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Museum Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Retail Associate

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $19/hr

About Kidspace Children's Museum For 45 years, Kidspace Children's Museum has been a welcoming ... Retail Associates are responsible for engaging with guests and creating a joyful and welcoming ...

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Museum Associate information

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a museum associate?

To thrive as a Museum Associate, you need a background in art history, museum studies, or a related field, along with strong organizational and customer service skills. Familiarity with collection management systems, ticketing software, and guided tour tools is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and a passion for education help someone stand out in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring smooth museum operations, delivering engaging visitor experiences, and preserving valuable collections.

What is the difference between Museum Associate vs Museum Technician?

AspectMuseum AssociateMuseum Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; some roles may prefer a bachelor'sAssociate degree or technical certification in museum studies or related field
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, educational institutionsMuseums, conservation labs, exhibit preparation areas
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssisting visitors, educational programs, administrative tasksHandling artifacts, exhibit setup, conservation support

While both roles support museum operations, Museum Associates focus on visitor engagement and educational activities, whereas Museum Technicians are more involved in artifact handling, exhibit installation, and conservation tasks. The roles often overlap in work environment and required credentials, but their core responsibilities differ, making each essential to museum functions.

How does a museum associate typically collaborate with curators and educators within the museum?

Museum Associates often serve as a vital link between curators, educators, and the public. They assist curators by helping with exhibit installation, maintaining collection records, and ensuring artifacts are properly displayed. Additionally, Museum Associates frequently work alongside museum educators to help facilitate tours, educational programs, and special events, ensuring visitors have an engaging and informative experience. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Museum Associates coordinate schedules, relay visitor feedback, and support the museum’s educational mission.

What is a museum associate?

Museum Associates are professionals who support the daily operations of museums by assisting with visitor services, exhibitions, educational programs, and collection management. They often greet and guide visitors, answer questions, and help ensure that museum policies and procedures are followed. Museum Associates may also be involved in setting up displays, conducting tours, and supporting special events. Their work is essential for creating a welcoming and educational experience for museum guests.

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

The most popular types of Museum jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Museum Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Museum Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Museum Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 70% Part Time, and 10% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$20.60/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

About us: 

Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) is a global Jewish human rights organization that confronts anti-Semitism and hate, defends the safety of Israel and Jews worldwide, and teaches the lessons of the Holocaust through awareness, advocacy, justice, education, and its Museums of Tolerance. With a constituency of over 400,000 member families since its founding in 1977, the SWC has an international footprint through its Museums of Tolerance, Moriah Films, and the Digital Terrorism + Hate Project.  

Headquartered in Los Angeles, it maintains operations in New York, Chicago, Miami, Toronto, Paris, Berlin, Jerusalem, and Buenos Aires. It is an accredited Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) at the United Nations, UNESCO, the Organization of American States, the Latin American Parliament, and the Council of Europe and maintains relationships with the highest levels of governments throughout the world.  

In 1993, the Center opened the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles to worldwide acclaim. The Museum has served as the Center’s flagship educational arm, challenging visitors to confront bigotry and racism, and to understand the Holocaust in both historical and contemporary contexts. In addition, the Center developed Moriah Media to produce theatrical documentaries to educate global audiences. Moriah has produced 17 documentaries to date, two of which have received the Academy Award for best feature documentary, The Long Way Home and Genocide. 

About the role:  

The Museum Associate is one of the primary staff team members to interface with the museum guests. They welcome guests to the museum, work museum programs and events, sell merchandise and tickets, and answer general inquiries about the museum. Museum Associates assist with the daily operations of the museum, including guest relations, group tours, sales, and special events.  

About you: 

You are curious, collaborative, a great multi-tasker and have excellent customer service abilities.  This position will report to the Floor Coordinators of the Museum of Tolerance and is based in Los Angeles. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Demonstrate knowledge of and effectively communicate and promote the Museum of Tolerance’s programs and services 
  • Staff the ticket desk including on-site and telephone ticket sales  
  • Support the bookstore as sales associate 
  • Lead tours in the MOT permanent exhibits and special exhibitions 
  • Work with group-reservations coordinator to process payments for schools and other groups 
  • Facilitate the safe conduct of student and other groups to and from their buses in coordination with security 
  • Assist with special projects and events, including support of Special Events Coordinator 
  • Communicate pertinent information regarding museum logistics, professionally handle any issues with programs or visitors  
  • Monitor the flow of all people throughout the museum  

Experience and Skills: 

  • 2+ years’ experience in the customer service industry, preferably at museums or other cultural institutions 
  • Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills  
  • Highly motivated, shows initiative, and the ability to problem solve  
  • Ability to prioritize and multi-task; think creatively and strategically  
  • Ability to communicate effectively in public  
  • High degree of flexibility, can adapt easily to changing environments and tasks  

Our Benefits: 

We value our people and offer a collaborative and engaging culture. As a SWC employee, you will enjoy work/life balance, generous time off and comprehensive benefits and programs.  The Simon Wiesenthal Center embraces inclusivity and values our diverse community. We are committed to building a team based on qualifications, merit and business need. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.Â