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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Museum Curator

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$62K - $68K/yr

The candidate will work closely with the Assistant Curator of Art and will be responsible for ... Develop strategies for art, history or collections interpretation, through exhibitions ...

Museum Curator

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$62K - $68K/yr

The candidate will work closely with the Assistant Curator of Art and will be responsible for ... Develop strategies for art, history or collections interpretation, through exhibitions ...

... in order to better assist visitors; Responsible for the security of the Museum's buildings, furnishings, equipment and collections; Responsible for being completely familiar with Museum ...

... in order to better assist visitors; Responsible for the security of the Museum's buildings, furnishings, equipment and collections; Responsible for being completely familiar with Museum ...

The Assistant Conservator (Objects) is responsible for the physical care, examination, documentation, and treatment of the museum's diverse collections which include archaeological artifacts ...

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Museum Collections Assistant information

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How much do museum collections assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum collections assistant in the United States is $20.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $23.08 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.
More about Museum Collections Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Museum Collections Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Museum Collections Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Collections jobs? The most popular types of Museum Collections jobs are:
What states have the most Museum Collections Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Museum Collections Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Museum Collections Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Collections Assistant jobs are:
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,672 per year, or $20 per hour.
Museum Curator

Museum Curator

City of Albuquerque

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$62K - $68K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


City Of Albuquerque rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

388th of 663 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Summary The Albuquerque Museum welcomes a Curator of Art who is proficient in regional art from New Mexico and the Southwest. A successful candidate should have a national and international awareness to secure and manage important traveling art exhibitions. The candidate will work closely with the Assistant Curator of Art and will be responsible for leading the Art program in exhibition development and execution, acquisitions, and educational programming.

To supervise, assign, review and participate in the work of staff responsible for planning, developing and implementing an assigned program within the City museum including either the creation and installation of various museum exhibits, development of various educational museum programs or research and documentation of objects for inclusion in the museum collection and to handle, process, maintain, preserve and manage the physical artifact collection of the museum. Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Essential and Supplemental Functions ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation. Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, review and participate in the work of staff responsible for planning, developing and implementing the art exhibition program within the City museum including either the creation and/or installation of various museum exhibits.

Research and document objects for inclusion in the museum collection. Develop strategies for art, history or collections interpretation, through exhibitions, publications, events and audio-visual presentations. Coordinate the acquisition of new objects for inclusion in the museum collection; confer with vendors regarding cost of acquisition, and work within city procurement systems, and exterior fund raising procedures, to secure objects for collections.

Establish schedules and methods for providing assigned museum collection services; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate management staff; allocate resources accordingly. Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; implement approved policies and procedures. Perform the more technical and complex tasks of the work unit including collecting and organizing exhibits within assigned area.

May plan, oversee and participate in the handling, processing, maintenance and preservation of museum collections. May coordinate the planning, construction, installation, maintenance, preservation and security of new museum exhibits; determine proper lighting and audio needs; select music for exhibits. May coordinate and schedule public programs including tours, lectures, symposia, workshops, gallery demonstrations, special events, films, videos and live performances.

May implement youth and school programs; conduct art and history and science workshops; coordinate youth photography exhibits. May organize and oversee the maintenance of the museum's audio-visual library including the operation of video equipment and the creation of a video reference library. May process, number and catalog incoming and outgoing objects; assist in artifact identification, condition assessment and photography.

Participate in the selection of museum staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures. SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS: Participate in the preparation and administration of the assigned budget; submit budget recommendations; monitor expenditures. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations within the assigned program area.

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in art, art history, history, museum studies, cultural or ethnic studies, anthropology, communications or humanities; and Four (4) years of curatorial experience in the fields of art, history or museum collections; and To include two (2) years of supervisory experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or the ability to obtain within ninety (90) days from date of hire. Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire. Working Conditions Environmental: Museum environment.

Physical: Essential and supplemental functions may require physical condition necessary for light to moderate lifting and for standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.


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