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Museum Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DISCOVERY PLACE INC

Museum Educator

Charlotte, NC · On-site

We hope to forge a future where science catalyzes, creating boundless opportunities, fostering hope ... Greet guests as they enter the museum * Check in guests and sell retail items through the point-of ...

DISCOVERY PLACE INC

Museum Educator

Charlotte, NC

We hope to forge a future where science catalyzes, creating boundless opportunities, fostering hope ... Greet guests as they enter the museum * Check in guests and sell retail items through the point-of ...

Brown County

Museum Director

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$95K/yr

Job Summary Oversees the museum operations, provides for the collection and preservation/conservation of relevant and significant objects of art, history, and science from or used in Northeast ...

DISCOVERY PLACE INC

Museum Educator

Charlotte, NC · On-site

We hope to forge a future where science catalyzes, creating boundless opportunities, fostering hope ... Greet guests as they enter the museum * Check in guests and sell retail items through the point-of ...

DISCOVERY PLACE INC

Museum Educator

Charlotte, NC

We hope to forge a future where science catalyzes, creating boundless opportunities, fostering hope ... Greet guests as they enter the museum * Check in guests and sell retail items through the point-of ...

Brown County, WI

Museum Director

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$95K/yr

Neville Public Museum, 210 Museum Pl. Green Bay, WI Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 2026-00818 ... science from or used in Northeast Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; interprets ...

Tohono O'odham Nation

Museum Specialist

Sells, AZ · On-site

$24.01/hr

Associate's Degree in Library Science, Anthropology or closely related field, and two years' work experience in a museum, cultural institution, or similar organization, or an equivalent combination ...

Tohono O'odham Nation

Museum Specialist

Sells, AZ · On-site

$24.01/hr

Associate's Degree in Library Science, Anthropology or closely related field, and two years' work experience in a museum, cultural institution, or similar organization, or an equivalent combination ...

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Museum Scientist information

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$91K

$160K

How much do museum scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum scientist in the United States is $90,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a museum scientist do?

A Museum Scientist is responsible for researching, preserving, and managing museum collections, which may include artifacts, specimens, or artworks. They often work behind the scenes to identify, catalog, and study objects, ensuring their proper care and storage. Museum Scientists may also develop exhibitions, conduct scientific analysis, and support educational programs, contributing to the museum's mission of public engagement and scholarship.

What are some common challenges museum scientists face when managing and preserving collections?

Museum Scientists often encounter challenges such as preventing deterioration of artifacts due to environmental factors like humidity, light, and pests. Balancing public access with the need for preservation can also be complex, as frequent handling or display may increase risks. Additionally, staying current with advancements in conservation methods and technology is essential, requiring ongoing learning and collaboration with other specialists. Effective communication with curators, conservators, and educators is key to ensuring collections are both protected and accessible for research and public engagement.

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

To thrive as a Museum Scientist, you need a strong background in scientific research, specimen curation, and a relevant degree in fields such as biology, geology, or chemistry. Familiarity with collection management systems, digitization tools, and laboratory equipment is often required, alongside certifications in collections care or conservation. Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help you effectively manage collections and share findings with both academic and public audiences. These skills ensure the preservation, accurate documentation, and accessibility of museum collections for education and research.

What is the difference between Museum Scientist vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum ScientistMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Museum Studies, Archaeology, or related fields; often requires research experienceBachelor’s or Master’s in Museum Studies, Art History, or related fields; may require curatorial experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, conservation labs, fieldwork, and exhibit developmentExhibition planning, collection management, public engagement, and educational programs
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, research institutions, conservation labsMuseums, galleries, cultural institutions

While both roles work within museums, a Museum Scientist primarily focuses on research, conservation, and scientific analysis of collections, whereas a Museum Curator manages collections, develops exhibits, and engages with the public. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path within the museum industry.

How do you become a museum scientist?

To become a museum scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, geology, or anthropology is required, often followed by a master's or doctoral degree for advanced positions. Gaining experience through internships, research, or volunteering in museums or related institutions is also important, along with developing skills in specimen analysis, conservation, and data management.

What cities are hiring for Museum Scientist jobs?

Cities with the most Museum Scientist job openings:

What states have the most Museum Scientist jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Museum Scientist jobs?

For Museum Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Museum Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,961 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Museum Curator

Port Hueneme Cbc Base, CA • On-site

Library Systems & Services LLC
Libraries and Archives • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Library Systems & Services LLCexternal

$71K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Inventory artifacts in museum storage areas, including opening containers, identifying objects, reconciling contents, and documenting collection information.

  • Catalog artifacts and create or update accurate object-level collection records using museum-approved terminology and practices.

  • Produce digital photographs of artifacts, edit and organize image files, and support the museum's collection digitization initiative.

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Museum Curator will support a museum focusing on modern naval history in Port Hueneme, California. The Curator will contribute to a major inventory and digitization initiative involving approximately 17,000 historical objects comprising a wide range of formats. Working on-site with museum leadership and collection staff, the selected candidate will inventory, catalog, photograph, clean, rehouse, and safeguard artifacts while applying current museum collection management and digital asset management practices. The position requires a hands-on museum professional who can work independently, exercise sound judgment, and handle valuable historical materials with exceptional care.
Responsibilities:
  • Inventory artifacts maintained in museum storage areas, including opening storage containers, identifying objects, reconciling contents, and documenting collection information.
  • Catalog artifacts and create or update accurate object-level collection records using museum-approved terminology, procedures, and collection management practices.
  • Produce consistent, high-quality digital photographs of artifacts for identification, documentation, research, and public-access purposes.
  • Edit, process, name, organize, and manage digital image files using Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe Acrobat Professional, and other authorized applications.
  • Carefully unpack, handle, clean, inspect, and repack artifacts using appropriate museum handling and preventive-conservation practices.
  • Rehouse collection materials using suitable storage materials and commercial or professional museum practices.
  • Support the museum's broader collection digitization initiative and help improve access to collection information for Navy personnel, researchers, and the public.
  • Apply current museum collection management standards, digital asset management practices, institutional policies, and professional ethical principles.
  • Identify collection discrepancies, handling concerns, storage issues, damaged objects, incomplete documentation, or other risks and promptly elevate them to museum leadership.
  • Maintain organized workspaces and protect Government-furnished equipment, supplies, collection records, and historical materials.
  • Communicate effectively with the Museum Director, museum employees, Navy personnel, contractors, researchers, and visitors of varying ages and abilities.
  • Complete routine work and special assignments independently while responding flexibly to Government priorities, training, and procedural direction.

Requirements
Mandatory Qualifications
  • U.S. citizenship.
  • Bachelor's degree in museum studies, public history, history, anthropology, archaeology, art history, library or information science, material culture, or a closely related discipline. Relevant specialized museum experience may be considered in place of part of the education requirement.
  • At least three years of progressively responsible experience supporting museum collections, historical artifacts, cultural heritage collections, or a comparable institutional collection.
  • Working knowledge of current museum collection management standards and professional best practices.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting museum inventories and maintaining accurate object-level documentation.
  • Experience safely unpacking, handling, cleaning, examining, rehousing, and repacking historical artifacts.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in digital object photography, including lighting, image composition, focus, scale, file quality, and consistent photographic documentation.
  • Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop Elements and Adobe Acrobat Professional.
  • Working knowledge of digital asset management principles, including file naming, metadata, image organization, version control, storage, and access.
  • Ability to advocate for and implement institutional policies and professional practices governing museum digital assets.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with museum staff, Navy personnel, researchers, and visitors of varying ages and abilities.
  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a museum team and independently with limited procedural direction.
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational ability, judgment, and commitment to protecting valuable historical and educational materials.
  • Ability to work on-site in Port Hueneme, California, during the museum's regular operating hours.
  • Ability to walk, stand for extended periods, bend, stoop, reach, climb ladders, and lift or carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in museum studies, public history, history, anthropology, archaeology, art history, library and information science, or a related field.
  • Five or more years of professional museum collection management or curatorial experience.
  • Experience working with military history, naval history, engineering, construction, material culture, industrial artifacts, uniforms, equipment, tools, or three-dimensional historical objects.
  • Experience supporting a federal museum, military museum, government cultural heritage program, or other public-sector collection.
  • Experience with museum collection management systems such as Axiell Collections, TMS, PastPerfect, Re:discovery Proficio, MuseumPlus, or a comparable platform.
  • Familiarity with Naval History and Heritage Command collection management policies or comparable federal museum standards.
  • Knowledge of preventive conservation, integrated pest management, environmental monitoring, object condition reporting, and appropriate storage materials.
  • Experience creating controlled vocabularies, structured metadata, digital asset records, and standardized image-file naming conventions.
  • Experience performing collection reconciliation, location control, accession-number verification, and inventory discrepancy resolution.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish repeatable photography, inventory, quality-control, and digital-file-management workflows.
  • Familiarity with professional guidance issued by organizations such as the American Alliance of Museums, International Council of Museums, or Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections.
  • Experience training or guiding staff, interns, volunteers, or junior personnel in artifact handling, photography, inventory, or digitization procedures.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, climb ladders, and work in museum storage and collection areas for extended periods while inventorying, photographing, cleaning, and rehousing artifacts.
  • Ability to safely lift, carry, push, and move collection materials, storage containers, and museum equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Ability to perform repetitive manual tasks requiring fine motor skills and visual acuity, including handling delicate historical artifacts, operating photography equipment, and using computer systems for cataloging, digital image processing, and documentation.

Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long-Term Disability
  • Training & Development

EEO Statement
The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.
Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.
Salary Description
$71,000 - $85,000

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