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Museum Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Grinnell College

Museum Guard

Grinnell, IA · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

The Museum Guard will be a member of the Grinnell College Museum of Art team and will assist, as needed, with special events in and around the museum. The Museum Guard will work with student gallery ...

New

Jackson Therapy

COTA - Travel Contract

Sioux City, IA

$28.25 - $37.50/hr

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) We are seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy ... Nestled along the Missouri River, the city features the Sergeant Floyd River Museum and the Lewis ...

Jackson Therapy

COTA - Travel Contract

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$28.25 - $37.50/hr

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) We are seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy ... Nestled along the Missouri River, the city features the Sergeant Floyd River Museum and the Lewis ...

Jackson Therapy Partners

COTA - Travel Contract

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$28.25 - $37.50/hr

We're hiring a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant for a travel contract role at a great ... The city sits along the Missouri River and features the Sergeant Floyd River Museum and Lewis and ...

City of Indianola

Learn and Play Staff

Indianola, IA · On-site

$10.50/hr

Indianola, which is home to Simpson College, the world-renowned Des Moines Metro Opera and the National Balloon Museum and U.S. Ballooning Hall of Fame, is known for its excellent access to outdoor ...

City of Indianola

Learn and Play Staff

Indianola, IA · On-site

$10.50/hr

Indianola, which is home to Simpson College, the world-renowned Des Moines Metro Opera and the National Balloon Museum and U.S. Ballooning Hall of Fame, is known for its excellent access to outdoor ...

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All JobsMuseum JobsMuseum Assistant JobsMuseum Assistant Jobs in Iowa

Museum Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$19

$47

How much do museum assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum assistant in Iowa is $19.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a museum assistant?

Museum Assistants are support staff who help with the daily operations of a museum. Their responsibilities typically include welcoming visitors, providing information about exhibits, assisting with ticket sales, and ensuring the security and preservation of artifacts. They may also help set up displays and support educational programs or special events. Museum Assistants play a key role in creating a positive and informative experience for visitors.

What does a museum assistant do?

A museum assistant is one of the entry-level positions you can obtain in a museum. This position is valuable for those wanting to work their way up, career-wise, through a museum. Your duties are to perform various administrative tasks for the museum. You may monitor exhibits and provide security services when necessary. Additionally, you may help staff set up displays and events. Museum assistants also answer questions for museum visitors and conduct tours of the museum. Essentially, your responsibilities are to perform whatever task is necessary for the operation of the museum.

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

To thrive as a Museum Assistant, you need knowledge of art, history, or cultural studies, usually backed by a relevant degree or experience in museum work. Familiarity with collection management software, point-of-sale systems, and audio-visual equipment is often required. Excellent communication, customer service, and organizational skills help you engage visitors and support museum operations. These skills are crucial for ensuring a positive visitor experience and the smooth running of daily museum activities.

What are some common challenges museum assistants face during busy exhibition periods?

During peak exhibition times, Museum Assistants often experience higher visitor volumes, making crowd management and maintaining exhibit security more challenging. Balancing the need to provide excellent customer service while ensuring artifacts are protected can require quick problem-solving and strong communication skills. Additionally, assistants may need to adapt rapidly to changes in scheduling or exhibit layouts, working closely with curators, educators, and security staff to ensure smooth operations. These periods offer valuable experience in teamwork and multitasking, which can be beneficial for career growth within museum operations.

What is the difference between Museum Assistant vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum AssistantMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer associate's or bachelor's degree in history, art, or related fieldsBachelor's degree often required; master's or higher in museum studies, history, or related fields preferred
Work EnvironmentAssist in daily operations, visitor services, and exhibit setup in museums or galleriesOversees collections, develops exhibits, and manages museum programs, often in larger institutions
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions for entry-level support rolesFound in museums, cultural institutions, and academic settings with more specialized responsibilities

The main difference between a Museum Assistant and a Museum Curator lies in their responsibilities and qualifications. Museum Assistants typically support daily operations and visitor engagement, requiring minimal formal education. In contrast, Museum Curators handle collections, exhibit development, and require advanced degrees. Both roles are essential in museum settings but differ significantly in scope and expertise.

Is it difficult to get a job as a museum assistant?

Securing a museum assistant position can vary depending on the location and the level of experience required. Typically, candidates need good communication skills, attention to detail, and sometimes prior experience or relevant education in museum studies or related fields. Competition may be moderate, and some roles require part-time availability or specific certifications such as a background check.

What qualifications do you need to work as a museum assistant?

Museum assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions prefer or require post-secondary education in history, art, or related fields. Good communication skills, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of museum operations are important, and familiarity with security procedures or customer service can be beneficial.
More about Museum Assistant jobs

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

The most popular types of Museum jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Museum Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Museum Assistant job openings:

Museum Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,316 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Museum Guard

Grinnell, IA • On-site

Grinnell College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Grinnell Collegeexternal

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Grinnell College rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Museum Guard has primary responsibility for day-to-day security in the Faulconer Gallery space of the Grinnell College Museum of Art. They will have an understanding of museum security needs, including the safety of the art and of the museum visitors. A professional manner and strong customer service skills are essential. They will work with the Office of Campus Safety on protocols and procedures in coordination with Campus Safety standards. The Museum Guard will be a member of the Grinnell College Museum of Art team and will assist, as needed, with special events in and around the museum. The Museum Guard will work with student gallery guides and will interact with a diverse range of students, faculty, staff, and visitors from around the globe.
*This is a regular part-time position, 10 hours per week, with the following schedule:
Thursdays, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Saturdays, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Sundays, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Key Responsibilities
Security
  • Provides daily security coverage in the Grinnell College Museum of Art, including checking the art twice a day, circulating through the space regularly, and instructing visitors as needed.
  • Understands and complies with post orders created for the position.
  • Coordinates work with other Museum Guards, providing coverage when possible for absences.
  • Maintains regular contact with the Office of Campus Safety and its team of officers.
  • Responsible for complying with the Emergency Protocols for GCMoA.
  • Understands the content and particular security issues of changing exhibitions.
  • Responsible for the security of the Museum's contents and of the visitors during emergencies.
  • Maintains training in Title IX, Bias Mitigation, basic first aid, and other protocols required at Grinnell College.
  • Participates in professional development as needed.

Customer Service
  • Treats museum staff and student staff with respect.
  • Provides a safe and comfortable space for visitors, including offering information and directions.
  • Turns AV equipment on and off daily, as needed.
  • Attends Museum staff meetings as required.

Special Events
  • Keeps abreast of events occurring in the Museum space.
  • Assists with setup and oversees others setting up events to ensure the safety of the art.
  • Works additional hours as assigned.

ABOUT GRINNELL COLLEGE
Grinnell College is a top-ranking private liberal arts institution that values diversity, equity, inclusion, intellectual freedom, and social responsibility. We seek candidates that align with these values and have the ability and desire to advance our values and belonging within our community and the communities we engage. Ideal candidates will be prepared to collaborate and contribute to the mission and values of the college across all constituencies.
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
  • At least six months of work experience
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and make decisions in difficult and crisis type situations
  • Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities
  • Demonstrated ability to manage conflict
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

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