Museum Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of culture and history, the role of museum technicians is increasingly essential.

As society continues to value preservation and education, the demand for skilled individuals who can maintain, organize and protect our cultural treasures grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a museum technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the behind-the-scenes operations of museums,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable museum technician job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Museum Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Museum Technicians play a vital role in preserving and presenting historical artifacts and works of art.

They typically handle tasks related to the care, display, and storage of museum collections.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Helping to acquire, store, and exhibit collections
• Preserving and restoring objects in the museum’s collection
• Assisting in the design and installation of exhibits
• Maintaining records of the museum’s collections and keeping a detailed catalog of items
• Conducting research related to the objects and collections
• Handling delicate objects and artifacts with care and according to established protocols
• Assisting visitors, providing information and answering queries about the collection
• Ensuring the security of collections by monitoring environmental conditions and taking necessary precautions
• Working with other museum professionals, like curators and conservators, to optimize the display and storage of collections

 

Museum Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated museum technician to join our team.

The ideal candidate will help in the preservation of artifacts, document and maintain collections, and assist in exhibit preparation.

A museum technician should possess a keen interest in history, art, and culture, be skilled in handling delicate objects, and have excellent organizational and cataloging skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Preserve, store, and catalog museum collections
• Assist in the installation and dismantling of exhibits
• Monitor and control environmental conditions in storage areas and exhibition spaces
• Maintain records and create detailed reports on the condition of items
• Conduct research to ascertain the origin and authenticity of artifacts
• Assist with public education programs and tours
• Work closely with curators and other museum staff
• Comply with museum standards and guidelines for artifact handling

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a museum technician or a similar role in a museum, gallery, or related setting
• Knowledge of collection management systems and practices
• Experience handling delicate items with care
• Strong research and cataloging skills
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Art, Anthropology, or related field

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Museum Technician
• Work Environment: Museum setting. Some weekend and evening work may be required for special events or exhibit installations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Museum Director or Curator.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• 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 Technician Do?

Museum Technicians, also known as conservators, primarily work in museums, historical sites, or similar institutions.

They can also be self-employed or work for private collectors or corporations.

Their main role is to preserve, conserve, and restore artifacts and works of cultural or historical significance.

This includes a variety of objects like sculptures, paintings, textiles, archaeological artifacts, or historical documents.

Museum Technicians examine items to ascertain their condition and the type of preservation needed.

They clean, repair, and restore these objects, using precision instruments and a variety of specialized techniques and materials.

They also document their findings and treatments in detail, maintaining comprehensive records for each artifact.

This documentation includes information about the item’s history, condition, and the methods used for preservation or restoration.

Museum Technicians often work closely with Museum Curators to install and dismantle exhibits.

They prepare and arrange artifacts in a manner that displays them effectively and protects them from potential damage.

Additionally, they are responsible for implementing and monitoring environmental control conditions that can affect the artifacts, such as temperature and humidity levels.

They may also participate in educational programming, giving presentations or leading workshops about artifact conservation.

 

Museum Technician Qualifications and Skills

Museum Technicians require a unique blend of skills and qualifications to work effectively, including:

• Strong attention to detail to handle and preserve museum artifacts accurately and safely.
• Proficiency in database management to catalog and maintain records of the museum’s collections.
• Basic conservation and preservation skills to care for, restore and prevent damage to museum collections.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with museum staff, visitors, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively with curators, conservators, and other museum professionals.
• Research skills to assist in the acquisition, identification, and authentication of artifacts.
• Physical fitness and dexterity to handle delicate and often heavy objects.
• Technical skills to install and dismantle exhibits, including knowledge of lighting, mounting, and other display techniques.

 

Museum Technician Experience Requirements

Museum Technicians typically require a bachelor’s degree in museum studies, history, archaeology, or a related field.

This educational background provides a solid foundation of understanding about museum operations, conservation principles, and the handling and storage of artifacts.

Many Museum Technicians gain practical experience through internships or volunteer work at a museum or historical site while still in college.

This hands-on experience is invaluable for learning the day-to-day operations of a museum, as well as the intricacies of artifact handling and preservation.

For entry-level roles, candidates may have between 1 to 2 years of relevant experience, often gained through internships, part-time roles or volunteer work in museums or historical sites.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are often more adept at handling sensitive artifacts, managing collections, and conducting research.

They may have also gained experience in exhibition development and installation.

Those with over 5 years of experience are likely to have gained significant expertise in their field, may have managed large-scale projects or exhibits, and are likely to have leadership or supervisory experience.

Such candidates are often considered for roles such as Lead Museum Technician or Collection Manager.

 

Museum Technician Education and Training Requirements

Museum Technicians typically require a bachelor’s degree in art history, archaeology, anthropology, history, or museum studies.

They also need to possess a comprehensive understanding of the procedures and techniques related to museum work and collection care.

This includes knowledge of proper handling, conservation, and storage methods for various types of artifacts.

Some positions may require Museum Technicians to have a master’s degree in museum studies or a related field, particularly for more specialized or senior roles.

Internships or volunteer work in museums, historical sites, or archives are highly beneficial as they provide practical experience in collections work and cataloging.

There is also a certification available through the American Association of Museums, which while not mandatory, can enhance a candidate’s credibility and employment prospects.

Continued education and training opportunities, such as attending workshops, seminars, and conferences, are encouraged in order to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field.

 

Museum Technician Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Museum Technician is approximately $44,150 (USD) per year.

The actual income can vary greatly based on factors such as experience, the size and type of the museum, and geographic location.

 

Museum Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Museum Technician need?

Museum Technicians should have excellent organizational and documentation skills as they are responsible for cataloguing and maintaining museum collections.

They should have a good eye for detail, and strong observational skills to inspect and assess the condition of exhibits.

Basic knowledge of conservation techniques and computer databases is also essential.

 

Do Museum Technicians need a degree?

Most Museum Technician positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as museum studies, history, anthropology, or art.

Some positions might require additional specialized training or a master’s degree.

Knowledge and coursework in the type of collection the museum houses can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Museum Technician’s resume?

A Museum Technician’s resume should include a relevant educational background, past work experience in museums or similar institutions, and experience with cataloguing and exhibit preparation.

Familiarity with computer databases and museum software is also a plus.

Any additional skills or experiences related to the museum’s specific collection, such as restoration or conservation techniques, can also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Museum Technician?

A good Museum Technician should be meticulous, detail-oriented, and have excellent organizational skills.

They should be able to handle delicate objects with care and have a passion for preserving and presenting artifacts.

They should also have good communication skills to interact with museum staff, visitors, and possibly donors.

 

Is it difficult to hire Museum Technicians?

The difficulty in hiring Museum Technicians can vary based on the specific needs of the museum.

Some museums may require specialized knowledge or experience which can make finding the right candidate more challenging.

However, offering competitive compensation, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work environment can help attract qualified applicants.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve demystified the role and responsibilities of a museum technician.

And you know what?

It’s not just about cataloguing artifacts.

It’s about preserving history, one artifact at a time.

With our comprehensive museum technician job description template and real-world examples, you’re perfectly equipped to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your ideal tool for creating pinpoint-accurate job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every artifact tells a part of our shared story.

Let’s preserve that history. Together.

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