Job Listing: Museum Operations Assistant (Town of Wytheville, Department of Museums)

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 Museum 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. 

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Travel to Museum sites, and Town offices as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & 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 lbs., climb ladders, crawl into tight historical spaces (like cellars or attics), and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal applications, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; criminal background investigation; driving record; and job-related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position, if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

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 human.resources@wytheville.org  or in person at the Town Municipal Building.

Please submit a completed application including a resume and any certifications or special licensures that

relate to the advertised position. Please contact the Department of Human Resources with any questions