Museum Attendant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of art and history, the role of a Museum Attendant is becoming increasingly significant.

With evolving visitor expectations and the ongoing integration of technology, the demand for knowledgeable, flexible and detail-oriented individuals to manage our museums’ collections and ensure a memorable experience for visitors is growing.

But what exactly does the job of a Museum Attendant entail?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring professional seeking to understand the core duties of this position,
• A hiring manager aiming to outline the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the day-to-day operations of a museum,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Museum Attendant job description template, created for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Museum Attendant Duties and Responsibilities

Museum Attendants perform a variety of tasks related to the upkeep of a museum, visitor services, and administrative duties.

They are primarily responsible for assisting visitors and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the museum.

Museum Attendants have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Welcome visitors and provide them with information about exhibits, events, and museum rules
• Monitor museum areas to ensure the safety of the museum’s collections
• Answer visitor questions and provide directions within the museum
• Conduct museum tours and educational programs
• Assist in setting up and dismantling exhibits
• Keep the museum areas clean and tidy
• Handle ticket sales and visitor admissions
• Maintain records of museum attendance and visitor feedback
• Support in emergency situations by implementing evacuation procedures
• Ensure compliance with museum policies and procedures

 

Museum Attendant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a friendly and knowledgeable Museum Attendant to ensure that our visitors have an enjoyable and informative visit.

Museum Attendant responsibilities include greeting and assisting visitors, monitoring exhibits, providing information about exhibits, and maintaining a clean and safe environment.

Our ideal candidate is passionate about history, art, or science, has excellent customer service skills, and is comfortable interacting with people of all ages.

 

Responsibilities

• Greet and assist visitors as they enter and move around the museum
• Provide information about exhibits, museum history, and policies
• Monitor exhibits to prevent potential damage or theft
• Assist with emergency procedures if necessary
• Keep exhibit areas clean and tidy
• Assist with special events, tours, and programs
• Process admission fees and gift shop purchases
• Provide excellent customer service to ensure visitor satisfaction

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; some college preferred
• Previous customer service experience, preferably in a museum or similar setting
• Knowledge of history, art, or science depending on the museum’s focus
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 20 pounds
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, and some evening hours
• Basic computer skills for processing admissions and gift shop sales

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Museum Attendant
• Work Environment: Museum setting, which may include standing for long periods and working in outdoor spaces during events. Some physical tasks may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Museum Manager or Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $22,000 minimum to $35,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Museum Attendant Do?

Museum Attendants work in museums of various kinds including art, history, science, and specialty museums.

Their primary role is to enhance the visitor’s experience and ensure the protection of museum exhibits.

They are responsible for monitoring the exhibit areas, ensuring that the museum’s rules and regulations are followed by visitors, and that the art pieces or exhibits are not touched or damaged.

Museum Attendants often provide information to visitors about the museum exhibits.

They might lead tours, answer questions, or explain the significance and background of various exhibits.

They may also be responsible for selling tickets, managing the merchandise in the museum shop, or assisting in special events and educational programs hosted by the museum.

In some cases, Museum Attendants may also assist in the installation and dismantling of exhibits.

Their role involves a combination of customer service, security, and sometimes, education.

Their overall goal is to make the museum visit informative, enjoyable, and safe for all visitors.

 

Museum Attendant Qualifications and Skills

A competent Museum Attendant should have skills and qualifications that align with the requirements of the job, including:

• Good communication skills to interact effectively with visitors, provide information and answer any queries they might have.
• Excellent customer service skills to ensure visitors have a pleasant and enjoyable experience.
• Knowledge about the museum exhibits, its history, and any relevant information to provide appropriate guidance to visitors.
• Strong observational skills to ensure the safety of exhibits and to prevent any damage or theft.
• Ability to deal with emergencies or unexpected situations in a calm and efficient manner.
• Basic technical skills to operate audio/visual equipment or other interactive exhibits.
• Physical stamina as the job often requires standing for long periods of time and conducting walking tours.
• Administrative skills to manage ticket sales, record visitor numbers and carry out other routine clerical tasks.

 

Museum Attendant Experience Requirements

Museum Attendants often begin their career with a background in art history, museum studies, or a related field, providing them with theoretical knowledge pertinent to the role.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, usually gained through an internship or part-time role at a museum, art gallery, or historical site.

These professionals can also gain relevant experience in roles such as Collection Assistant, Exhibition Assistant, or other museum or cultural institution-related roles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have usually developed their skills in visitor services, exhibition maintenance, and general museum operations through full-time roles as Museum Attendants or similar positions.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience and could be well-equipped for roles involving the supervision of other staff, volunteer coordination, or managing museum events.

Further, they may possess more specialized skills such as conservation techniques or expertise in a particular historical period or type of artwork.

 

Museum Attendant Education and Training Requirements

Museum Attendants typically require a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum education requirement.

Some museums, especially those focusing on specialized fields like art, history, or science, may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a related subject.

For roles that involve guided tours and presentations, coursework or training in public speaking can be beneficial.

Museum attendants should also have a good knowledge of the museum’s collections, exhibits, and the historical or cultural significance of the artifacts.

This can be gained through on-the-job training and/or self-study.

If the attendant role involves administrative tasks, experience or training in areas such as customer service, ticketing systems, or basic IT skills may be beneficial.

While not always required, obtaining a certification in museum studies or a related field can show a dedication to the profession and enhance employment opportunities.

For attendants keen on progressing into museum curator roles, a master’s degree in museum studies, art history, archeology, or a similar field might be necessary.

 

Museum Attendant Salary Expectations

A Museum Attendant can expect to earn an average salary of $28,792 (USD) per year.

This figure may differ based on factors such as years of experience, the size and prestige of the museum, and the specific responsibilities of the role.

Geographic location also plays a significant role in salary variations.

 

Museum Attendant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Museum Attendant need?

Museum Attendants should have strong customer service skills to interact with museum visitors professionally and courteously.

They need to be knowledgeable about the exhibits in their care, often requiring good memorization abilities.

Problem-solving skills are beneficial for handling unexpected issues, and attention to detail is crucial for preserving and monitoring exhibits.

 

Do Museum Attendants need a degree?

A degree is not always required for Museum Attendants, though having a diploma or degree in fields like history, art history, archaeology, or museum studies can be beneficial.

Some museums may prefer candidates with some post-secondary education or prior experience in a customer service role.

 

What should you look for in a Museum Attendant resume?

The ideal Museum Attendant resume should demonstrate a mix of customer service experience and knowledge or interest in the museum’s subject area.

Look for previous roles that required interaction with the public, responsibilities for cash handling, or experience in a museum or gallery.

Any volunteer work, internships, or studies relevant to the museum’s focus can also be an asset.

 

What qualities make a good Museum Attendant?

A good Museum Attendant is enthusiastic about the museum’s subject area and enjoys sharing that passion with visitors.

They are dependable, with a keen eye for detail, to ensure the security and preservation of exhibits.

Strong interpersonal skills are crucial as they interact with a wide variety of visitors, and they should have the patience and communication skills to explain exhibits clearly and answer visitor questions.

 

What are the typical working hours for a Museum Attendant?

Museum Attendants often work during the museum’s opening hours, which can include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Some museums may operate on a shift system.

Part-time positions are quite common in this field.

Some attendants may also be required to work for special events or exhibitions.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the dynamic world of being a museum attendant.

Surprised?

It’s not just about greeting visitors.

It’s about being the bridge between the public and the rich tapestry of history, one artifact at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive museum attendant job description template and authentic examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why rest on your laurels?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting accurate listings or polishing your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Every artifact has its place in the grand scheme of history.

Let’s explore that history. Together.

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