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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The Assistant Preparator is responsible for supporting museum operations by assisting with fabrications and artwork installation/deinstallation. The role coordinates collections ...

The Assistant Preparator assists with all artworks installed throughout the Artis-Naples cultural ... museum standards and best practices as outlined in the American Alliance of Museums Collections ...

Housekeeper

West Palm Beach, FL

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

About the Norton Museum of Art: Founded in 1941 by Ralph Hubbard Norton and his wife Elizabeth ... If needed will assist in setting up/take down of furniture for special events. Primary Duties ...

This position assists with the care and interpretation of MOCA and UNF permanent collections ... museum representative. * Lead exhibition-related public programs and tours for diverse audiences.

Museum Collections Assistant information

See Florida salary details

$7

$14

$22

How much do museum collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collections assistant in Florida is $14.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $17.26 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 Florida?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Museum Collections Assistant job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,141 per year, or $15 per hour.

Senior Director of Collections, Preservation and Research

The Florida Holocaust Museum

Saint Petersburg, FL • On-site

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

The Florida Holocaust Museum (FHM) honors the memory of millions of innocent men, women, and children who suffered or died in the Holocaust. One of the largest Holocaust museums in the country and one of only three American Alliance of Museums (AAM) accredited Holocaust museums, The FHM is dedicated to teaching members of all races and cultures to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of human life to prevent future genocides. The Museum boasts an outstanding collection of contemporary visual art, a large research library, a growing collection of artifacts, and was recently awarded Professor Elie Wiesel’s personal collection, doubling the size of the overall collection.


The FHM is seeking a Senior Director of Collections, Preservation, and Research (CPR) to lead and integrate its exhibitions and collections operations. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Senior Director, CPR will manage and develop a team overseeing the planning, logistics, care, movement, installation, and preservation of the Museum's collections and exhibitions. The ideal candidate will translate curatorial vision into executable, financially responsible, and mission-aligned plans while supporting the organization through its re-accreditation process and significant capital projects.


The Florida Holocaust Museum is an equal opportunity employer, we aspire to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characters protected by law. We believe that building a workforce of the brightest people from the widest possible range of backgrounds can innovate and inspire and engage with the widest possible audience.


Key Responsibilities

  • Lead exhibition and collection operations, translating curatorial vision into executable, budget-conscious plans
  • Oversee the care, movement, installation, preservation, and documentation of museum collections and exhibitions
  • Supervise departmental staff, including the Registrar, Exhibits Manager, and Collections Assistant
  • Partner with senior leadership on institutional growth, capital projects, re-accreditation, and Board reporting
  • Manage departmental budgets and operational costs to ensure fiscal responsibility
  • Establish team KPIs, training, and professional development
  • Optimize departmental structures and workflows to improve efficiency and deliverables
  • Establish preventive conservation standards, coordinate environmental controls with Facilities, and oversee offsite storage
  • Lead collection inventory and condition assessments to establish conservation and restoration priorities
  • Maintain data integrity across collection management systems and support library operations
  • Collaborate across departments on risk assessment, mitigation, emergency planning, and response
  • Build national and international partnerships, particularly with peer Holocaust museums
  • Represent the Museum publicly and maintain active involvement with the AAM


Qualifications & Skills

  • Advanced degree in museum studies, art history, conservation, or a related field preferred
  • 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in a museum or major cultural institution
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Holocaust history, artifacts, and related collections strongly preferred
  • Proven experience with capital projects, gallery renovations, major reinstallations, and managing large operational budgets
  • Advanced knowledge of preventive conservation including storage, packing, climate control, risk management, emergency planning
  • Demonstrated strategic thinking, cross-departmental leadership, operational rigor, and commitment to museum ethics
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, public speaking, and team leadership skills
  • Experience with collections management systems, digital collections, and data standards, with a strong commitment to collections documentation and information integrity
  • Ability to assist with exhibit installation and artifact handling, including lifting up to 10 lbs