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Museum Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

James Madison's Montpelier

Museum Technician

Orange, VA · On-site

$37K - $46K/yr

As needed, the Museum Technician will also assist the Collections Manager with registration and documentation tasks. DUTIES: Provides the primary hands-on collections care for the Decorative Arts ...

The Mariners' Museum

Science Educator

Newport News, VA

$45K/yr

... assist in delivering history-focused programs. Duties: Teaching * Teach interdisciplinary educational enrichment programs in a museum, classroom, outdoor, or virtual setting. Programs focus on a ...

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Museum Assistant information

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How much do museum assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum assistant in Virginia is $20.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $20.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Museum Assistants?

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 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.

How to become a museum assistant?

To become a museum assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with good communication and organizational skills. Relevant experience in customer service or previous work in a museum or cultural setting can be beneficial. Some positions may require knowledge of museum collections or basic computer skills, and on-the-job training is often provided.

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 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.

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

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.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired as a museum assistant can be competitive, as many positions require relevant experience, good communication skills, and sometimes specific certifications or training. Applicants often need to demonstrate knowledge of museum operations, customer service, or collections management, and some roles may require part-time or flexible schedules.

What is a museum assistant?

A museum assistant is a staff member responsible for supporting daily operations in a museum, including greeting visitors, providing information, maintaining exhibits, and assisting with educational programs. They often need good communication skills, attention to detail, and may use tools like ticketing systems or exhibit guides.

What qualifications do you need to work at a museum?

Museum assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles preferring post-secondary education in history, art, or related fields. Relevant skills include good communication, organization, and familiarity with museum operations or customer service; certifications are not usually required but can be beneficial.
More about Museum Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Museum jobs in Virginia are:
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What job categories do people searching Museum Assistant jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Assistant jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Museum Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Museum Assistant job openings:
Museum Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Assistant job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,610 per year, or $21 per hour.

Museum Technician

James Madison's Montpelier

Orange, VA • On-site

$37K - $46K/yr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

WORK OBJECTIVES: As a member of the Curatorial and Collections Department, the Museum Technician provides the primary support for the routine maintenance and preventative conservation activities for the Fine and Decorative Arts Collection at Montpelier. This includes maintaining the stability, cleanliness, and safety of the historic interiors and collections in Montpelier's exhibition and collections storage spaces. As needed, the Museum Technician will also assist the Collections Manager with registration and documentation tasks.

DUTIES: Provides the primary hands-on collections care for the Decorative Arts Collection: Completes daily/weekly/monthly hands-on object cleaning and housekeeping in the historic interiors and collections spaces, using knowledge of professional standards for collections care. Practices proper care and handling of fragile and delicate museum objects in all tasks. Conducts daily/weekly/monthly walkthroughs of the collection and exhibition spaces to monitor condition.

This includes the house and South Yard Spaces, Visitor Center Galleries, Collections Storage Spaces, the Train Depot & Gilmore Cabin, and other spaces as needed. Routinely cleans objects, such as paper, textiles, wood, metal, glass, pottery, and furniture using curatorial approved techniques and agents, including cleansers, solvents, soap solutions, and polishes. Assists with monitoring collections environments, including integrated pest management, temperature and humidity monitoring and light level monitoring.

Notifies supervisor of any structural or artifact-related problem, especially when conservation or object safety measures are needed Provides general departmental support as needed: Assists with special projects, such as installing, arranging, assembling, preparing, and moving artifacts for exhibition or storage, including objects on loan to Montpelier. Assists with registration tasks essential for maintenance of curatorial accession, loan, and research files Including preparing and filing collections documentation, object numbering and condition reporting, and database maintenance. When needed, serves as an approved object courier for incoming and outgoing loans, new acquisitions, etc.

Works with staff and outside contractors when work is performed in the vicinity of collections, including media access. Provides administrative and event support for the department. Assists with emergency preparedness efforts, when needed.

Contributes to digital materials such as social media posts or blog posts, as needed. Other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree, preferably in history, art history, preservation, or museum studies Knowledge of object handling practices and procedures, preferably in a museum setting.

Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures Knowledge of computers and software including word processing; experience with collections management software, particularly Re:discovery Proficio, a plus. Ability to work flexible schedule; including early hours and/or after business hours, weekends Ability to balance individual duties with multiple and changing priorities within department Ability to work independently Strong, positive interpersonal skills High energy self-starter Ability to maintain accurate records; excellent visual recall; the ability to make connections between disparate data; good organizational skills; attention to detail Must maintain a current Virginia driver's license and be able to drive a van and golf cart Must be able to lift 50 pounds minimum and be willing to work in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings

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