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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

James Madison's Montpelier

Museum Technician

Orange, VA · On-site

$37K - $46K/yr

As needed, the Museum Technician will also assist the Collections Manager with registration and documentation tasks. DUTIES: Provides the primary hands-on collections care for the Decorative Arts ...

State of Virginia

Electrician

Richmond, VA · On-site

$75K/yr

... museum operations, exhibitions, collections, and visitor experiences. In addition to daily ... Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and other maintenance personnel as needed. * Assist with ...

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Museum Collections Assistant information

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$19

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How much do museum collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collections assistant in Virginia is $19.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $22.88 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Museum Collections jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Virginia? For Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Museum Collections Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Museum Collections Assistant job openings:
Museum Collections Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Assistant job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,315 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Assistant Collections Manager

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Assistant Collections Manager
Part-Time
General Description:
The Assistant Collections Manager (ACM) is a part-time, non-exempt position that shares with the other Assistant Collections Managers, the responsibility for the cleaning and monitoring of George Washington's Mansion and the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center outside of public hours. These responsibilities include the general cleaning of exhibition spaces and the specialized handling of collections objects, many of which belonged to George Washington and his family. The ACM also assists in maintaining collection documentation and assists members of the collections department with special projects, such as object inventories, exhibition installation, and movement of the collections. This position reports directly to the Collections Manager.
Compensation:
Starting compensation for this position is $20.00/hour.
Expected Hours:
This position is 3 weekdays and 1 weekend day/week, 8 hours/day.
Essential Duties:
  • Responsible for the daily morning cleaning and monitoring of the Mansion and North and South Dependencies and the occasional cleaning of other outbuildings.
  • General Cleaning
  • Vacuums traffic areas; Rotates shutters according to schedule.
  • Specialized Dusting/Vacuuming
  • Dusts a variety of types of historically significant artifacts, including metals, ceramics, furniture, textiles, and other fragile object types, using methods approved by the conservation profession. Carefully handles and moves objects in the course of dusting.
  • After a training period, assists with monitoring the environmental conditions in display and storage areas and records environmental readings through the use of hygrothermographs and HOBOs.
  • Assists with ongoing maintenance of a pest management program in the exhibition areas. Monitors pest traps and reports potential problems.
  • Assists collections staff with collections management activities such as maintenance of accession and loan files, the accession of artifacts, proper documentation of incoming and outgoing objects, inventories, object numbering, and object re-housing projects.
  • Assists collections staff in the movement of objects, both on the estate and off-site. Serves as an approved object courier for incoming and outgoing loans of artifacts. Under the Collection Manager's supervision and according to department procedures, carefully handles and packs artifacts for transit.
  • Researches and enters collection object information into collections management database system.
  • Supports collections staff during the installation and deinstallation of on-site and traveling exhibitions and object rotations in the Museum and Mansion.
  • Works closely with interpretation and security staff to monitor the safety of objects displayed in the Mansion, Museum, and Outbuildings. Reports damage, according to departmental policies, to the Conservator and files report with Collections Manager. Serves as an active member of the collections department emergency response team.
  • Serves as a liaison with the marketing department during film and photo shoots in the Mansion and other exhibition areas where objects are displayed. Ensures the safety of collections objects and structural components of the interior of the Mansion during filming and photography.
  • Works with Operations and Maintenance staff and outside contractors when work needs to be performed in the vicinity of collections objects.
  • Carries out additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:
  • Master's degree or equivalent experience in Museum Studies, Conservation or a related field.
  • Prior museum experience highly preferred, especially in the dusting and handling of fragile, valuable objects. Must be able to successfully complete MVLA training on the care and handling of historic artifacts.
  • Knowledge of methods of historical research, museum practices, and basic collections care.
  • Strong computer and records management skills, including word processing and database management.
  • Good organizational and communication skills and ability to work in coordination with a number of other departments.
  • Excellent hand skills and attention to detail in order to perform precise and detailed duties, like sewing and labeling. Legible handwriting is required.
  • Experience with hand tools, power tools, pallet jacks and various other equipment preferred.
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines and to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as assigned.
  • Willingness and ability to travel locally, nationally, and potentially internationally including possessing a current, valid driver's license.
  • Dependability, reliability, and punctuality are of the utmost importance.
  • Ability to follow directions and complete assignments successfully.

Work Environment:
This position is primarily based in a museum or collections environment, with occasional work in storage areas, conservation labs, or exhibit spaces. The environment is generally quiet, climate-controlled, and requires attention to detail and security. Occasional travel or off-site work may occur for exhibit installation, loans, or research.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to handle delicate artifacts and artworks with care, often requiring fine motor skills and close visual focus. The role may require standing, walking, crawling, or bending for extended periods during exhibition preparation, as well as lifting and carrying objects up to 30 pounds. Occasional use of ladders or lifts for exhibit installation may be needed.
Benefits:
  • 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
  • Employee recognition at 5 years of service
  • Monthly employee events
  • Employee referral program
  • Flexible work schedule
  • On-site Library
  • Discount on Public Event Tickets
  • Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
  • Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
  • Free parking

Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

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