Museum Operations Assistant

Town of Wytheville Job Opening Job Title: Museum Operations Assistant ANTICIPATED STARTING SALARY: $38,054 to $53,870 Actual compensation will be DOE/DOQ. DEPARTMENT: Museums FLSADESIGNATION: Non-Exempt POSTED: 10/06/2026 POSITION SUMMARY: The Museum Operations Assistant for the Town of Wytheville performs professional, administrative, and technical work in the Department of Museums. Working mainly at the Willowbrook Jackson/Umberger Homestead site, consisting of 10 acres with a decorative arts museum in the main house and over a dozen out buildings. Primary responsibilities are to assist the Manager of Historic Site/Museum Operations in upkeep and maintenance of the Homestead site. In addition, the employee will assist in educational activities for school field trips and provide tours for museum visitors. Job Description is attached. Please review the full list of Duties and Responsibilities. ENTRY LEVEL REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school education or GED equivalent is required. A valid state drivers license is required. A degree in Historic Preservation, Public History, Museum Studies, or a related field is highly desirable. Experience working and interacting with adults and families in an educational or related setting. Equivalent experience in the construction trades specializing in historic restoration will also be considered. 2-5 years of experience working on historical job sites or living history museums. Must have the below basic knowledge, skills, and abilities: Passionate about history while being comfortable rolling up their sleeves to assist in maintenance of the site, operating power tools and other equipment. Interest in and ability to learn about the cultural and material heritage of Wythe County and collections of the Town of Wytheville Museums and Wythe County Historical Society. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to present accurate first-person demonstrations for living history programs and represent the Museums in a professional manner. Ability to assist with cleaning, transporting, setting up, and taking down displays and equipment required for educational programs and living history presentations. Must be able to work evenings and weekends on occasion for museum special programs. Please refer to the attached Job Description for additional Required Minimum Qualifications HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must complete a Town of Wytheville Employment Application to be considered for this position. Applications can be found online at https://www.wytheville.org/employment. Applications are to be submitted to the Department of Human Resources by email at [email protected] or in person at the Town Municipal Building. Please submit a completed application including a resume and any certifications orspecial licensures that relate to the advertised position. Please contact the Department of Human Resources with any questions at 276-223-3321. CLOSING DATE: Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The Town of Wytheville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. POSITION DESCRIPTION Class Title: Museum Operations Assistant Department: Museums Date: September 23, 2026 GENERAL PURPOSE This is a full-time position that performs professional, administrative, and technical work in the Department of Museums. Working mainly at the Willowbrook Jackson/Umberger Homestead site, consisting of 10 acres with a decorative arts museum in the main house and over a dozen out buildings. Primary responsibilities are to assist the Manager of Historic Site/Museum Operations in upkeep and maintenance of the Homestead site. In addition, the employee will assist in educational activities for school field trips and provide tours for museum visitors. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the supervision of the Director of Museums. Reports to the Assistant Director of Museums and Manager of Historic Site/Homestead M seum Operations. SUPERVISION EXERCISED Assist with supervision of volunteers and demonstrators who participate in Department of Museum activities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Works with the Manager of Historic Site/Homestead Museum Operations to oversee both the historical integrity and physical upkeep of our property and collections and assure that the Homestead site operates effectively. Assist in presenting educational activities for school age audiences and families based on the history and material culture of Wythe County and the Appalachian region, as well as the mission, and interpretive themes of the Town of Wytheville's Museum facilities. Works as member of Museum team to plan and implement special educational programs and field trips including May Day activities, as well as other seasonal events. Assists with recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteer staff. Assists with the presentation of tours and special events and provides coverage for the Museums GENERAL DUTIES Performs all other duties necessary for the efficient and effective operation of the Department of Museums as assigned. 1 PERIPHERAL DUTIES Travel to Museum sites, and Town offices as needed. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience A degree in Historic Preservation, Public History, Museum Studies, or a related field is highly desirable. Experience working and interacting with adults and families in an educational or related setting. Equivalent experience in the construction trades specializing in historic restoration will also be considered. 2-5 years of experience working on historical job sites or living history museums. NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES The ideal candidate will be passionate about history while being comfortable rolling up their sleeves to assist in maintenance of the site, operating power tools and other equipment. Interest in and ability to learn about the cultural and material heritage of Wythe County and collections of the Town of Wytheville Museums and Wythe County Historical Society. Ability to present accurate first-person demonstrations for living history programs. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to represent the Museums in a professional manner are essential. Must be able to perform successfully both as member of a team and on an individual basis. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain priorities and meet department deadlines on a consistent basis required. Ability to assist with cleaning, transporting, setting up, and taking down displays and equipment required for educational programs and living history presentations. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must be able to work evenings and weekends on occasion for museum special programs. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT NEEDED Ability to use common tools and equipment, such as circular saws, caulking guns, cordless drills, log splitter, personal computer, use of Microsoft Office, telephone, and copy machines. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, use hands to grip, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls and to reach with hands and arms. The employee must be able to lift 40 l