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Museum Collections Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Riverside

CURATOR OF HISTORY

Riverside, CA

$79K - $96K/yr

Collections care and management experience will be important, and experience with historic ... The Curator of History may assist with the museum's ongoing effort to seek and administer grants ...

City of Riverside, CA

CURATOR OF HISTORY

Riverside, CA · On-site

$79K - $96K/yr

Collections care and management experience will be important, and experience with historic ... The Curator of History may assist with the museum's ongoing effort to seek and administer grants ...

Columbus Museum Of Art

Lichtenstein Fellow

Columbus, OH · On-site

$60K/yr

... museum's collections and exhibition program. Duties and Responsibilities: * Assist in the research, development, and implementation of exhibitions organized by the museum and its curators. This may ...

Columbus Museum Of Art

Lichtenstein Fellow

Columbus, OH · On-site

$60K/yr

... museum's collections and exhibition program. Duties and Responsibilities: * Assist in the research, development, and implementation of exhibitions organized by the museum and its curators. This may ...

The Broad

Digital Asset Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Collections Data Administration * Assist in maintaining accurate records in the museum's collection management system (CMS), supporting exhibitions and collections management functions. Currently ...

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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
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Museum Collections Assistant jobs near you
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.
Assistant Conservator

Assistant Conservator

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ

Other

Posted 2 days ago

University Of Arizona rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

352nd of 539 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Conservation Examination, Analysis, Documentation, and Treatment:

  • Perform examinations and produce written and photographic documentation, including condition reports, treatment proposals, and final treatment reports using museum records and databases.
  • Conduct scientific analysis and imaging (UV/IR, pXRF, FTIR, X-ray) to assess material composition and condition.
  • In collaboration with supervisor, curatorial personnel, and stakeholders, collaborate on the design and execution of treatments for objects.
  • Contribute to the development of conservation methods and remain current with field advances.
  • Collaborate with supervisor and curatorial staff to establish treatment priorities.
  • Conduct work in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines of Practice.

Preventive Conservation:

  • Perform preventive conservation activities to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of collections.
  • Assist with environmental monitoring and integrated pest management data collection and interpretation.
  • Collaboriate with collections and exhibition personnel.to design and fabricate archival enclosures, storage supports, and custom display mounts.
  • Conduct routine collection surveys and housekeeping activities to identify and mitigate potential risks to museum collections.
  • Support emergency preparedness activities for collections, including contributing to emergency planning, participating in preparedness training, and inventorying, maintaining, and purchasing supplies for emergency response and recovery.

Exhibitions and Loans:

  • Assess the condition of objects selected for loans and exhibitions.
  • Prepare collection objects for loan, exhibition, and transport, working closely with the Registrar to ensure compliance with museum standards, loan agreements, and established project deadlines.
  • Apply established handling protocols, specialized microclimates, and transit packing methods to support the safe movement and display of objects.
  • Collaborate with exhibition personnel on the preparation, installation, and deinstallation of collection objects for exhibit.
  • Serve as domestic courier for objects.

Lab Coordination & Public Outreach:

  • Support coordination of conservation lab activities and projects.
  • Manage and facilitate access for researchers and conservation lab visitors.
  • Oversight of conservation volunteers and students.
  • Assist with coordinating and tracking the movement of objects in and out of the conservation laboratory.
  • Participate in public outreach programs including tours, workshops, and other educational programs.

Lab Safety:

  • Assist with conservation laboratory operations including ensuring compliance with federal, state, local, and University of Arizona regulations and policies regarding hazardous chemicals and radiation machines.
  • Maintain adherence to laboratory safety protocols and lab cleanliness.
  • Inventory, research and recommend laboratory supplies and equipment to support conservation activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Working knowledge and experience in object conservation.
  • Demonstrated manual dexterity skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to work with hazardous materials.
  • Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment, one that values and leverages the benefits of a variety of perspectives.
  • Knowledge of the responsibilities and cultural sensitivities involved in working with cultural materials.
  • Knowledge of and experience with hazardous chemicals and safety requirements and standards in conservation laboratories.
  • Knowledge with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
  • Ability to operate and knowledge of technical, analytical, and imaging equipment.
  • Proficiency with various computer programs (Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud).

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