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Museum Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Colonial Williamsburg

Cook 3 - Shield's Tavern

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is ... Associate Culinary Degree or Certificate in Culinary Arts from technical school * At least 4 years ...

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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 Virginia? The most popular types of Museum jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Museum Associate jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Museum Associate job openings:
Museum Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Associate job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 4% Full Time, 89% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Cook 3 - Shield's Tavern

Cook 3 - Shield's Tavern

Colonial Williamsburg Company

Williamsburg, VA

$12.75 - $17/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Colonial Williamsburg rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 27 rated museums

Job description

Who We Are
Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world.

Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse people who helped shape a new nation.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research.

The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area.

Essential Duties:

  • Maintains sanitation of station.
  • Prepares and cooks food, soups and sauces.
  • Prepare some breakfast meals.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Prepare seafood, poultry entrees; cook meats; broil steaks and seafood to quality standards.

Qualifications:

  • Associate Culinary Degree or Certificate in Culinary Arts from technical school 
  • At least 4 years of restaurant cooking experience including some broiler work (formal culinary training will substitute for 2 years work experience on an equal time basis) 

Requirements:

Ability to:

(1) interact with co-workers in a professional manner

(2) transport weights up to 30 pounds

(3) read food orders and production charts

(4) meet standards listed below 

Expectations: 

  • Maintain an upbeat attitude and a positive, enthusiastic mindset.
  • Greet guests, employees, managers, and supervisors with a warm smile and friendly demeanor.
  • Always treat everyone with respect and work cooperatively with all colleagues and management.
  • Report to work as scheduled and on time
  • Adhere to established uniform and appearance policies.
  • Perform assigned tasks accurately and on time.

What Colonial Williamsburg employees say

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