ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Museum Archivist Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

All JobsMuseum Archivist JobsMuseum Archivist Jobs in Decatur, GA

Museum Archivist information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$27.8K

$71.1K

$116.2K

How much do museum archivist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum archivist in Decatur, GA is $71,058.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,200.00 and $81,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a museum archivist?

To become a museum archivist, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in history, library science, archival studies, or a related field, with many pursuing a master's degree for advanced positions. Relevant skills include organization, attention to detail, and familiarity with archival management software; some roles may also require certification or experience in preservation. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in archives or museums is also beneficial.

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 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 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 is the average salary of an archivist?

The average salary of a museum archivist typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Archivists with specialized skills or working in larger institutions may earn higher salaries, and certifications can also influence compensation.

Can archivists work at museums?

Yes, museum archivists are employed to preserve, organize, and manage historical collections and records within museums. They often use specialized tools and require knowledge of archival standards, and may need relevant certifications or degrees in history, library science, or archival studies.
More about Museum Archivist jobs
What are popular job titles related to Museum Archivist jobs in Decatur, GA? For Museum Archivist jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Archivist jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Archivist jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Museum Archivist jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Museum Archivist job openings:
Museum Archivist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Archivist job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Locum Tenens, 3% Internship, 15% As Needed, 24% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 24% Temporary. Highlights an 74% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,058 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

Manager of Exhibitions

The Woodruff Arts Center

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Woodruff Arts Center employees play an integral role in creating and supporting great art and education initiatives at the nation's third largest arts center. Comprised of three Art Partners-Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art-there's a role for everyone at The Woodruff.
Reports to:
Deputy Director, Collections and Exhibitions
FLSA:
United States of America (Exempt)
Employment Status:
Regular/Full time
Exhibition Management (45%)
Manages all aspects of exhibition planning, budgeting, and execution simultaneously for multiple exhibitions at various stages of development.
• Participates in exhibition proposal review and evaluation and moves exhibitions through the approval process.
• Create initial budgets and scope proposals, submit budgets for approval, proactively track and provide reports and recommendations on budgets throughout exhibition.
• Develops and manages project schedules and timelines and deadlines, working with exhibition curator, design and installation teams in the completion of all phases of exhibition planning and execution.
• Schedules and leads planning meetings, create agendas, and follow-up on action items related to exhibition planning, utilizing project management software.
• Lead and manage all phases of the museum's publications, from concept development through final production and delivery.
Communications (45%)
Establishes communication, generates positive relations, tracks information and follows through on arrangements with internal and external stakeholders, including lenders, artists, participating venues, contractors, and relevant staff members
• Drafts, negotiates and executes exhibition-related agreements with external partners and stakeholders in consultation with the Deputy Director of Collections and Exhibitions and General Counsel.
• Initiates loan request process with curatorial and registration and tracks loan negotiations.
• Acts as a liaison and builds bridges across museum departments, Woodruff Arts Center and external partners throughout all phases of the exhibition and publication.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for exhibitions, managing the flow of information, approvals, and materials with professionalism and efficiency.
• Working with curatorial, solicits and schedules venues for High-organized traveling exhibitions.
• Receives, distributes, and drafts responses to external exhibition proposals. Maintains a database of exhibition proposals in order to track responses and statuses.
Departmental Administration (10%)
Supervise departmental staff and the inter-departmental activities related to the Exhibitions Department. Establishes annual goals for Department and conducts annual performance reviews.
• Provides budget oversight and reviews reports with CFO and Deputy Director of Collections and Exhibitions.
• Maintains clean and consistent archives of project information and files.
WHAT WILL WE EXPECT OF YOU:
  • Exceptional project management and interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain a collaborative environment with museum staff and leadership, lenders, artists, vendors and other museum professionals.
  • Highly organized with the ability to work on multiple tasks concurrently.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Thorough knowledge of museum practice and publications.
  • Advance knowledge of Microsoft Office 365; TMS, Trello, and Work Day preferred.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in art history or related field; Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum of five years of museum project management experience.
  • Knowledge of publication management as well as images and rights.
  • Minimum of three years of supervision of direct reports.

Language Skills
  • Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedures.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to inquires from Museum staff, vendor and stakeholders

Mathematical Skills
  • Ability to compute rates and percentages and to present information in report form, prepare and maintain budgets

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Some standing, walking, bending, frequent use of hands, stooping and light lifting (up to 10 pounds)
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

Apply