WS - Museum Assistant

MUSEUM ASSISTANT

Division: Community Service Department: Community Service

Experience: Entry-level            Supervisor/Reports To: Brandon R. Kirk

Start Date: 8/25/2025              

The Museum Assistant supports daily operations at the Big Sandy Heritage Center Museum through visitor services, exhibition support, and administrative tasks. Working across the front desk, gift shop, and exhibit installations, the role helps deliver a welcoming, informative visitor experience while maintaining collection care and general museum upkeep.

Responsibilities and Career Competencies

1. Ensure a welcoming and informative environment for all visitors – C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
2. Handle admissions, assist with the museum gift shop, and manage cash transactions – C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
3. Assist with the care and maintenance of the museum collection – C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
4. Lead and assist with sorting, arranging, cataloging, and inventorying artifacts, rare documents, and photographs – C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
5. Conduct research online and in libraries on topics related to the museum mission and its collection – C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
6. Assist with the installation, maintenance, and de-installation of exhibits – C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
7. Help with the arrangement and display of artifacts – C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
8. Contribute to developing ideas and strategies for community programming – C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
9. Improve the museum’s online presence (website, Wikipedia, YouTube, social media) – C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
10. Perform routine cleaning and general maintenance of museum spaces – C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T
11. Assist with events, programs, and workshops – C, TW, P, CSD, CT, CTR, L, T

Competencies/Skills: Communication (C), Teamwork (TW), Professionalism (P), Career & Self-Development (CSD), Critical Thinking (CT), Community Transformation (CTR), Leadership (L), Technology (T)

Education Requirements: Must be a current UPIKE student in good standing.

Preferred Skills: Word, Social Media & New Technology; attention to detail; written & verbal communication; willingness to learn new things.

Work Schedule: M 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; R 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; F 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; Sa 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (considering opening Tu & W 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; museum staff on hand until 6:00 PM M, R–Sa).

Work Conditions: Dust.

Physical Demands: Keyboarding; reaching/handling; stooping/kneeling; crouching/crawling; lifting and carrying up to 15 lbs.; balancing.

Number of Positions: 3

Pay Rate: $8.75/hour

Location: Off-campus, approximately 3 blocks from the city parking building, city park, and UPIKE. 172 Division St. 4th floor, Pikeville

To Apply: Submit application and resume through the UPIKE campus employment system.

Application Notes: Resumes and applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or admission of students.