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Museum Store Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Retail - Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25/hr

Retail Associate - Pokemon Fossil Museum Exhibition Store (The Field Museum) Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience ...

Warehouse - Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Warehouse Associate - Pokemon Fossil Museum Exhibition Store (The Field Museum) Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience ...

Warehouse - Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Warehouse Associate - Pokemon Fossil Museum Exhibition Store (The Field Museum) Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience ...

Warehouse Associate - Pokemon Fossil Museum Exhibition Store (The Field Museum) Who are we: For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience ...

This role manages the museum's mid-level donor pipeline, driving acquisition, retention, and ... Discounts on dining in Marisol and in our award-winning MCA Store. * Access to our onsite library.

Maintain oversight of VE procedures for ticketing setup of museum admission and programs ... Support ongoing training efforts and serve as a role model for VE Assistants and Associates.

... associates and management. * In-Store Support Conduct regular store visits to evaluate product presentation and brand visibility. Capture photos and submit detailed visit reports through the ...

... associates and management. * In-Store Support Conduct regular store visits to evaluate product presentation and brand visibility. Capture photos and submit detailed visit reports through the ...

... associates and management. * In-Store Support Conduct regular store visits to evaluate product presentation and brand visibility. Capture photos and submit detailed visit reports through the ...

Monitor Visitor Experience Associate data requests and respond appropriately. * Prepare weekly ... General mobility throughout the museum. BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE MCA INCLUDE: * Individual and ...

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Cook - Field Museum Pay Range : $19.00 to $23.00 We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job ... Stores or discards excess food in accordance with safe food-handling procedures. * Keeps ...

Cook

Chicago, IL

$19 - $23/hr

Cook - Field Museum Pay Range : $19.00 to $23.00 We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job ... Stores or discards excess food in accordance with safe food-handling procedures. * Keeps ...

Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Cook - Field Museum Pay Range : $19.00 to $23.00 We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job ... Stores or discards excess food in accordance with safe food-handling procedures. * Keeps ...

Museum Store Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$16

$18

How much do museum store associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum store associate in Chicago, IL is $16.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $17.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Museum Store Associates?

Museum Store Associates are retail professionals who work within museum gift shops, providing customer service, assisting with sales, and maintaining store displays. They help visitors find souvenirs, books, and educational materials related to the museum's exhibits. In addition to sales duties, they may also handle inventory, process transactions, and answer questions about store merchandise or current exhibitions. Their role is essential in creating a positive visitor experience and supporting the museum's mission through retail operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Museum Store Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Store Associate, you need strong customer service abilities, basic retail math skills, and preferably experience in sales or merchandising. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and cash handling procedures is typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and a friendly demeanor are standout soft skills for this role. These skills are crucial for delivering a positive visitor experience, ensuring accurate transactions, and supporting the museum's revenue goals.

What is the difference between Museum Store Associate vs Museum Gift Shop Clerk?

AspectMuseum Store AssociateMuseum Gift Shop Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; customer service experienceHigh school diploma; customer service experience
Work EnvironmentMuseum retail store, often part of a cultural or historical institutionGift shop within a museum, similar setting
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, cultural centers, art institutionsMuseums, historical sites, cultural venues
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Museum Store Associate and Museum Gift Shop Clerk roles are similar, both working in museum retail environments and requiring customer service skills. The main difference lies in job titles used by employers; 'Museum Store Associate' may imply a broader role with additional responsibilities, while 'Museum Gift Shop Clerk' often refers to entry-level positions focused on sales and customer assistance. Both positions serve to enhance visitor experience and promote museum merchandise.

How does a Museum Store Associate typically collaborate with museum staff and visitors?

Museum Store Associates frequently interact with both museum staff and visitors to enhance the overall guest experience. They work closely with curatorial and education teams to stay informed about current exhibits and merchandise related to them, ensuring they can answer visitor questions and make relevant product suggestions. Associates also help coordinate with inventory managers and visual merchandisers to keep displays fresh and aligned with museum themes. This role requires excellent communication, teamwork, and a customer-focused attitude to create a welcoming, informative retail environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Store jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Museum Store jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Museum Store Associate jobs in Chicago, IL? For Museum Store Associate jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Museum Store Associate jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Store Associate jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Museum Store Associate jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Museum Store Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Museum Store Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 25% Temporary, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,798 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Retail - Associate

Retail - Associate

SSA Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

$17.25/hr

Temporary

Posted 18 days ago


SSA Group rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

508th of 728 rated retailers


Job description

Who are we:
For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused.
We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey.
Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact. We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities.
Retail Associate - Pokemon Fossil Museum Exhibition Store (The Field Museum)
Who are we:
For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey. Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact. We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities.
Position Title: Retail Associate Pokemon Fossil Museum Exhibition Store (The Field Museum)
Type of Position: Part Time/Seasonal
Reports to: Retail Supervisor(s), Assistant Retail Operations Manager, and Retail Operations Manager
Responsibilities
  • Support the Pokemon Fossil Museum Exhibition Store's operations: Cashier/Check-out service, ticket taking, crowd management, inventory, merchandising.

  • Fulfill guest's needs quickly and efficiently.

  • Inform retail leadership in a timely manner when item quantities are low or special request. Working with warehouse team to pull & fill items as necessary.

  • Relay relevant comments received from customers directly to supervisor.

  • Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment.

  • Uphold company policies and procedures.

  • Perform the steps of SSA 452 Hospitality to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client.

  • Check and stock supplies in counter area, floor display, floor stands and cabinets neatly, accurately, and in a timely fashion.

  • Clean tables, chairs, equipment as needed.

  • Keep counter and floor in work or service area clean and free of debris.

  • Maintain balanced cash drawer as assigned.

  • Perform other related duties, tasks, and responsibilities as assigned from time to time.

  • Merchandise product to maximize sales.

  • Increase sales by promotional items or suggestive selling.

  • Supports unit in being an example for Company & Client guidelines with regard to Sustainability/Conservation efforts. Displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.

  • Supports SSA / Pokemon Fossil Museum in driving community effort through hiring efforts, engagement activities, and focus on opportunities of giving back.

  • Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.

Job Requirements
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

  • Thrive in a team environment while having the ability to work independently and demonstrated flexibility in a fast-paced environment.

  • Demonstrated ability to understand and implement written and verbal instructions.

  • Computer knowledge and skill level basic POS systems, and excel.

  • Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (10-35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.

  • Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

IDEA + Belonging
  • Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units

  • Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels

  • Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary

  • Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back

Previous Experience
  • None required. Previous experience in guest-facing operations (Retail, Cashier, Ambassador, Guest Services, Concierge, Hospitality, Food Service) preferred.

  • Knowledge of the Pokemon brand and affiliated merchandise preferred.

  • All education backgrounds eligible.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. The Company reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)
Compensation and Benefits
  • On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.

  • Holiday pay of 1.5x the regular rate is provided for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day.

  • Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location.

Locations include: Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C.. Colorado: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Maryland: Employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year, as required under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Washington: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, in accordance with the Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time.
SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact.
All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").
San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.
OFFICE USE ONLY:
#LI-DNI
SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact.
All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").
San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.

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