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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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$10

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How much do museum collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 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.

Collections Assistant

State of Virginia

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

$42K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

State Of Virginia rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 50 rated states

Job description

Collections Assistant

Apply now Job no: 5106843
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
Categories: Educational and Media Services

Title: Collections Assistant

State Role Title: Admin and Office Spec II

Hiring Range: $42,000

Pay Band: 2

Agency: Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

Location: Jamestown General

Agency Website: jyfmuseums.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Exhibition and Curatorial Services Overview

The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation is an educational agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia offering programs and resources about early American history through its museums - Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.

The Exhibition and Curatorial Services teams are part of the larger Museum Operations and Education division, tasked with the professional care and curation of our collections and exhibitions across both of our museums as well as the Phillip G. Emerson Central Support Complex. 

Job Duties

The Collections Assistant is to provide vital registrarial and hands-on support for our permanent collections and special exhibitions. Operating across Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, this role blends technical data management with physical artifact care. You will assist with complex domestic and international loans, maintain digital and physical museum records, and ensure the preventative conservation of 17th- and 18th-century material culture. This position requires a blend of logistical precision, artifact handling experience, CMS database knowledge, and skills in historic preservation.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of 17th and 18th-century art, material culture, and decorative arts, preferably with the ability to identify specific artifact types.
Prior experience managing and documenting intact artifact collections in a museum setting
Ability to handle artifacts using museums best practices.
Ability to meet multiple deliverables with exceptional attention to detail.
Demonstratable skills in using computer programs in a museum environment, including full Microsoft suite of programs and collections management systems.
Prior experience using collections management software, including for museum cataloging.
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in art history, material culture, and museums collections management.
Previous coursework in history, art history, museum studies, or a related field highly beneficial to this role.
Demonstratable ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Prior experience working with digital assets.

Additional Considerations

Previous coursework in history, art history, museum studies, or a related field highly beneficial to this role.
Prior experience in artifact collections management working hands-on with artifact collections in a museum setting, preferably documenting, handling, storing, packing and moving them.

Must have valid Driver's License

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Lee Shelhorse

Phone: 7572534553

Email: leeann.shelhorse@jyf.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 08 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 22 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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