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Museum Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

NOVA Parks

Museum Supervisor

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

The Museum Supervisor is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Carlyle House Museum and ensuring an engaging experience for visitors. The Supervisor is an integral part of the museum ...

City of Alexandria, VA

Museum Technician PT

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$18.67 - $32.85/hr

N/A Part-time Museum Technician The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington, and Fairfax counties. With a population ...

City of Alexandria

Museum Technician PT

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$18.67 - $32.85/hr

Part-time Museum Technician The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington, and Fairfax counties. With a population of ...

HILLWOOD MUSEUM

Sales Assoc.

Washington, DC · On-site

$20.14/hr

Museum Shop Sales Associate Reports to: Head of Merchandise and Shop Experience Employment Status: Part-Time Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens welcomes over 100,000 visitors a year to enjoy our art ...

HILLWOOD MUSEUM

Collections Intern

Washington, DC · On-site

Internship (Non-Exempt) Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Collections Intern to support a cross-departmental initiative focused on improving how collection ...

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All JobsMuseum JobsMuseum Jobs in Reston, VA

Museum information

See Reston, VA salary details

$32.8K

$46K

$58.3K

How much do museum jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum in Reston, VA is $45,979.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,100.00 and $50,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Museum vs Archivist?

AspectMuseumArchivist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in museum studies, history, or related fieldsRequires a degree in library science, archival studies, or related fields
Work EnvironmentMuseums, cultural institutions, educational settingsArchives, libraries, historical repositories
Industry UsageUsed in cultural, educational, and historical sectorsUsed in historical, governmental, and corporate sectors
Job FocusCurating exhibits, educational programs, public engagementPreserving, organizing, and managing archival records

While both Museum professionals and Archivists work with historical and cultural materials, Museum staff focus on curation, public education, and exhibit management, whereas Archivists specialize in preserving and organizing records for long-term access. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What roles are there in a museum?

Museum roles include curators who manage collections, educators who develop programs, conservators who preserve artifacts, registrars who handle documentation, security staff, and administrative personnel. These positions require specific skills, certifications, and knowledge of museum operations and collections management.

What are careers in museums?

Careers in museums include roles such as curators, archivists, education coordinators, conservators, and museum technicians. These positions often require knowledge of history, art, or science, along with skills in research, preservation, and public engagement. Many roles also benefit from relevant degrees and experience with collections management tools.

What are some common challenges faced by museum professionals in curatorial roles?

Museum professionals in curatorial roles often encounter challenges such as balancing the preservation of artifacts with the need for public accessibility, managing limited budgets for exhibitions, and staying updated with evolving digital technologies for collection management. Additionally, curators frequently collaborate with educators, conservators, and external partners to develop engaging exhibits that appeal to diverse audiences. Navigating these responsibilities requires strong project management skills, interdisciplinary teamwork, and a passion for both scholarship and public engagement.

How do you get to work in a museum?

To work in a museum, candidates typically need relevant education or experience in fields like art, history, or education. Job seekers should search for openings through museum websites, job boards, or local employment agencies, and may need to demonstrate skills such as customer service, organization, or knowledge of exhibits. Many museum jobs also require background checks and adherence to safety protocols.

What are different careers at a museum?

Different careers at a museum include archive work, curatorial jobs, and museum security, as just some examples. As a curator, your duties are to curate a museum’s permanent collections and work with museum workers from other institutions to develop new exhibits, tours, and shows. Archivists catalog and prepare artifacts and works of art for the exhibit, clean and restore old pieces, and train new museum workers. Careers with customer service and security responsibilities, such as working at the ticketing office or as gallery security require you to interact with the public and ensure the rules are followed in the museum.

What is a museum?

A museum is an institution that collects, preserves, and displays objects of historical, cultural, artistic, or scientific significance for public education and enjoyment. People who work in museums may serve in a variety of roles, such as curators who manage collections, educators who develop learning programs, conservators who preserve artifacts, and administrators who oversee operations. Their work helps to safeguard heritage, provide valuable research, and create engaging experiences for visitors.

Is it hard to get a job in a museum?

Getting a job in a museum can be competitive, especially for positions such as curators or educators, which often require relevant education, experience, or specialized skills. Entry-level roles may be more accessible, but candidates typically need knowledge of art, history, or collections management, along with strong communication skills. Networking and internships can improve chances of employment in this field.

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

To thrive as a Museum Curator, you need a solid background in art history, cultural studies, or museum studies, often supported by an advanced degree and relevant experience. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital cataloging tools, and conservation techniques is typically required. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong communication abilities help curators engage audiences and manage collections effectively. These skills are vital for preserving artifacts, curating compelling exhibits, and ensuring the museum's educational and cultural mission is fulfilled.
More about Museum jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Museum jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Museum jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Museum jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Museum jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Museum job openings:
Museum jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 70% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,979 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Museum Supervisor

NOVA Parks

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

NOVA Parks rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

709th of 842 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

The Museum Supervisor is responsible for managing the daily operations of the Carlyle House Museum and ensuring an engaging experience for visitors.  The Supervisor is an integral part of the museum staff with opportunity to take on additional projects and tasks as skill set and interests allow. 
Pay Rate: $ 16.00 per hour

Major Duties/Specific Tasks

Security:

  • Open and close museum (keys, security codes, safe).
  • Supervise the safety of visitors, house, collection, and grounds.
  • Knowledge of emergency procedures, basic first aid, and CPR.

Supervisory:

  • Responsible for all aspects of museum operations during shift.
  • Keep site manager up to date on visitor feedback, volunteers, and other pertinent information.
  • Stay up to date on current programming and operational information from Site Manager.
  • Supervise and manage docents.

Visitor Services:

  • Open the facility, to include disarming house, preparing museum rooms for visitors, preparing cash drawers.
  • Welcome visitors.
  • Provide information about the historic site, tours, City of Alexandria, programs, rentals, and NOVA Parks.
  • Handles admissions and museum shop merchandise sales.
  • Answer telephone.
  • Perform cash drawer end of day procedures, including all reports and the daily deposit.
  • Keep areas clean and orderly, stock bathrooms, empty trash, wipe down kitchen surfaces.
  • Ensure museum shop is properly restocked.

Rental duties:

  • Respond to phone and in-person rental inquiries.
  • Position signage for rentals.
  • Explain and enforce policies and procedures.
  • Serve as staff for rentals, on occasion.

Program duties:

  • Promote upcoming programs and provide information to public.
  • Process program reservations and payments.
  • Serve as staff for programs and events.

Tours:

  • Conduct daily tours of house, as needed.
  • Stay current with new research information.
  • Attend training sessions and enrichment lectures.

Public Relations

  • Represent Carlyle House and NOVA Parks to the visiting public in a positive, engaging and respectful manner.
  • Respond to verbal and written inquiries.
  • Explain and enforce rules and policies.
  • Address and resolve complaints from the public.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Minimum age of 18 years.
  • Possession of or ability to obtain valid driver’s license, must maintain safe driving record.
  • Must enjoy working with the public.
  • Must be able to work independently and in a team setting.
  • Experience with historic and/or cultural or community sites is preferred.
  • Experience in visitor and customer service, event rentals, and public programming preferred.
  • Attention to detail is important.
  • Ability to perform a variety of duties, including custodial tasks.
  • Strength and dexterity necessary to perform all required tasks, including lifting, stooping, bending, and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions.
  • Excellent communication skills, via phone, email and in person.
  • Experience giving tours is preferred.
  • Ability to conduct guided tours of the museum.
  • Ability to supervise volunteers.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
  • Weekday, weekend, and some evening work required.
  • This is a year-round position.

What NOVA Parks employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

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