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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Works closely with Museum staff, students and faculty in the development and execution of ... In collaboration with the Assistant Director for Collections & Exhibitions, serves as staff liaison ...

Cath Lab Tech - Travel Job

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$2.2K - $2.9K/wk

Earn full time pay and benefits while you assist physicians and other Cath lab personnel in ... Museum of Art is about 15 minutes from central Kansas City and is known for its extensive ...

Museum Collections Assistant information

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$9

$18

$28

How much do museum collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collections assistant in Missouri is $18.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $21.63 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 popular job titles related to Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Missouri?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Museum Collections Assistant job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,089 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversees registration activities related to the care and management of the museum's permanent collection.

  • Coordinates acquisition, accessioning, deaccessioning, cataloging, and loan activities for collection objects.

  • Organizes and participates in inventory, maintains collection records, and facilitates access to the collection.


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Job description

LocationST. LOUIS, MO 63130 Scheduled Hours37.5Position SummaryThe Registrar of the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum in the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts is responsible for the organization and maintenance of orderly forms, legal documents, files and retrieval systems associated with acquisitions, accessions, deaccessions, cataloging and loans. The Registrar plays a key role in overseeing the care and management of the Museum's 8,000+ object permanent collection and works in close collaboration with the curatorial staff to review loans and realize exhibitions and installations of works from the collection. The Registrar actively participates in the formulation, regular review, and execution of associated policies and procedures as they relate to the management of the collection. Supervises part-time student assistants, vendors, contractors, and interns.Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Oversees registration activities relating to the care and management of the permanent collection.

  • Coordinates all related activity pertinent to the acquisition, accessioning and deaccessioning of objects.

  • Regularly updates and maintains all collection object records - including gift documents, IRS forms, appraisals, condition, and conservation-related information.

  • Undertakes cataloging and condition reporting of collection objects.

  • Responsible for the accurate recording of all object-related information - both analog and digital.

  • In collaboration with Museum staff; designs appropriate housing (for storage and display) for collections objects.

  • Organizes and participates in the regular inventory of the permanent collection.

Facilitates access to the museum's collection.

  • Works closely with Museum staff, students and faculty in the development and execution of collection-based exhibitions, including responsibilities associated with the establishment and monitoring of related schedules, checklists, and budgets.

  • Aligns mission critical access to the Museum's collection to students, faculty, scholars, and researchers - both within the university and beyond.

Coordinate outgoing loans from the permanent collection.

  • Reviews and coordinates negotiation of terms in the best interest of the Museum in consultation with appropriate staff.

  • Communicates terms and special requirements of loans to appropriate staff.

  • Monitors compliance with such terms and conditions.

  • Serves as courier as needed - for both domestic and international loans.

Collaborate with curatorial and editorial staff to ensure accuracy of all electronic and print based collection-related information conforms to Museum standards of quality and consistency, including:

  • All gallery related content.

  • Publications - both printed and electronic.

  • Permanent collection database.

Serve as a representative and liaison between the Museum and outside contacts, including donors, artists, galleries, borrowers, peer institutions, and related professional organizations.

In collaboration with the Assistant Director for Collections & Exhibitions, serves as staff liaison for Art Collections Committee. Responsible for the coordination and documentation of bi-annual meetings.

Supports other priority departmental projects as assigned (e.g., temporary exhibition management).

Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions

  • Normal office environment.

  • Exposure to loud noises and equipment during exhibition de/installations.

  • Ability to travel on/off campus (both domestically and internationally) for the couriering of artwork (via air and/or follow cars and trucks).

  • Typical work conditions include museum galleries, fine art storage locations, art preparation spaces and outdoors when coordinating maintenance on select sculptures.

Physical Effort

  • Typically sitting at a desk or table.

  • Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement..

Equipment

  • Office equipment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.Required Qualifications

Education:

Master's degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.


Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.


Work Experience:

Relevant Experience (3 Years)


Skills:

Not Applicable


Driver's License:

A driver's license is not required for this position.More About This Job

Required Qualifications:

  • M.A. or equivalent experience in art history, museum studies, or related field.

  • Familiarity with best practices as they relate to professional museum standards and procedures, including registration, conservation, art historical research, and collections management and care.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in an academic art museum.

  • Experience with domestic and international loans.

  • 8 years of related experience.

  • Demonstrated knowledge and application of best practices and procedures for fine art collections management including the handling, preservation and installation of art, registration methods, electronic collection records, loan administration, and fine arts insurance.

  • Ability to supervise student assistants, vendors, contractors, and interns.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

No additional education unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.


Certifications/Professional Licenses:

No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.


Work Experience:

No additional work experience unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.

Skills:

Adaptability, Analytical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Detail-Oriented, French Language, German Language, Google Workspace, Interpersonal Communication, Italian Language, Microsoft Office, Museum Collections Management, Oral Presentation, Personal Organization, Problem Solving, Project Management Software (PMS), Self Motivation, Time Management, Work Collaboratively, Written CommunicationGradeG11Salary Range$53,100.00 - $90,600.00 / AnnuallyThe salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please emailCandidateQuestions@wustl.eduor call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.Pre-Employment ScreeningAll external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.Benefits Statement

Personal

  • Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

  • Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

  • Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.

  • WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

  • Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

  • We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We've got you covered.

  • WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO StatementWashington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University's policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

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About Washington University in St. Louis

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Washington University in St. Louis, often simply known as WashU, is a prestigious private research university in the United States. Headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri, the university operates within the Education industry offering an array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs encompassing various areas like arts, sciences, business, design, medicine, and engineering. Established in 1853, the university has a storied past rooted in determination, resilience, and commitment to knowledge and innovation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1853