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Museum Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Glenstone Museum

Seasonal Cafe Attendant

Potomac, MD

$21.60/hr

Wage $21.60 per hour An Introduction to Glenstone Museum Founded with the mission to seamlessly ... * Assist with basic food preparation. * Assist with basic cleaning and sanitation standards.

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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 Jul 15, 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 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 Reston, VA? The most popular types of Museum jobs in Reston, VA are:
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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, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,762 per year, or $22 per hour.

Assistant Collections Manager

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Assistant Collections Manager
Part-Time
General Description:
The Assistant Collections Manager (ACM) is a part-time, non-exempt position that shares with the other Assistant Collections Managers, the responsibility for the cleaning and monitoring of George Washington's Mansion and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center outside of public hours. These responsibilities include the general cleaning of exhibition spaces and the specialized handling of collections objects, many of which belonged to George Washington and his family. The ACM also assists in maintaining collection documentation and assists members of the collections department with special projects, such as object inventories, exhibition installation, and movement of the collections. This position reports directly to the Collections Manager.
Compensation:
Starting compensation for this position is $20.00/hour.
Expected Hours:
This position is 3 weekdays and 1 weekend day/week, 8 hours/day.
Essential Duties:
  • Responsible for the daily morning cleaning and monitoring of the Mansion and North and South Dependencies and the occasional cleaning of other outbuildings.
  • General Cleaning
  • Vacuums traffic areas; Rotates shutters according to schedule.
  • Specialized Dusting/Vacuuming
  • Dusts a variety of types of historically significant artifacts, including metals, ceramics, furniture, textiles, and other fragile object types, using methods approved by the conservation profession. Carefully handles and moves objects in the course of dusting.
  • After a training period, assists with monitoring the environmental conditions in display and storage areas and records environmental readings through the use of hygrothermographs and HOBOs.
  • Assists with ongoing maintenance of a pest management program in the exhibition areas. Monitors pest traps and reports potential problems.
  • Assists collections staff with collections management activities such as maintenance of accession and loan files, the accession of artifacts, proper documentation of incoming and outgoing objects, inventories, object numbering, and object re-housing projects.
  • Assists collections staff in the movement of objects, both on the estate and off-site. Serves as an approved object courier for incoming and outgoing loans of artifacts. Under the Collection Manager's supervision and according to department procedures, carefully handles and packs artifacts for transit.
  • Researches and enters collection object information into collections management database system.
  • Supports collections staff during the installation and deinstallation of on-site and traveling exhibitions and object rotations in the Museum and Mansion.
  • Works closely with interpretation and security staff to monitor the safety of objects displayed in the Mansion, Museum, and Outbuildings. Reports damage, according to departmental policies, to the Conservator and files report with Collections Manager. Serves as an active member of the collections department emergency response team.
  • Serves as a liaison with the marketing department during film and photo shoots in the Mansion and other exhibition areas where objects are displayed. Ensures the safety of collections objects and structural components of the interior of the Mansion during filming and photography.
  • Works with Operations and Maintenance staff and outside contractors when work needs to be performed in the vicinity of collections objects.
  • Carries out additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:
  • Master's degree or equivalent experience in Museum Studies, Conservation or a related field.
  • Prior museum experience highly preferred, especially in the dusting and handling of fragile, valuable objects. Must be able to successfully complete MVLA training on the care and handling of historic artifacts.
  • Knowledge of methods of historical research, museum practices, and basic collections care.
  • Strong computer and records management skills, including word processing and database management.
  • Good organizational and communication skills and ability to work in coordination with a number of other departments.
  • Excellent hand skills and attention to detail in order to perform precise and detailed duties, like sewing and labeling. Legible handwriting is required.
  • Experience with hand tools, power tools, pallet jacks and various other equipment preferred.
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines and to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as assigned.
  • Willingness and ability to travel locally, nationally, and potentially internationally including possessing a current, valid driver's license.
  • Dependability, reliability, and punctuality are of the utmost importance.
  • Ability to follow directions and complete assignments successfully.

Work Environment:
This position is primarily based in a museum or collections environment, with occasional work in storage areas, conservation labs, or exhibit spaces. The environment is generally quiet, climate-controlled, and requires attention to detail and security. Occasional travel or off-site work may occur for exhibit installation, loans, or research.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to handle delicate artifacts and artworks with care, often requiring fine motor skills and close visual focus. The role may require standing, walking, crawling, or bending for extended periods during exhibition preparation, as well as lifting and carrying objects up to 30 pounds. Occasional use of ladders or lifts for exhibit installation may be needed.
Benefits:
  • 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
  • Employee recognition at 5 years of service
  • Monthly employee events
  • Employee referral program
  • Flexible work schedule
  • On-site Library
  • Discount on Public Event Tickets
  • Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
  • Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
  • Free parking

Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

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