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Museum Attendant

Also known as Gallery Attendant.

Museum attendants work in the public spaces of museums, greeting visitors and attending to enquiries, and ensuring the protection of exhibits.

Museum attendants generally work indoors but may be required to travel with exhibitions and displays.

TASKS

Museum attendants may perform the following tasks:

conduct tours of museums or galleries
answer enquiries
direct visitors to specific exhibits
give visitors information about exhibits
control visitors' access to exhibits
check that all visitors have departed at closing time
prevent unauthorised entry
inspect membership cards, admission passes and tickets
patrol the museum or gallery to ensure security

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

interested in museums or art galleries
able to process large amounts of information
outgoing and friendly nature
good communication skills
able to handle groups of people with ease

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a museum attendant without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Employers usually prefer those who can demonstrate a genuine interest in the collection. Carrying out volunteer work may improve employment prospects.

You can also become a museum attendant through an apprenticeship or traineeship in Information and Cultural Services or Tourism. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Library, Information and Cultural Services or Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Training Packages that will expand your career opportunities within these industries.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Museum attendants are employed in a variety of roles, usually by a museum, but they can also work in other institutions such as galleries, universities or other cultural institutions.

Many people volunteer as a museum attendant prior to obtaining paid employment.