Museum attendant

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

• an interest and knowledge of history
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent verbal communication skills
• leadership skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly

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.