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Museum Assistant Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

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 · 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.

LocumTenens

Notable points of interest in the region include the Museum of Work and Culture and the Blackstone Valley Polar Express. About the Clinician's Workday The anesthesiologist will provide locum tenens ...

Senior Living Residences

Cook [Dining]

East Greenwich, RI · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

... amp; museum tickets, travel, shopping, and much more! * Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) and ... Punctuality amp; reliability - Our residents rely on us to assist them with their daily living ...

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All JobsMuseum JobsMuseum Assistant JobsMuseum Assistant Jobs in Rhode Island

Museum Assistant information

See Rhode Island salary details

$12

$20

$49

How much do museum assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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.
More about Museum Assistant jobs

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

The most popular types of Museum jobs in Rhode Island are:

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

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

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

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Museum Assistant jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Museum Assistant job openings:

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 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,077 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Museum Security Officer

RISD - Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, RI • On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY (OVERVIEW)

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a part-time Museum Security Officer to create a positive and welcoming experience by assisting visitors, and ensuring the safety and security of the Museum's property by conducting continuous patrols of the premises.

The RISD Museum was founded on the belief that art, artists, and the institutions that support them play pivotal roles in promoting broad civic engagement and creating more open societies. As one of the three largest university art museums in the United States, the RISD Museum is a place for investigation, transformation, and creative process. The RISD Museum is committed to connecting a diverse public with a collection of art and design from the ancient past to the present day. The Museum Security Office is an essential part of the museum operations.

We seek a culturally competent candidate who will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

  • Museum Safety: Provide routine protection of galleries, visitors, and school tour groups by making continuous tours throughout the Museum, and informing visitors of museum rules. Ensure appropriate conduct and activity.

  • Customer Service: Utilizes knowledge of RISD Museum and RISD community to help answer routine customer service questions and visitor inquiries regarding Museum events, exhibitions and gallery locations. Answer visitor's questions or direct visitors to someone who can answer. Assist with wayfinding, helping them feel safe, comfortable and empowered in their exploration of the Museum.

  • Collection Safety: Provide protection for our collection by communicating collection safety rules to visitors, and report missing or damaged art work immediately.

  • Visitor Escort: Ensure contractors working within the Museum that you are assigned to escort are operating within the appropriate safety and security guidelines for Museum Operations.

  • Emergency Response: Ensure conditions are safe for visitors. Report any problems or exceptions immediately. Provide initial response and assistance during emergency incidents, including fire, medical, and security. This includes directing visitors during evacuations, implementing shelter in place rules, and calling for assistance immediately.

  • Attend required training, some of which may occur outside of regularly scheduled hours. Actively engage in on-the-job learning opportunities to maintain knowledge of policies and procedures.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIFICATIONS
High School diploma or GED required. Strong communication skills and dependability. Must have demonstrated customer service skills. Minimum of one year customer service experience in a service-oriented environment required. Previous security or related work experience preferred. Ability to work independently and within a team. Ability to complete written reports; follow standard operating procedures; and interact with visitors in a courteous and respectful manner while ensuring the safety of patrons and art. Required to obtain a CPR/AED course completion through training provided by the Museum

Preferred Qualifications

  • Strong preference for prior customer service experience in a higher education, Museum, security, or related industry

Union:

Yes, Museum Guards Association

Work Schedule:

20 - 25 hours per week; 12 months per year.

Thursday 11:45a-8:15p; Saturday 9:45a-5:15p; Sunday 9:45a-5:15p

Employment Status:

Part-Time; Non-exempt, Regular.

Grade:

810NE

Work Modality:

On-campus

Documents Needed to Apply:

Resume (Required)

Cover Letter (Preferred)

Salary Grade Structure

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

For internal use only - Job Family:

Safety & Security

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