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Museum Collections Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lucas Museum

Manager, Security Operations

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

ABOUT THE LUCAS MUSEUM OF NARRATIVE ART Opening in September 2026, the Lucas Museum of Narrative ... collections, and property through leadership, operational oversight, and people management. The ...

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All JobsMuseum Collections JobsMuseum Collections Manager JobsMuseum Collections Manager Jobs in California

Museum Collections Manager information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$58K

$107.6K

How much do museum collections manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum collections manager in California is $57,953.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $64,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a museum collections manager do?

A Museum Collections Manager is responsible for overseeing the care, documentation, and organization of a museum's collection of objects or artworks. They ensure that items are properly cataloged, stored, and preserved, following established conservation and handling protocols. Collections Managers also facilitate access for researchers, support exhibitions, and may help with acquisitions and loan agreements. Their work is essential to preserving cultural heritage and making museum collections accessible to the public and scholars.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum collections manager, and why are they important?

A Museum Collections Manager should have expertise in art history or museum studies, experience with collection care, and typically a relevant degree such as a master's in museum studies or a related field. Familiarity with collection management systems (like TMS or PastPerfect), conservation techniques, and proper documentation practices is critical. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that help ensure accuracy and collaboration across departments. These competencies are vital for preserving artifacts, maintaining accurate records, and supporting the museum’s mission to educate and engage the public.

What are some common challenges faced by museum collections managers when implementing new collection management systems?

Museum Collections Managers often encounter challenges when introducing new collection management systems, such as ensuring data accuracy during migration, training staff on new procedures, and integrating the system with existing workflows. Coordinating input from various departments and balancing the need for accessibility with security protocols can also be complex. Successful implementation typically involves careful planning, open communication with stakeholders, and ongoing support to adapt to evolving museum needs.

What is the difference between Museum Collections Manager vs Museum Registrar?

AspectMuseum Collections ManagerMuseum Registrar
Primary FocusOversees collection care, preservation, and managementHandles documentation, cataloging, and record-keeping of collections
CredentialsOften requires a degree in museum studies, history, or related fieldsTypically requires similar credentials, with emphasis on record management skills
Work EnvironmentInvolves hands-on collection work, conservation, and planningPrimarily administrative, working with databases and records
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in museums, galleries, and cultural institutionsFound in similar settings, focusing on collection documentation

The Museum Collections Manager and Museum Registrar roles share overlapping credentials and work environments but differ mainly in focus. The Collections Manager emphasizes collection care and preservation, while the Registrar concentrates on documentation and record-keeping. Both positions are vital in museum operations and often work closely together to ensure collections are well-maintained and accurately documented.

What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Collections jobs in California?

The most popular types of Museum Collections jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Museum Collections Manager jobs in California?

For Museum Collections Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Museum Collections Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Collections Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Museum Collections Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Museum Collections Manager job openings:

Museum Collections Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Collections Manager job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $57,953 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Assist./Assoc. Curator, Marine Invertebrates

Los Angeles County Museum Of natural History Foundation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$83K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Assistant/Associate Curator, Marine Invertebrates

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) seeks a full-time Assistant OR Associate Curator, commensurate with experience, of Marine Invertebrates. The successful candidate will conduct collection-based research in integrative invertebrate biology, specifically overseeing the growth and stewardship of the Museum’s echinoderm collection. We are particularly interested in candidates who can tackle big-picture questions in marine biodiversity science and are able to apply research findings to issues of global importance. This role offers a unique opportunity to conduct integrative, specimen-based research at a globally recognized natural history museum. NHMLAC’s marine invertebrate collections are the largest in the western United States, with strengths in benthic macroscopic specimens from the Eastern Pacific as well as globally. These collections house approximately 12 million specimens of extant phyla, with strong emphasis on crustaceans, mollusks, annelids, and echinoderms.  

The Curator is expected to have and expand an active, public facing, and externally funded research program that includes field work. While research interests should span the globe, the position should emphasize California and Southern California-based studies that address questions in biodiversity science, complementing existing strengths of NHMLAC. Additionally, the Curator will supervise staff and volunteers, mentor students, and develop working relationships with local colleges and universities. Active participation in museum activities—including exhibits, education, community science, public outreach and media interactions, and fundraising—is required. 

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. and have a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and competitive external funding. Experience with the care and management of marine invertebrate wet collections is highly desirable. Candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with culturally diverse audiences. NHMLAC deeply values diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and enthusiastically encourages applications from all people, including those who identify as a minority in science, person of color, neurodivergent, a woman, a person with a disability, a veteran, and/or part of the LGBTQAI+ community. Salary ($83,000-112,000) and title (Assistant/Associate) will be commensurate with experience, with a proposed start date of July 1, 2027. 


The application deadline is October 15, 2026. Interested candidates should submit their application materials as a single PDF to Ciel Ramon-Canas at cramoncanas@nhm.org, including “Marine Invertebrate Curator Search” in the subject line. The application must include a cover letter, a 2–3 page statement of proposed research and collection development (including the application of modern methods and informatics to Museum collections), a 1–3 page statement of interest and experience in public engagement, a 1-page statement of experience with and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion in the natural sciences, a curriculum vitae, and full contact information for at least three references. 


NHMLAC’s values—adventurous, inclusive, authentic, and intentional—guide our work and visitor experience, committing us to foster a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace environment where innovation and collaboration thrive and every team member can contribute their unique perspectives to advance our mission. NHMLAC seeks candidates who are aligned with our values and priorities, and are passionate about connecting science with the vibrant and diverse communities we serve throughout Los Angeles.


NHMLAC is a nonprofit organization committed to fostering a workplace and public environment that uplifts Kindness, Fairness, Openness and Dignity. These values extend not only to our employees, but to our guests, local community, and organizational partners. If you are interested in this position, we encourage you to apply!


The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please, no phone calls.