Museum Assistant

The University of New Mexico; Albuquerque, Northern (NM, KY); Hybrid; USD 18,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of New Mexico Art Museum seeks a Museum Assistant to support daily operations and deliver an informed visitor experience. This student-position emphasizes customer service, data-entry, and front-line operations under UNMAM staff mentorship.

Compensation is hourly under a work-study arrangement. Eligible candidates should commit to Fall and Spring semesters, with public hours Tue–Sat 10AM–4PM and occasional evenings, 10–15 hours weekly.

Qualifications

• Current work-study award required
• Enrolled in a degree program at UNM
• Enrolled at least half-time (6 hours) at UNM for Fall and Spring; Work Study requires Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Availability to work during UNM Art Museum public hours, including Saturdays and occasional evenings

Responsibilities

• Assist with opening and closing of the museum
• Greet and assist visitors
• Provide information and answer questions
• Process sales
• Record-keeping and data-entry
• Provide security presence in the galleries during walks
• Assist with behind-the-scenes operations
• Assist with opening receptions and events
• Support UNMAM staff as needed

Skills

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Interest in museums

Education

Current work-study award

Enrolled in a degree seeking program at UNM

Half-time enrollment (6 hours) at UNM

Job description

Museum Assistant

Job Details

• Requisition ID: req37611
• Pay: $13.00 - $15.00 Hourly
• Campus: Main - Albuquerque, NM
• Department: Art Museum (272A)
• Employment Type: Student Employment
• Student Type: Work-Study
• For Best Consideration Date: 9/2/2026
• Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The University of New Mexico Art Museum (UNMAM) is dedicated to advanced learning and creating connections, both in and outside of the University community. As a teaching museum, we are committed to offering students professional development and mentorship opportunities as well as access to the largest collection of artworks in New Mexico. Through the Museum Assistant Program, UNMAM aims to be a leader in establishing dynamic education and workforce training for the next generation of museum leaders and creative professionals. As a member of the UNMAM Museum Assistant Program, Museum Assistants work alongside professional museum staff to deliver a positive and informed visitor experience while furthering their knowledge of UNMAM’s collections and exhibitions, developing their customer service skills and supporting the daily operations of an art museum. A work-study award is required for this position. The ideal candidate should have weekend and occasional evening availability. This position is for the Fall and Spring semesters, with the possibility of renewal for future semesters. The UNM Art Museum is closed during the summer term, so employment during that period is not guaranteed.

Duties & Responsibilities

This position will support the UNMAM’s Museum Assistant Program by providing excellent customer service, assisting visitors, and supporting the museum’s daily operations. Students will also develop transferable skills and explore other areas of museum work under UNMAM staff mentorship.

• Assisting with opening and closing of the museum
• Greeting and assisting museum visitors
• Providing information and answering questions
• Processing sales
• Record-keeping and data-entry
• Performing walk-throughs and providing security presence in the galleries
• Assisting with behind-the-scenes operations
• Assisting with opening receptions and events
• Providing support to UNMAM staff as needed

The ideal candidate would work approximately 10-15 hours per week during the UNMAM’s public hours and commit to a two semester (Fall and Spring) term in this role, with the possibility of renewal for future semesters.

The ideal candidate must be available during the museum’s public hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10AM - 4PM, along with occasional later evenings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current work-study award
• Enrolled in a degree seeking program at UNM
• Enrolled at least half-time (6 hours) at UNM for Fall and Spring semesters (Audit hours do not count), and if Work Study, you must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• Availability to work during the UNM Art Museum’s public hours, including Saturdays and occasional evenings.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative, while also working effectively in a team environment.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Commitment to staying up to date on museum exhibitions, events, and offerings.
• Interest in a career in museums or other visitor serving institutions and creative industries.

Diversity and Inclusion

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.