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Museum Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Des Moines Art Center

Sales Associate

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

The Sales Associate contributes directly to the daily operations of the Museum Shop and helps ensure that every guest interaction reflects the Art Center's commitment to hospitality, accessibility ...

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Museum Associate information

What is a museum associate?

A museum associate is a staff member responsible for assisting with daily operations, visitor services, and educational programs at a museum. They often engage in tasks such as guiding visitors, maintaining exhibits, and supporting museum staff, typically requiring good communication skills and knowledge of museum collections.

What is the highest paying job at a museum?

The highest paying job at a museum is typically the Museum Director or Executive Director, who oversees operations, budgets, and strategic planning. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the institution's size and location.

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

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 qualifications do I need to work at a museum?

Museum associates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring or requiring a bachelor's degree in fields like history, art, or museum studies. Relevant skills include good communication, attention to detail, and familiarity with museum collections or customer service; certifications are not usually mandatory but can be beneficial. Experience in retail, education, or customer service can also be advantageous for certain roles.

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 are Museum Associates?

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.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired as a museum associate can be competitive, as many positions require relevant education, such as a degree in museum studies, history, or a related field, along with experience in customer service or education. Strong communication skills, familiarity with museum exhibits, and sometimes volunteer work or internships can improve chances of employment. The hiring process often involves interviews and background checks, and openings may be limited depending on the institution's size and funding.
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Museum jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Museum Associate jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Museum Associate job openings:
Museum Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Associate job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Sales Associate

Edmundson Art Foundation dba Des Moines Art Center

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$12.92 - $16.15/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

Our Sales Associate helps create a welcoming and engaging visitor experience by serving as an ambassador for both the Museum Shop and the Des Moines Art Center. Through a commitment to meaningful visitor engagement, thoughtful guest interactions, and strong product knowledge, this person will assist visitors in finding and purchasing merchandise that connects to and enhances their Art Center experiences. The Sales Associate contributes directly to the daily operations of the Museum Shop and helps ensure that every guest interaction reflects the Art Center's commitment to hospitality, accessibility, and community engagement. This person will work 15-20 hours per week on average.

Reporting Relationship

The position reports to Senior Retail Operations Manager and Museum Shop Supervisor.

Essential Functions

  • Provides elevated customer service, operates the shop's point-of-sale (POS) system, charges proper sales totals, completes daily sales reports, and consults with the Senior Retail Operations Manager and Museum Shop Supervisor on daily sales and inventory.
  • Curates new Art Center Memberships and cultivates relationships with existing Art Center Members.
  • Is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the shop and creating sharp and effective displays under the guidance of the Senior Retail Operations Manager and Museum Shop Supervisor.
  • Facilitates supply chain oversight: checking in shipments, confirming quality, and entering merchandise accurately into the POS system.
  • Acts in ways that reflect favorably on the Art Center and maintains professional standards in the quality of performance and demonstration of concern for the Art Center's collection, programs, and facilities. Adhere to Des Moines Art Center Code of Ethics, Employee Handbook, and other organizational policies.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Has demonstrated interest in and/or a desire to learn about retail operations
  • POS, accurate cash handling, inventory management, and product merchandising experience preferred
  • Ability to learn about products offered by the Museum Shop and tie them back to guest needs and experiences. This includes skillfulness in sales techniques, sharing information about product lines with guests, and customer service.
  • Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office software
  • Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process and makes timely decisions.
  • Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; and supports everyone's efforts to succeed

Required Education, Experience and/or Certification

  • High school diploma preferred
  • Experience working in an environment with established customer service, presentation, or hospitality standards preferred

Work Environment

  • Indoor work environment with occasional outdoor work for specific events

Physical Factors

  • Medium physical work required: standing, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motion
  • May need to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or 20 pounds of force frequently. The ability to climb a ladder is required.

Equipment Used

  • Cleaning supplies, photocopier, calculator, cash register, PC and PC software, handcart, dolly, hammer, screwdriver, box cutter

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

The Art Center is dedicated to equal employment & advancement opportunities. It is the Art Center's policy to hire & promote qualified individuals based on their interest, aptitude, and qualifications, and without regard to age; creed; disability or genetic information; ethnicity, national origin, race, or skin color; gender, gender expression, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation; religion; veteran status; or any other protected group under applicable Federal, State, or Local law.

Contact Information

Jessica McGlynn, People and Culture Manager, is the Art Center's recruiter for this role. Please reach her at jmcglynn@desmoinesartcenter.org with questions!