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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Biltmore Company

... collections and types of archival work ... In addition, the student will be exposed to all areas of Museum work including curatorial ...

PNH Properties LLC

Boutique Retail Host

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20/hr

... Parton's Museum. Personalizing all aspects of SongTellers' retail experience, ensuring every ... collections, featured products, pricing, and promotions to confidently assist guests * Maintain an ...

SongTeller Hotel

Boutique Retail Host

Nashville, TN · On-site

$20/hr

... Parton's Museum. Personalizing all aspects of SongTellers' retail experience, ensuring every ... collections, featured products, pricing, and promotions to confidently assist guests * Maintain an ...

All JobsMuseum Collections JobsMuseum Collections Assistant JobsMuseum Collections Assistant Jobs in Tennessee

Museum Collections Assistant information

See Tennessee salary details

$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 Tennessee is $18.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $20.96 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Museum Collections Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,822 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

University Archives and Special Collections Instruction and Outreach Archivist

University of the South

Sewanee, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Sewanee, TN
Job Type: Staff Full-Time
Job Number: 202100522
Division: Library & Information Technology Services
Department: University Archives & Special Collections
Opening Date: 06/04/2026
Position Overview
Primary Function:
The Instruction and Outreach Archivist is responsible for archival instruction and outreach to the University of the South students, faculty, staff, and the local community. This individual promotes the Archives as the University's liberal arts laboratory. In so doing, they lead archival instruction initiatives and collaborate with faculty and staff to create related primary source instruction and hands-on opportunities with archival and special collections resources. In addition, this individual works to increase the visibility and use of Archives collections and exhibits across campus, foster relationships with University projects and programs, and create community outreach and engagement opportunities. They also actively participate in general Archives support activities.
Position Appointment Details:
  • Career Band: 2C
  • Full-Time

Position Description
Typical Duties & Responsibilities:
Education and Instruction
  • Develop and lead general orientations to the University Archives and Special Collections.
  • Collaborate with faculty to design and teach customized archival instruction sessions
  • Work with faculty to develop archival projects within classes or to integrate archival materials into classes
  • Design instructional materials, such as LibGuides, for frequently researched topics or for class use
  • Schedule, plan, and organize class sessions at the Archives
  • Work with the Digital Archivist to help determine materials for digitization and online exhibits useful for University classes and general outreach

Outreach and Community Engagement
  • Strengthen outreach and connections to University programs, departments, projects, and student organizations
  • Promote awareness of Archives through various outlets, including social media
  • Plan special events, tours, workshops, etc., related to archival resources
  • Enhance and increase engagement with archival exhibits by creating activities for University classes or school groups upon request

Actively participate in general Archives and Special Collections support activities
  • Assist with reference services
  • Contribute to exhibit research, production, and installation
  • Collaborate on ensuring resources are easily discoverable and accessible to users
  • Participate in departmental planning, policy development, and decision-making
  • Participate in LITS and University organizations, committees, and task forces
  • Page and reshelve materials
  • Other duties as assigned

Machines & Equipment Used:
Computers, mobile devices, printers, copiers, scanners.
Judgment Required:
Independent judgment and discretion are required in the application of standard operating procedures to the essential duties of this position.
Budgetary Responsibility:
Personal Interaction/Communication:
Student Contact: On a daily basis, providing archival instruction and assistance, answering questions.Internal: On a daily basis, providing archival instruction and assistance, answering questions, and participating in University committee involvement.External: On a daily basis, providing archival instruction and assistance, answering questions.
Attributes of a Successful Candidate
Education:
Master's degree in archival studies, library science, history, or a related field with an archival concentration or significant coursework in archives.
Experience:
  • 1-2 years of experience in archives or special collections strongly preferred.
  • Some experience providing instruction. Experience providing archival instruction is highly desired.

Job-Related Skills:
  • Demonstrated understanding of the principles of active learning and best practices related to teaching with primary source materials.
  • Engaging teaching and presentation skills.
  • Experience with special collection, archival, or museum exhibition promotion.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Knowledge of professional archival standards, best practices, and technologies for accessing, arranging, describing, and preserving archival materials.

Supplemental Information
Confidential Information:
Faculty and departmental files, correspondence, research materials, personnel activities, records for library patrons, restricted and sensitive archival and manuscript materials.
Working Environment:
  • University Archives and Special Collections, normal office environment, some physical maneuvering of boxes, objects, and other sometimes heavy items.
  • Working with older materials may involve exposure to mold.
  • Staff members are expected to present a professional demeanor and appearance in dealing with all members of the University community and the general public in the performance of duties for this position.

The University of the South, familiarly known as "Sewanee," is home to a nationally recognized College of Arts and Sciences and a School of Theology. Sewanee is distinguished by its dedication to cultivate academic excellence, community values, and environmental stewardship that produces informed, self-aware, and participatory citizens for our democracy and servant-leaders for the world. Nestled on 13,000 acres atop Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau, the University offers both a uniquely beautiful setting and convenient access to nearby cities-Chattanooga, Nashville, and Huntsville. The University is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and seeks to be a place where individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences find support, opportunity, and purpose.
Support in the Hiring Process
If you have questions about a position or need assistance filing an application, or if you are a person with a disability and would like to request an accommodation in the application and interview process, please contact Human Resources at 931.598.1381 or hr@sewanee.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of the South is an equal-opportunity institution, dedicated to treating all applicants fairly and fostering a welcoming environment for employees and students alike.

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