Museum Attendant
Job Description:Museum attendants take care of customers and security in museums and galleries.
Job Category:What you will do:
On a typical day you may:
- patrol buildings to monitor security
- make sure exhibits are in good order
- give talks to visitors about exhibitions
- help curators to change displays and exhibitions
- create labels for objects and record items on display
- issue entrance tickets
- serve in a museum shop
- carry out administrative tasks and keep the museum clean and tidy
Skills:
You’ll need:
- an interest and knowledge of history
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- to be flexible and open to change (adaptability skills)
- the ability to use your initiative (ambition)
- excellent verbal communication skills
- leadership skills
Entry Requirements:
To become a Museum Attendant, you generally don’t need specific qualifications or a formal educational background. Museum Attendants are responsible for various tasks related to visitor services, security, and general museum maintenance. However, having a good set of general skills and qualifications can help you excel in this role. Here are some subjects and skills that can be beneficial:
- English: Strong communication skills are essential for interacting with visitors, answering questions, and providing information about exhibits.
- Mathematics: Basic math skills are helpful for handling cash transactions, such as ticket sales or merchandise purchases.
- History or Art: Depending on the type of museum, having some knowledge of history, art, or other relevant subjects can be advantageous when discussing exhibits with visitors.
- Computer Literacy: Familiarity with basic computer skills can be useful for managing ticketing systems or digital information displays.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
You could get into this work through apprenticeships that give you skills in customer service, security, museums education or conservation.
Relevant subjects include:
- facilities services operative intermediate apprenticeship
- customer service intermediate apprenticeship
- cultural learning and participation officer advanced apprenticeship
- museums technician advanced apprenticeship.
Volunteering
Volunteering in a museum and getting work experience will help you get a better understanding of the role, and to make contacts who may help you to find paid work.
Direct Application
You do not need any particular qualifications to become a museum assistant, although you’ll usually need a good general standard of education, especially in English and maths.
There is a lot of competition for jobs and you may find some museums and galleries ask for a certain level of qualification.
You’ll be in a stronger position when looking for work if you have:
- experience in customer care or facilities security
- an interest in museums and their services
- volunteering experience in a museum, gallery or heritage attraction
Career tips
There is a lot of competition for paid work in museums. Many people work as volunteers to make connections and get experience to move into paid positions later on.
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical week consists of 41-43 hours of work. You could be required to work evenings/weekends on a rota.
You could work in a museum or at an art gallery. You may need to wear a uniform.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience you could supervise other museum attendants or train and oversee volunteers.
With additional training and qualifications you could move into technician roles maintaining buildings and specialist equipment.
There are opportunities to work in museum learning roles like outreach or programming or to go into marketing and fundraising.