate or aging materials, and the need to balance accessibility with security. Managing large or diverse collections requires meticulous organization and the adoption of digital cataloging systems to ensure accurate tracking and retrieval. Additionally, archivists must stay updated on best practices for preservation and digitization to protect artifacts while making them available for research and exhibitions.

Are museum archivists in demand?

Museum archivists are in steady demand due to ongoing needs for preserving and managing historical collections. Employment opportunities often depend on the size of the institution, funding, and the archivist's skills in cataloging, digital tools, and conservation. Job growth is expected to be steady, with competition for positions in larger or specialized museums.

What do museum archivists do in museums?

Museum archivists organize, catalog, and preserve historical documents, photographs, and artifacts to ensure their long-term accessibility. They often use specialized software for digital records and may conduct research or assist visitors with archival materials.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Archivist jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Museum Archivist jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Museum Archivist jobs in Colorado?

For Museum Archivist jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Museum Archivist jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Archivist jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Museum Archivist jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Museum Archivist job openings:

Infographic showing various Museum Archivist job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,530 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Temporary Museum Specialist

City of Brighton

Brighton, CO • On-site

$28K - $39K/yr

Full-time, Temporary

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Description Starting hiring salary - $27.45 to $29.08 hourly Definition 30 hours per week, Monday through Thursday This temporary position is responsible for preserving and sharing Brighton's history through the daily operations of the Brighton City Museum. This position is responsible for collections management, curation, the development and production of new exhibits for public viewing and educational purposes, record keeping including archiving historical documents, operations, promotion, staff and volunteer management and development, and properly caring for the museum's collection. In addition, this position performs and oversees property research and other duties as needed by the public, Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), and the Community Development Department

This position must work well in a group setting with peers and with the public, while providing excellent, respectful customer service and human relations skills, which support the City of Brighton's mission and values. Supervision Exercised and Received This position is supervised by the Development Coordinator of the Community Development Department. The Museum Specialist will act as the lead for museum volunteers.

Examples of Essential Responsibilities and Duties Curates, organizes and archives the historic elements located within the Brighton City Museum ensuring long-term safe storage best practices. Cares for the museum's collection of objects, photos, and archives, while adhering to professional standards regarding acquisition, documentation, housing, and exhibiting. Develops and implements collection-oriented plans, policies, and procedures (collections management, pest management, operations manual, etc.)

Digitizes historic newspapers, documents, photographs, and artifacts; performs data entry of material information and archival, restoration, and storage of the historic elements. Maintains catalog records in PastPerfect software. Creates and rotates displays of the historic materials within and around the museum.

Accepts and tracks donations of new materials and accessions items into the collection. Creates exhibits, both on and off-site, including script development, design, and installation of materials. Locates appropriate artifacts/objects/documents for use in exhibits.

Develops and executes educational and outreach programming for a wide variety of audiences through dynamic museum events and initiatives. Assists the HPC, staff, and/or general public with historic research. Identifies grant opportunities, writes grant applications, administers grant funding, and prepares grant reporting and documentation.

Works with staff, volunteers, the HPC and the Museum Committee to organize and hold museum events. Promotes the Brighton City Museum through partnerships with other organizations, cooperative programming, attendance at public events, and other means. Creates educational and promotional public information and disseminates that information to the public with oversight from the Communications and Engagement Department.

Oversees the daily operations of the Brighton City Museum including purchasing, pest management, scheduling and management of volunteers, and maintaining vital statistics of museum interactions. Recruits, manages, and trains volunteers to assist in daily operations of the museum. May perform other duties as necessary to assist the Community Development Department.

Qualifications Knowledge of: Past Perfect Software and standard museum practices regarding collections, exhibition development, historical interpretation, design, and educational programming. Collections management, including acquisition, artifact and archival care and handling, environmental controls, and standardized documentation systems. Grant writing and grant management.

Historic interpretation and education methodology and practices. The Ten Agents of Deterioration and preventative conservation. Ability to: Be highly self-motivated, detail-oriented, and organized.

Work independently with minimal direction but also coordinate with other staff and the general public. Train and direct temporary volunteers in collections work and exhibit creation. Develop and maintain relationships with community members and organizations, volunteers, and donors.

Demonstrate competence with computers and large scanners and input data with ease. Education and Experience A bachelor's degree, or equivalent experience, in Public History, Historic Preservation, or Museum Studies is required. Minimum of 3 years of experience working with and handling historic documents and/or artifacts.

Experience designing, creating or assembling museum exhibits is also highly preferred. Physical Requirements The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Special Requirements Valid Colorado Driver's License with safe driving record.

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.