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Museum Assistant Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Brown University

Collections Assistant

Providence, RI · On-site

The Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology is Brown University's teaching and research museum. A ... Responsibilities: The Collections Assistant reports to the Collections Manager/Registrar and ...

Auberge Collection

Server Assistant

Newport, RI · On-site

... and museum-quality artwork in the welcoming lobby entrance, Mezzanine and Parlor Room. Dining ... Server Assistant, where your attentiveness and teamwork will elevate every guest's visit.

Auberge Collection

Server Assistant

Newport, RI

... and museum-quality artwork in the welcoming lobby entrance, Mezzanine and Parlor Room. Dining ... Server Assistant, where your attentiveness and teamwork will elevate every guest's visit.

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Museum Assistant information

See Rhode Island salary details

$12

$20

$49

How much do museum assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum assistant in Rhode Island is $20.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $20.24 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.
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For Museum Assistant jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Museum Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Assistant job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,077 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Collections Assistant

Providence, RI • On-site

Brown University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

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Learn more about Brown Universityexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Description:
About Brown:
Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world.
Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more. To learn about Brown University's benefits, visit the University Human Resources web page for further information.
About the Opportunity:
The Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology is Brown University's teaching and research museum. A resource across the university, we inspire creative and critical thinking about culture by fostering interdisciplinary understanding of the material world.
Responsibilities:
The Collections Assistant reports to the Collections Manager/Registrar and assists the collections team to document, assess, rehouse, pack/unpack, and track archaeological, ethnographic, and archival collections. This work supports the move of HMA collections from Bristol, RI to a new location in Providence, RI, and routine use of objects and collections in exhibitions, teaching, research, and loans.
This position is a full-time term position under the Transforming the Haffenreffer Museum grant project funded by the Mellon Foundation, which is scheduled to end on August 31, 2027.
Qualifications:
Education:
  • The successful candidate will have a B.A./B.S. degree in Museum Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Art History, or related field or equivalent experience; and at least one year's experience in a professional collection management or registration setting.

Experience:
  • Basic knowledge of preventive conservation strategies for cultural property in storage, on exhibit, in transit, or in use.
  • Experience using a collection management system required. Knowledge of MuseumPlusRia preferred.

Job Competencies
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to handle works of art, use simple hand tools, meet deadlines.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to comfortably use equipment such as moveable shelving and step ladders.
  • Awareness of issues of cultural sensitivity surrounding cultural heritage and collections.

Salary Grade:
7
Additional Information:
All applicants are asked to submit a cover letter and resume.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Benefits of Working at Brown:
Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.
Recruiting Start Date:
2026-08-18
Job Posting Title:
Collections Assistant
Department:
Haffenreffer Museum
Grade:
Grade 7
Worker Type:
Employee
Worker Sub-Type:
Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type:
Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5
Position Work Location:
Onsite
Submission Guidelines:
The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.
Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.
Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.
Brown is an E-Verify Employer.
EEO Statement:
Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person's race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.

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