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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

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Museum Collections Assistant information

See Delaware salary details

$10

$20

$30

How much do museum collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collections assistant in Delaware is $20.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 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.

What are Museum Collections Assistants?

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Museum Collections jobs in Delaware? The most popular types of Museum Collections jobs in Delaware are:
What are popular job titles related to Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Delaware? For Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Delaware look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Delaware are:
What cities in Delaware are hiring for Museum Collections Assistant jobs? Cities in Delaware with the most Museum Collections Assistant job openings:
Museum Collections Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Assistant job openings in Delaware as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,708 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Museum Ambassador (RH)

Museum Ambassador (RH)

Delaware Historical Society

New Castle, DE

$11/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

MUSEUM AMBASSADOR
Read House amp; Gardens
New Castle Campus
Part-time
$11.00/hr
The Delaware Historical Society is seeking dynamic, open-minded, and enthusiastic individuals to join the interpretive staff of the Read House amp; Gardens, its National Historic Landmark campus in New Castle. Museum interpreters guide visitors through the 14,000-square-foot mansion and lead youth and adult educational programs. As the public face of the Read House experience, interpreters play a central role in fulfilling the Delaware Historical Society’s mission in New Castle. Applicants should be comfortable speaking in front of groups of various sizes and should demonstrate a desire to work with and around children, as well as to engage with a diverse audience and multiple historical perspectives and interests. This position is part-time and offers flexibility in scheduling; hours are assigned based on program bookings. Weekend and (less frequently) evening hours may be required. Individuals from various backgrounds looking to share their passion and knowledge of art, history, and culture are encour
aged to apply. Interpreters at the Read House amp; Gardens may work concurrently at the Delaware History Museum in Wilmington but must undergo a separate application process.
About the Organization:
The George Read II House amp; Gardens comprises a 14,000-square-foot mansion built between 1797 and 1804 and formal gardens added in 1847–48. As an outstanding example of Philadelphia federalstyle architecture, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2017. George Read II was the first U.S. Attorney for Delaware, and his father was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, as well as a governor, U.S. senator, and chief justice in Delaware. Under the stewardship of Phillip and Lydia Chichester Laird in the 20th century, the house and grounds became a model of the colonial revival movement and appeared widely in American lifestyle and design publications. The Delaware Historical Society assumed ownership of the site upon Lydia Laird’s death in 1975 and undertook a state-of-the-art restoration and furnishing campaign during the 1980s. The Read House is situated in New Castle, Delaware, adjacent to the First State National Historical Park and overlooking the Delaware River. In addition to the RH amp;G, the Delaware Historical Society oversees the Mitchell Center for African American Heritage, Delaware History Museum, DHS Research Library, and Willingtown Square in downtown Wilmington. It strives to reach culturally diverse audiences through inclusive programming, exhibitions, and site interpretation.
Responsibilities:
  • Conduct tours and educational programming at the Read House amp; Gardens. This includes walkin tours on weekdays and weekends, adult group tours, school fi eld trips, and assistance during public programs and special events.
  • Provide excellent customer service skills to ensure a positive experience for museum visitors
  • Maintain educational spaces, equipment, and supplies
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of educational programs and resources
  • Work with the Read House amp; Gardens Education Coordinator and Visitor Services Associate to foster a welcoming and inclusive visitor experience
  • Ensure welfare and safety of visitors and provide security for collections
  • Assist in other related tasks as directed
Qualifications/Skills:
  • High school diploma (bachelor’s degree preferred, with experience in history or a related discipline)
  • Interest in situating the Read House within local, national, and global history, including a willingness to continually expand and refi ne your understanding of historical concepts
  • Comfort speaking in front of groups, answering questions clearly and directly, expressing concepts effectively to museum visitors, and interacting enthusiastically with people of all ages, educational levels, and backgrounds
  • Ability to navigate stairs, stand or walk for extended periods of time, and lift average-weight objects of up to 25 pounds
  • Willingness to learn, apply, and refi ne new teaching methodologies, especially object-based approaches
  • Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team
  • Comfort with classroom technologies
  • Positive attitude, an open mind, and flexibility
The Delaware Historical Society is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. The Delaware Historical Society is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

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