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Museum Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description The Director of Security is responsible for the strategic leadership, administration, and daily oversight of all museum security operations. This position ensures the protection of museum ...

Museum Tour Guide

Plano, TX · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Support museum operations by helping maintain exhibit areas and ensuring displays are presentation ready. * Perform opening and closing responsibilities, including activating and shutting down ...

Museum Aide-Extra Help

Yuba City, CA · On-site

$36K - $50K/yr

Familiarity with museum operations; local history and historical sites; research materials; the fundamental purpose and routine procedures of modern public museums; principles and practices of good ...

Museum Aide-Extra Help

Yuba City, CA · On-site

$36K - $50K/yr

Familiarity with museum operations; local history and historical sites; research materials; the fundamental purpose and routine procedures of modern public museums; principles and practices of good ...

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Museum Operations information

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How much do museum operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum operations in the United States is $24.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $27.64 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.
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What cities are hiring for Museum Operations jobs?

Cities with the most Museum Operations job openings:

What states have the most Museum Operations jobs?

States with the most job openings for Museum Operations jobs include:

Infographic showing various Museum Operations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,239 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Museum Security Officer

Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, RI • On-site

$16.25 - $19.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago


Rhode Island School Of Design rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

147th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

JOB SUMMARY (OVERVIEW)
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a part-time Museum Security Officer to create a positive and welcoming experience by assisting visitors, and ensuring the safety and security of the Museum's property by conducting continuous patrols of the premises.
The RISD Museum was founded on the belief that art, artists, and the institutions that support them play pivotal roles in promoting broad civic engagement and creating more open societies. As one of the three largest university art museums in the United States, the RISD Museum is a place for investigation, transformation, and creative process. The RISD Museum is committed to connecting a diverse public with a collection of art and design from the ancient past to the present day. The Museum Security Office is an essential part of the museum operations.
We seek a culturally competent candidate who will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:
  • Museum Safety: Provide routine protection of galleries, visitors, and school tour groups by making continuous tours throughout the Museum, and informing visitors of museum rules. Ensure appropriate conduct and activity.
  • Customer Service: Utilizes knowledge of RISD Museum and RISD community to help answer routine customer service questions and visitor inquiries regarding Museum events, exhibitions and gallery locations. Answer visitor's questions or direct visitors to someone who can answer. Assist with wayfinding, helping them feel safe, comfortable and empowered in their exploration of the Museum.
  • Collection Safety: Provide protection for our collection by communicating collection safety rules to visitors, and report missing or damaged art work immediately.
  • Visitor Escort: Ensure contractors working within the Museum that you are assigned to escort are operating within the appropriate safety and security guidelines for Museum Operations.
  • Emergency Response: Ensure conditions are safe for visitors. Report any problems or exceptions immediately. Provide initial response and assistance during emergency incidents, including fire, medical, and security. This includes directing visitors during evacuations, implementing shelter in place rules, and calling for assistance immediately.
  • Attend required training, some of which may occur outside of regularly scheduled hours. Actively engage in on-the-job learning opportunities to maintain knowledge of policies and procedures.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIFICATIONS
High School diploma or GED required. Strong communication skills and dependability. Must have demonstrated customer service skills. Minimum of one year customer service experience in a service-oriented environment required. Previous security or related work experience preferred. Ability to work independently and within a team. Ability to complete written reports; follow standard operating procedures; and interact with visitors in a courteous and respectful manner while ensuring the safety of patrons and art. Required to obtain a CPR/AED course completion through training provided by the Museum
Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong preference for prior customer service experience in a higher education, Museum, security, or related industry

Union:
Yes, Museum Guards Association
Work Schedule:
20 - 25 hours per week; 12 months per year.
Thursday 11:45a-8:15p; Saturday 9:45a-5:15p; Sunday 9:45a-5:15p
Employment Status:
Part-Time; Non-exempt, Regular.
Grade:
810NE
Work Modality:
On-campus
Documents Needed to Apply:
Resume (Required)
Cover Letter (Preferred)
Salary Grade Structure
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.
The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.
RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.
For internal use only - Job Family:
Safety & Security

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