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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

State of Indiana

Lighting Preparator

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$56K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites: The mission of the Indiana State Museum and ... of art and collections pieces as requested. * Assist with the preparation of galleries for ...

State of Indiana

Lighting Preparator

Indianapolis, IN

$56K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites: The mission of the Indiana State Museum and ... of art and collections pieces as requested. * Assist with the preparation of galleries for ...

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All JobsMuseum Collections JobsMuseum Collections Assistant JobsMuseum Collections Assistant Jobs in Indiana

Museum Collections Assistant information

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$28

How much do museum collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collections assistant in Indiana is $19.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $21.97 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 Indiana?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Museum Collections Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Assistant job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,654 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Early Childhood Engagement Specialist (Part-Time)

State of Indiana

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$18.24/hr

Full-time, Part-time

PTO

Posted 12 days ago

State Of Indiana rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states

Job description

Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites:
The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites (ISMHS) is a statewide museum system with 12 locations, including a central museum based in Indianapolis. Our mission is to ignite wonder, inspire curiosity, reveal stories and create connections. Our values are Interconnectivity, Integrity, Stewardship, and Transparency. First among our strategic priorities is to engage and serve an expanded and diverse audience through transformative experiences: Collections. Exhibits. Programs.
Role Overview:
The Early Childhood Intermittent Program Specialist is part of the Engagement Department at the Indiana State Museum working as assigned in early childhood programming and events to engage and interact with our youngest visitors and their families, assist with development and preparation of activities, and the collection of evaluation data. Incumbent is assigned to work both offsite and within the early childhood specific space, Firefly Landing and museum galleries to engage and interact with museum visitors during large events and special programming days, assist with visitor questions and concerns and conduct daily programming.
Salary Statement:
This position traditionally starts at an hourly rate of $18.24 but may be commensurate with education and work experience.
A Day in the Life:
The essential elements of the job duties:
  • Assist with research, development, and facilitation of early childhood programs within Firefly Landing and museum gallery spaces. Programs can include holiday programs, school programs, outreach programs, camps, classes, and daily engagement experiences.
  • Enhance the visitor experience in the museum by engaging and interacting with visitors within the galleries including the early childhood space, Firefly landing, assisting with visitor questions and concerns, and facilitating daily programming within galleries and throughout museum with a focus on early childhood interaction.
  • Prepare all materials for programs and set up early childhood space, Firefly Landing and clean up materials and space after programs.
  • Work with the Early Childhood Program Manager to develop and implement goals, objectives and learning outcomes for early childhood daily engagement programs.
  • Conduct informal and formal evaluation for programs, within the galleries and Firefly Landing, and throughout the museum as appropriate for early childhood experiences.
  • Support Visitor Services in providing a welcoming environment for all museum visitors.
  • Provide excellent customer service to daily visitors, program participants, educators and parents.
  • Manage customer complaints, incidents and accidents, taking the lead in emergency situations and safety issues.
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of program supplies for early childhood space, Firefly Landing.
  • Other duties as assigned

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
  • Must be able to work 3 or more days during the week.
  • Experience working with children and families in an informal and/or formal environment.
  • Must be comfortable working independently and demonstrate initiative.
  • Experience with hands-on, interactive program development and facilitation.
  • Strong presentation, communication and customer service skills and collaborative work ethic.
  • Background in education, science, art and/or customer service preferred.
  • Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for part-time employees which includes:
  • Paid vacation, personal and sick time off
  • Competitive leave policies covering a variety of employee needs
  • 12 company paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • 75 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
  • Free Parking
  • Free LinkedIn Learning

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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