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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Hampton University

Visitor Service Manager

Hampton, VA · On-site

$31K/yr

Environmental Monitoring Duties: Assist the Curator of Collections and Registrar with seasonal visible and ultraviolet light readings used to develop a more protected environment for museum objects.

AMN Healthcare

Dermatology APP Position

Newport News, VA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Flexible 4-5 day workweek to support work-life balance * 2 dedicated Medical Assistants per ... Museum and the Virginia War Museum, both of which are well known for their collections. The ...

Jackson Therapy

Cath Lab Tech - Travel Job

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$2.2K - $2.9K/wk

Earn full time pay and benefits while you assist physicians and other Cath lab personnel in ... collections of historic homes between Alexandria and Charleston, and the Children's Museum of ...

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How much do museum collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,315 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Visitor Service Manager

Hampton University

Hampton, VA • On-site

$31K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Salary: $31,200.00 Semi-Monthly
Location : 200 William R. Harvey Way, Hampton, VA 23668
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: University Museum
Opening Date: 12/12/2025
Description
The Visitor Service Manager will develop and implement audience-centered visitor services and engagement strategies for the Hampton University Museum. The manager will provide excellent customer service to museum's constituents and responsible for maintaining the Museum Store. Primary: Interact with incoming patrons and serve as the liaison for guided and self-guided tours. Deliver all aspects of the retail operation: from maintaining a clean and tidy workplace, shop purchases, sales, on line store and mailings; inventory and continued development of the store. Manage volunteer/docents and work study students. May be called upon to assist with Gallery maintenance coordinate assigned programs and events; patrolling galleries; assist in maintaining inventory of and ordering of gallery lighting fixtures; assist with installation of exhibitions including changing gallery lights and other duties as assigned. Marketing: prepare promotional materials and social media updates for all aspects of the store. Assist with membership program and benefits.
Environmental Monitoring Duties: Assist the Curator of Collections and Registrar with seasonal visible and ultraviolet light readings used to develop a more protected environment for museum objects. Perform integrated pest management of pests inside structures and work on exclusion measures as appropriate. Manage acquisition of temperature and humidity data and some analysis of site data.
This is a grant-funded position. Continuation of the position is contingent upon the continuation of related grant funding.
Examples of Duties
  • Work cooperatively with others and accept directions from supervisors.
  • Communicate with museum visitors, volunteers, students, Museum Store vendors, consultants and contractors.
  • Prepare written documents, spreadsheets and inventory.
  • Open and close building during public hours on Saturday's, select programs, and events and monitor museum security, work-study students and volunteers.
  • Manage the museum store overall, purchase merchandise for the store, and work with vendors.
  • Responsible for store inventory and assisting with the sell and merchandising of the International Review of African American Art (IRAAA) journal.
  • Work collaboratively with the Digital Outreach Coordinator and the Administrative/Assistant Editor of the IRAAA.
  • Assist in gallery maintenance including assuring that all materials needed for installation of exhibitions are on hand.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
  • Ensure a positive and memorable experience for visitors.
  • Engage visitors with welcoming and efficient dialogue such as greeting and orienting guests, responding to inquiries.
  • Ability to quickly learn and perform all duties with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Must possess excellent customer service skills and a welcoming demeanor to successfully engage and interact with a diverse audience.
    • An ability to calmly and effectively direct large crowds
    • Experience operating point of sale systems
    • Experience in customer service and prioritizing multiple tasks to meet deadlines
    • Familiarity with the museum field a plus
    • Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing
    • Demonstration of creative graphic design skills and experience
    • Proficiency in operating Microsoft Office Suite and ability to quickly learn new programs
    • Experience working in galleries and museums and/or Customer service experience in hospitality, retail, or museum setting.
    • Willingness to work independently and as a team Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, members of the Hampton University community, and the public.
    • Maintain a clean and orderly appearance in the museum store and storage areas.
    • Ability to work on Saturdays from noon - 4 pm and as needed for special events.
    • Ability to stand for long periods of time; ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Supplemental Information
  • Undergraduate degree preferred in Fine Art, Marketing, Art History.
  • Experience working in retail, visitor services and in Museum installation and preparatory work.
  • Three to five years working full-time in a museum or over 20 hours a week part-time.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees and part-time employees who regularly work 20 hours or more per week including health care, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, legal insurance, accident, critical illness, hospitalization, tuition remission, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
To learn more details, visit our website:

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