ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Museum Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

National Gallery of Art

Museum Curator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $133K/yr

Latin America, Asia, or the broader Global South, who will assist the department in thoughtful ... A. Degree: museum work; or in an applicable subject-matter field. OR B. Combination of education ...

National Gallery of Art

Museum Curator

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $133K/yr

Latin America, Asia, or the broader Global South, who will assist the department in thoughtful ... A. Degree: museum work; or in an applicable subject-matter field. OR B. Combination of education ...

HILLWOOD MUSEUM

Sales Assoc.

Washington, DC · On-site

$20.14/hr

You will assist with the presentation of Hillwood's exclusive products and promote the museum's collections while ensuring an enjoyable and seamless transaction for each guest. Whether in person, via ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMuseum JobsMuseum Assistant JobsMuseum Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA

Museum Assistant information

See Reston, VA salary details

$12

$22

$53

How much do museum assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum assistant in Reston, VA is $22.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $21.49 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 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 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 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 museum studies, history, or related fields. Good communication skills, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of museum operations or customer service are also important. Relevant experience or certifications in areas like first aid or security can be advantageous.

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?

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 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. Candidates typically 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 or seasonal availability.
More about Museum Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Museum jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Museum Assistant jobs in Reston, VA? For Museum Assistant jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Assistant jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Assistant jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Museum Assistant jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Museum Assistant job openings:
Museum Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,762 per year, or $22 per hour.

History Program Specialist (Museum Curator)

Parsons Corporation

Springfield, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Parsons rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

258th of 439 rated engineering

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!
At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.
Job Description:
The GEOINT History Program Specialist - Mid, is responsible for the development and execution of the historical program, from research and writing to curation and operations. This individual supports the operation and maintenance of the Customer history archives and all associated material residing in the Historical Research Center, and to preserve and communicate Customer's history to Customer's employees and public affairs mission both internally and externally. Duties include content development and execution, museum support, and Historical Research Center archiving and curation.
Duties Include:
  • Content Development & Execution: Research, develop, and execute a high volume of historical content illustrating Customer's history for both internal and external audiences. Products include articles, brochures, social media posts, podcast production, website content, museum exhibits, and museum tour guides.

  • Historical Research Center Archiving: Archival processing, customary basic preservation procedures, inventorying and entering records metadata, assisting in collaborative efforts with Customer Records Management and the National Archives. Organize archival records and apply the proper classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials while providing reference services and assistance for users needing archival materials. Research and record the origins and historical significance of archival materials. Answer and receive external phone/email inquiries and ability to conduct the background research to generate a response.

  • Historical Research Center Curation: Record processing for artifacts and assistance with the inventorying and enforcing accountability procedures for historical artifacts in Customer custody. Ensuring measurement and metrics are accurately recorded. Locate new materials and advise government customers on acquisition, preservation, and display possibilities. Assist the Program Manager and Customer Historian on Customer's history audit including attending meetings, working with auditors, and performing curation inspections as required. Work deaccessions forms and reports for items along with managing the removal process from start to finish.

  • Customer Museum Support: Work with other museums on loans, exhibits, artifact solicitation, and advise in acquisition decisions. This also includes researching, developing, and producing historical displays, posters, exhibits, museum experiences, and any museum specific communications about Customer history program. Provide guided tours of the museum and exhibits.

Required Skills:
  • Education: A minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in History, Geography, Library Science, Museum Studies, Museum Science, or a related field. 1-year experience in the career field of curation or a certificate from an approved technical curatorial program in museum management required.

  • Experience: A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in the career field of history, geography, library science, museum studies, or museum science role. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, the candidate must have 5+ years of direct museum practice, artifact preservation, curation, or history-related positions.

  • Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities with an eagerness to draft, edit, and proofread materials.

  • Attention to Detail: A high degree of accuracy and thoroughness when completing tasks such as inventorying and entering records metadata or recording the origins and significance of archival materials.

  • Organizational Skills: The ability to assist with multiple tasks and prioritize assignments effectively in a fast-paced support role. Organize archival records and apply the proper classification systems to facilitate access to archival materials.

  • Interpersonal Skills: The ability to build effective working relationships with internal colleagues and community partners.

  • Written and Verbal Communication: Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible language.
  • Current/Active TS/SCI clearance or higher.

Security Clearance Requirement:
An active Top Secret SCI security clearance is required for this position.
This position is part of our Federal Solutions team.
The Federal Solutions segment delivers resources to our US government customers that ensure the success of missions around the globe. Our intelligent employees drive the state of the art as they provide services and solutions in the areas of defense, security, intelligence, infrastructure, and environmental. We promote a culture of excellence and close-knit teams that take pride in delivering, protecting, and sustaining our nation's most critical assets, from Earth to cyberspace. Throughout the company, our people are anticipating what's next to deliver the solutions our customers need now.
Salary Range: $88,400.00 - $154,700.00
We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!
Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.
We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!
Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.

What Parsons employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply