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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs in Provo, UT (NOW HIRING)

Museum Collections Assistant information

See Provo, UT salary details

$9

$18

$28

How much do museum collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collections assistant in Provo, UT is $18.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $21.83 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 job categories do people searching Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Provo, UT look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Collections Assistant jobs in Provo, UT are:

What cities near Provo, UT are hiring for Museum Collections Assistant jobs?

Cities near Provo, UT with the most Museum Collections Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Museum Collections Assistant job openings in Provo, UT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,420 per year, or $19 per hour.

Adjunct Teaching - Biology - BIO 445: Herpetology

Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • On-site

Part-time

Posted 14 days ago


Brigham Young University rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

338th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Title:Adjunct Teaching - Biology - BIO 445: Herpetology

Posting End Date: August 20, 2026

*NOTE: Last day to apply is Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 11:59 pm (MT)

Position Start Date:September 1, 2026

Required Degree:

PhD. The required degree must be completed by the start date.

Experience:

Classification, handling, and teaching about reptiles and amphibians. Previous experience supervising student teaching assistants. Experience as a herpetology museum curator is a plus.

Duties/Expectations:

  • Teach Bio 445: Herpetology
  • Provide lectures and lab experiences as part of course on herpetology
  • Develop course materials consistent with departmental focus on active learning
  • Hold office hours weekly
  • Develop lab experiences making use of museum collections

Documents Required at the Time of Application: Please attach your updated curriculum vitae, cover letter, and Mission Alignment Statement (instructions below) to the faculty application.

Note: Failure to attach the required documents may result in your application not being considered.

BELONGING STATEMENT

United by our common primary identity as children of God, BYU values equal opportunity. We also value and embrace the variety of individual characteristics, life experiences and circumstances, perspectives, talents, and gifts of each member of the BYU community and the richness and strength they bring in helping create and support an environment of covenant belonging centered in Jesus Christ. Candidates with experience in and commitment to mentoring students from a variety of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

This position requires the successful candidate to relocate and/or reside in Utah for the duration of their employment.

MISSION ALIGNMENT STATEMENT INSTRUCTIONS

If you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrine and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it "bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel" (Spencer W. Kimball).

If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend. All employees are required to abide by the university's Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrines of the affiliated church.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.


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