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Museum Exhibit Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Industrial Designer

Beaverton, OR · On-site +1

$80K - $95K/yr

... exhibit, or fixture design are encouraged to apply!) * 2-5 years of experience developing physical ... Experience in experiential marketing, retail displays, trade shows, museum exhibits, architectural ...

Museum Exhibit information

See Oregon salary details

$11.6K

$51.6K

$66.1K

How much do museum exhibit jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum exhibit in Oregon is $51,570.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,200.00 and $60,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to work at a museum exhibit?

To work at a museum exhibit, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring a college degree in fields like art, history, or museum studies. Relevant skills include attention to detail, good communication, and familiarity with exhibit design or conservation tools; prior experience in museums or related environments can be beneficial.

What is a museum exhibit?

A museum exhibit is a curated display or presentation of objects, artifacts, artwork, or information designed to educate, inform, or inspire visitors. Exhibits can be permanent or temporary and are often organized around specific themes, periods, or topics. They use a variety of media, such as labels, interactive displays, and multimedia, to engage audiences and enhance learning. Museum exhibits play a key role in preserving and interpreting cultural, historical, scientific, or artistic heritage for the public.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working on museum exhibits, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals involved in museum exhibits often encounter challenges such as balancing historical accuracy with engaging storytelling, managing tight budgets, and coordinating input from diverse stakeholders like curators, designers, and educators. Navigating these complexities requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and creative problem-solving. Building collaborative relationships and maintaining flexibility can help ensure the exhibit meets both educational and aesthetic goals while staying within resource constraints.

What is the difference between Museum Exhibit vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum ExhibitMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized training or certification in exhibit design or educationBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Museum Studies, History, or related field; often requires experience in curation
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, or exhibition spaces; focus on display setup and visitor engagementMuseums, cultural institutions; responsible for collection management and exhibit planning
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by museums and galleries to describe display rolesUsed by museums to describe professional roles overseeing collections and exhibits

The main difference is that a Museum Exhibit focuses on creating and setting up displays for visitors, while a Museum Curator manages collections and oversees exhibit development. Both roles are essential in a museum setting but involve different responsibilities and qualifications.

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

Success as a Museum Exhibit Designer requires strong skills in spatial design, art history, and visual storytelling, often supported by a degree in design, museum studies, or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, CAD programs, and 3D modeling tools is typically necessary. Creativity, attention to detail, and excellent collaboration skills help designers create engaging and educational visitor experiences. These competencies are vital for developing exhibits that effectively convey content, attract diverse audiences, and support the museum’s mission.

How do I get to work in a museum exhibit?

To work in a museum exhibit role, you typically need relevant education or experience in museum studies, art, history, or related fields. Gaining skills in exhibit design, installation, and conservation, along with familiarity with tools like CAD or exhibit software, can improve your chances. Applying through museum job boards, internships, or volunteering can also help you enter this field.

What are the easiest museum exhibit jobs to get?

Entry-level museum exhibit jobs such as exhibit assistant or preparator are generally easier to obtain, as they often require minimal experience and focus on tasks like setup, maintenance, and cleaning. These roles may require basic knowledge of museum procedures and tools, and sometimes a high school diploma or equivalent.
Infographic showing various Museum Exhibit job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% 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 $51,570 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Protection Services Officer II (Full-Time)

Portland Art Museum

Portland, OR

$23.11 - $29.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Hello, art person! We’re so glad you’re here.

When you think of an art museum, you might picture paintings or sculptures. But art is so much more than the “traditional” forms you’re used to seeing in galleries. Nobody knows that better than Portland. Our city is bursting with all kinds of art forms–from craft beverages and comic books to artisan chocolate and collectible sneakers. There’s no one way to make art, and there’s no one way to be an art person.

That’s why you belong here. We’re a place that has room for all kinds of art (and art people).

We are a dynamic institution with multiple locations. Adjacent to the Museum campus in downtown, Portland, PAM CUT // Center for the Untold Tomorrow is an inclusive, modern, and welcoming hub serving a broad range of artists and audiences across all media art. Also nearby is the nonprofit Rental Sales Gallery representing regional artists. Across the river, in SE Portland PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater embraces cinematic storytelling in all its form through unique one-night-only events.

Job Description

The Protection Services Officer II (PSO II) role at the Portland Art Museum will perform a critical role by protecting the safety of visitors, staff and Museum property. PSO II’s work in various locations throughout the Museum including the lobby, control room, Mark building, and patrolling the campus. This role will be cross trained to work in different locations.

In this role, you will

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Acts as the first responder to disruptive persons on museum properties
  • Interacts with visitors in a welcoming manner by assisting with wayfinding and providing information related to the Museum collection, public programs, and events
  • Conducts control room operations to include all emergency monitoring systems, intrusion detection systems and camera systems
  • Communicate museum policies in a respectful manner
  • Resolve conflict using de-escalation techniques and upholding equity and inclusion values
  • Safeguard Museum assets, property, equipment, and facilitates against illegal and destructive acts
  • Respond to medical related situations and incidents, will administer first aid, CPR, and NARCAN when appropriate (within certification and training limits)
  • Operate and monitor the Museum’s security, fire alarm, and closed circuit TV systems
  • Respond and remove visitors who are trespassing or exhibit harassment, discrimination, threatening, disrespectful or hostile behaviors
  • Communicating with law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical personnel
  • Initiating building evacuations and conducts building sweeps during fire evacuations
  • Dispatches PSOs to perform routine tasks and respond to requests for assistance when appropriate
  • Initiate important notification functions via phone, email, radio or Alert Media
  • Report and document incidents and hazardous conditions with objectivity, respect and an awareness of racial equity and free of assumptions, bias, or stereotypes
  • Opening and closing the Museum
  • Secures premises and personnel by patrolling internal and external property and access points
  • Offsite patrols at locations such as RSG, PAM CUT, storage facilities, etc.
  • Responds and investigates security breaches, incidents, and other alarming behaviors
  • Provide backup support to lobby PSO
  • Assists with training and development of new security staff members
  • Loss and found management
  • Process mail and oversee shipment and deliveries
  • Helps adherence to the “Visitor Agreement to Safe & Inclusive Spaces”

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Utilize radio for department communications and other technology such as computers, i-Pad, etc
  • Attend ongoing training and learning opportunities
  • Promote and support institutional equity and inclusion goals
  • Maintain confidentiality regarding the Museum’s proprietary information and operations
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

To be successful in this role, you have these requirements

  • Minimum 4 years of experience in security operations, law enforcement, military environment or a related field
  • Offsite training for PSO II role must be successfully completed within 90 days
  • Current Oregon Department of Public Standards Safety Training (DPSST) Unarmed certification highly preferred or must be obtained within 90 days
  • CPR & AED training certification or must be obtained within 90 days
  • Experience with use of force continuum
  • Experience with access control, CCTV, and fire systems
  • Less than lethal or defensive tactics training preferred (i.e. reflex protect spray)
  • Experience with de-escalation of hostile and potentially violent individuals
  • Approachable demeanor with a people-first value
  • Basic knowledge of security principles
  • Work collaboratively in an equitable and inclusive framework with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds
  • Comfortable dealing with conflict, de-escalation, and confrontation
  • Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills
  • Basic operational knowledge of computers including word processing and email
  • Prior security or similar experience in environments that include interactions with people experiencing mental illness and or under the influence of drugs/alcohol
  • Effective problem solving skills

In order to successfully complete the first 90 day of employment, possession of all the following are required: DPSST, NARCAN training, and First Aid, CPR & AED certification

If you have any questions along the way including wanting to talk about a nontraditional career background, please reach out to HR.
Job Conditions & Physical Activities

  • Schedule/Hours: 42 hours per week
    • Night Shift: Wednesday to Sunday or Thursday to Monday
  • Onsite/Not Remote
  • Evening hours and must be available to work weekends, holidays, and special events as necessary. This is a 24/7/365 day work environment
  • On-call rotation required
  • Overtime and weekends required
  • Mandatory Security dress code
  • Works with emergency equipment including first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, and AED devices
  • Will require working outdoors periodically in order to secure the premises
  • Occasionally lift/push/pull up to 50lbs in emergencies
  • Frequently ascends and descends stairs
  • Occasionally remains stationary for prolonged periods of time but in an emergency will require rapid movement through the Museum campus
  • Occasionally grasping and handling of objects such as pens, computer mouse, and radio
  • Frequently talking with colleagues and visitors
  • Occasionally operates a computer and other office equipment, such as a phone, i-Pad, and printer
  • Frequently listening and communicating to callers on the radio
  • Occasionally exposed to inclement weather
  • This list highlights key physical and environmental conditions related to the role but is not an exhaustive representation of all job requirements. Additional tasks and expectations may apply based on operational needs.
Benefits
  • This role is non-exempt/hourly and full-time.
  • The budgeted compensation falls within pay grade F ($23.11 min - $26.45 mid - $29.80 max), based on experience
  • Shift differentials (for hourly/non-exempt staff working onsite):
    • Evening hours (6:00 pm-12:00 am) will be paid an additional $1.00 per hour
    • Night hours (12:01 am-6:00 am) will be paid an additional $2.00 per hour
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement plan with employer match
  • Generous paid time off and holidays
  • Employee perks and discounts
Application Process for Protection Services Officer II

Ready to join our team? To be considered please submit your resume, cover letter, and four references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application materials will be screened and interview candidates will be selected and notified by email. All applicants will be notified once the position is filled.

Closing Date: OPEN UNTIL FILLED