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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

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Museum Collections Assistant information

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$9

$18

$27

How much do museum collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collections assistant in Alabama is $18.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a museum collections assistant?

Museum Collections Assistants are professionals who help manage, document, and care for the objects and artifacts within a museum’s collection. They assist with cataloging, inventory, handling, and storing items to ensure their preservation and accessibility. These assistants often work closely with curators, conservators, and registrars, and may also help set up exhibitions and facilitate research requests. Their role is essential in maintaining the organization and integrity of the museum’s holdings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum collections assistant?

To thrive as a Museum Collections Assistant, you need a solid understanding of art history or museum studies, attention to detail, and experience handling and cataloging artifacts, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with collections management systems like TMS or PastPerfect and adherence to proper conservation techniques are typically required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you coordinate with curators and other staff. These skills ensure the preservation, accurate documentation, and accessibility of museum collections, which are crucial for the institution's educational and research missions.

What are some common challenges faced by museum collections assistants when managing and cataloging artifacts?

Museum Collections Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling delicate or fragile artifacts, ensuring accurate and detailed cataloging, and maintaining up-to-date records in collection management databases. Balancing the need for careful preservation with accessibility for research or exhibition can also be demanding. Additionally, assistants may need to coordinate with curators, registrars, and conservators to address storage limitations or implement new conservation protocols, requiring strong communication and organizational skills.

What is the difference between Museum Collections Assistant vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum Collections AssistantMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree; some roles may prefer a bachelor's in museum studies or related fieldBachelor's degree often required; master's preferred in museum studies, history, or related fields
Work EnvironmentAssist with handling, cataloging, and maintaining collections; work under supervision in museums or galleriesOversee collections, develop exhibitions, and manage staff; more administrative and decision-making responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions for supporting collection managementEmployed in similar settings but with higher responsibilities for curation and program development

In summary, Museum Collections Assistants focus on supporting collection handling and organization, often requiring less formal education, while Museum Curators have broader responsibilities including developing exhibitions and managing collections, typically requiring advanced degrees and experience.

How to get into museum collections assistant work?

To become a museum collections assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring or requiring a bachelor's degree in museum studies, history, archaeology, or a related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, organization, and familiarity with cataloging tools or databases. Gaining experience through internships or volunteering at museums can improve job prospects and understanding of collection management practices.

How to get museum collections assistant experience?

To gain experience as a museum collections assistant, individuals often start by volunteering or interning at museums to develop skills in collection handling, cataloging, and conservation. Relevant education in museum studies, archaeology, or history, along with familiarity with collections management software, can enhance prospects. Entry-level positions may require attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work with delicate artifacts.

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

The most popular types of Museum Collections jobs in Alabama are:

What are popular job titles related to Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Alabama?

For Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Museum Collections Assistant jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Museum Collections Assistant job openings:

Museum Collections Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Assistant job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,771 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Automotive Preservation Technician

The Barber Companies Inc

Leeds, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Automotive Preservation Technician

Organization: Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Location: Birmingham, Alabama

Reports to: Conservation Manager

Position Type: Full-time

About Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum:

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is a renowned 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of motorsports and celebrating the art and science of motorcycle and automobile design. Our mission is to inspire and educate the public about the significance of the motorsports industry through an extensive collection of vintage motorcycles, automobiles, and related artifacts. We are committed to preserving and showcasing the heritage of motorsports for future generations.

Job Overview:

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is seeking a Automotive Preservation Technician to support the conservation, preservation and restoration efforts of the valuable and historically significant collections housed within the museum. The Preservation Technician will play a vital role in the conservation and preservation of automobiles across all decades, ensuring their long-term preservation and public accessibility.

Responsibilities:

  • Conservation, Preservation and Restoration: Assist the Manager in the conservation, preservation and restoration of the museum's collection of cars and related artifacts. This includes cleaning, repairing, and preserving items using appropriate techniques and materials outlined in our manual.
  • Documentation: Maintain detailed records of all conservation, preservation and restoration activities, including condition assessments, preservation plans, parts conditions, photo documentation of preservation process and any changes made to objects in the collection.
  • Handling and Transport: Safely handle and transport delicate and valuable artifacts within the museum, ensuring their protection and security at all times.
  • Research: Conduct research on objects in the collection to inform conservation decisions and contribute to the overall understanding of the historical and cultural context of the items.
  • Work Space: Always maintain a clean and organized work area. While the department is not always open to the public, tours in front of the work area may take place at any time and should be kept presentable.
  • Materials and Equipment: Assist in managing the inventory of conservation materials, tools, and equipment, ensuring they are well-maintained and available when needed.
  • Exhibition Support: Collaborate with the curatorial team to prepare objects for display, ensuring their conservation needs are met and that they are displayed in a manner that enhances their historical and artistic significance.
  • Visitor Engagement: Interact with museum visitors and provide information about the conservation process when appropriate, helping to educate the public about the importance of preservation.
  • Safety: Adhere to safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), when working with potentially hazardous materials and tools.

Qualifications:

  • Prior experience working on automobiles is required
  • Prior experience in object conservation and restoration, preferably with a focus on automobiles or mechanical objects.
  • Strong understanding of conservation principles, practices, and ethics.
  • Knowledge of the materials and techniques used in the creation and restoration of motorcycles and automobiles.
  • Excellent attention to detail and manual dexterity.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a museum setting.
  • Ability to work on team as well as independently, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively.
  • Commitment to the mission of the museum and a passion for preserving motorsports history.

Physical Requirements:

  • The Technician should be capable of hands-on mechanical work.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs safely, climb ladders, and stand for long periods of time.
  • Ability to handle motorcycles and vehicles and maneuver them without damage.

Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.


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