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Museum Operations Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Wlu

Art Museum Operations Assistant

Lexington, VA

$19.50/hr

The Art Museum Operations Assistant supports daily operations, museum programming, external reservation-related coordination, and supports exhibition preparation at the Art Museum. Reporting to the ...

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$57K - $111K/yr

Perform various types of specimen-handling operations, including those that require the operation ... Direct or coordinate museum technicians and specialists, interns, visitors, researchers and ...

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$57K - $111K/yr

Perform various types of specimen-handling operations, including those that require the operation ... Direct or coordinate museum technicians and specialists, interns, visitors, researchers and ...

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Museum Operations information

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How much do museum operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum operations in Virginia is $23.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is museum operations?

Museum Operations involve the management and coordination of all activities that keep a museum running smoothly. This includes overseeing visitor services, facility maintenance, security, educational programs, exhibition installations, and staff management. Professionals in this field ensure that both the public and the collections are safe, and that visitors have an engaging experience. They may also handle budgeting, marketing, and compliance with legal and ethical standards. Effective museum operations are essential for preserving artifacts and providing educational value to the community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in museum operations?

To thrive in Museum Operations, you need a solid understanding of museum management, collections care, and visitor services, often supported by a degree in museum studies or a related field. Familiarity with collection management systems, ticketing platforms, and facility management software is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating staff and engaging the public. These skills ensure smooth daily operations, protect valuable collections, and create positive visitor experiences crucial to a museum’s success.

What are some common challenges faced in museum operations and how can new team members prepare for them?

Professionals in museum operations often encounter challenges such as balancing visitor experience with artifact preservation, managing large events, and coordinating across diverse departments like curatorial, education, and security. New team members can prepare by developing strong communication skills, learning basic conservation principles, and becoming familiar with the museum's emergency and safety protocols. Embracing flexibility and proactively seeking feedback from colleagues can also help ease the transition and foster effective collaboration.

Is it difficult to get a job in a museum?

Securing a museum operations position can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a degree in museum studies, history, or a related field, along with experience in administration, customer service, or collections management. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with museum tools or software can improve job prospects, but entry-level roles are generally accessible with the right qualifications.

What are popular job titles related to Museum Operations jobs in Virginia?

For Museum Operations jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Museum Operations jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Museum Operations jobs in Virginia are:

Museum Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Operations job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,808 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Art Museum Operations Assistant

Lexington, VA

Wlu
See more jobs at Wluexternal

$19.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in coordinating frontline work schedules and ensure proper coverage for shifts.

  • Support onsite operations, including opening, closing, and coverage at museum sites, and serve as a point of contact during public hours and external reservations.

  • Help with exhibition preparation, setup, and breakdown, and track attendance and gather visitor feedback.

Job description

The Art Museum Operations Assistant supports daily operations, museum programming, external reservation-related coordination, and supports exhibition preparation at the Art Museum. Reporting to the Visitor Services and Operations Manager (VSOM), this position schedules museum front line staff, assists with onsite operations and programming, and ensures policy compliance. This outward-facing role involves close engagement with visitors, event organizers, and museum staff, requiring strong customer service skills, professionalism, organization, and communication in a collaborative and creative environment.
Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.

Essential Functions

  • Assists in the coordination of frontline work schedules, ensuring proper coverage for shifts through effective communication with team members.
  • Assists with onsite operations, including the opening and closing of Art Museum sites and coverage on Saturdays.
  • Provides on-site support during public hours at Art Museum locations when full-time staff are not available, serving as the primary point of contact for visitor and operational needs.
  • Ensures museum policies and procedures are upheld during external reservations and serves as an on-the-ground contact for the organizing group should any questions or issues arise during the event.
  • May assist the Collections team with exhibition preparation needs.
  • Supports museum projects and assists with campus-wide initiatives and annual events that promote the museum.
  • Responsible for tracking attendance of external reservations held at the Reeves Museum of Ceramics and Waston Galleries.
  • Assists with the physical setup and breakdown of external reservations at the Reeves Museum of Ceramics and Watson Galleries.
  • Assists with the collection and analysis of visitor feedback.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Wednesday - Friday, 1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Pay Rate: The hourly pay for this position is $19.50.

Minimum Qualifications

  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required (Associate's Degree preferred)
  • Experience working in hospitality, public schools, museums, galleries, or academic institutions is preferred.
  • Experience with exhibition preparationpreferred.
  • Must be able to work on weekends and some evenings.
  • Must be detail-oriented, have the ability to multi-task, and possess strong organizational skills.
  • Must be a self-starter and have the ability to work independently and in a professional, discrete, and courteous manner with staff and clients.
  • Should be able to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and remain calm and effective during high-stress situations.
  • Must be able to respond to security or emergency situations calmly and with good judgment.

Application Instructions:

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.Required materials include:
Cover letter
Resume
Names and contact information for three professional references

Application instructions for internal and external candidates can be found at: http://www.wlu.edu/employment-opportunities

Position Type:

Non-Exempt, Part Time, Non-Benefit Eligible Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer seekingcandidates committed to high standards of scholarship, performance, professionalism, and to a welcoming campus community. Job description requirements are representative, but not allinclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

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