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Museum Assistant Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Bowdoin College

Museum Shop Assistant

Brunswick, ME · On-site

$18/hr

Posting Details Posting Details Title Museum Shop Assistant Posting Number C00443JP Department Museum of Art Job Summary The Museum of Art Shop Assistant will provide consistent and knowledgeable ...

Maine Medical Center

OB/GYN NP, PA, or CNM

Portland, ME · On-site

$109K - $141K/yr

... Physician Assistant or Certified Nurse Midwife as required in the State of Maine. Current BLS ... Attractions include its historic Old Port district, craft microbreweries, the Portland Museum of ...

All JobsMuseum JobsMuseum Assistant JobsMuseum Assistant Jobs in Portland, ME

Museum Assistant information

See Portland, ME salary details

$12

$21

$52

How much do museum assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum assistant in Portland, ME is $21.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $21.15 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

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

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The top searched job categories for Museum Assistant jobs in Portland, ME are:

What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Museum Assistant jobs?

Cities near Portland, ME with the most Museum Assistant job openings:

Museum Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Assistant job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,642 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Museum Shop Assistant

Bowdoin College

Brunswick, ME • On-site

$18/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Greet visitors, count visitors, and orient them to the Museum.

  • Sell shop merchandise and answer telephone inquiries.

  • Support the shop manager by receiving merchandise and restocking as needed.

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Title
Museum Shop Assistant
Posting Number
C00443JP
Department
Museum of Art
Job Summary
The Museum of Art Shop Assistant will provide consistent and knowledgeable coverage of the pavilion reception area and Museum shop and endorse the programs and mission of the Museum of Art and Bowdoin College. Major responsibilities are to count, greet, and orient visitors to the Museum, be alert to security issues, sell shop merchandise, and answer telephone inquiries. Familiarity with the Museum's current temporary exhibitions and permanent collections is important. This position may also provide support to the shop manager by helping to receive merchandise and restock.
The hourly range for this position is expected to be: $18.00/hr
Education/Skills Requirements
High School diploma or GED is required. College degree, preferably a liberal arts degree with courses in art history, is desirable. Knowledge of and interest in art history is extremely helpful, and accurate record keeping and excellent communication skills are essential. This position requires comfort with Point of Sales Systems, credit card machines and computer programs such as Teams for communicating among staff.
Experience Requirements and/or Equivalents
1-2 years in customer service, ability to multi-task, and previous retail experience preferred.
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in this posting to be considered for hire.
Standard Work Days and Hours
This is a casual, part-time, non-benefit eligible position working less than 19 hours/week.
We regret that Bowdoin College is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.
Employment at Bowdoin College is contingent upon satisfactory completion of applicable background checks including but not limited to: criminal records, educational verifications, driving records (when job-related), and/or credit history (when job related).
#bcindeed
About Bowdoin
Bowdoin embraces diversity in all forms, and the College is home to talented students, faculty and staff-with a variety of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds; religious beliefs; and gender identities, among other factors.
We encourage applications from candidates committed to the support of an inclusive campus community and those who will enrich and contribute to the College's multifaceted diversity. We value a community in which individuals of all backgrounds are warmly welcomed and encouraged to succeed.
Founded in 1794, Bowdoin has maintained its commitment to the liberal arts for well over 200 years. Bowdoin's reputation as a preeminent liberal arts college rests on the excellence of its faculty, students, and staff; intimate size; strong sense of community; and connections to the people, history, and natural beauty of Maine.
Bowdoin's campus is situated in a beautiful natural setting. Located in Brunswick, Maine, a town of approximately 20,000, the College is a short drive from the Maine coast, twenty-five miles from Portland and 120 miles from Boston.
Shift
N/A
Employment Category
Casual
Benefits Eligible
No
Pay Type
Hourly
Background Check Package Requirements
Support Staff
Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Bowdoin vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job?
No
Is a pre-placement physical required for this position?
No
Posting Date
08/06/2026
Applications Accepted Until
Open Until Filled
No
Type of Posting
Internal/External
Special Instructions to Applicants
If selected as a finalist, you will be required to submit information for three references, including name, email address, phone number and how you know the reference.
EEO Information
Bowdoin College complies with applicable provisions of federal and state laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination in employment, admission, or access to its educational or extracurricular programs, activities, or facilities based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, or against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other legally protected statuses.

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