Career Opportunities
New Bedford Whaling Museum is committed to diversity among its employees and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
All applicants must submit an application for employment along with their resume and cover letter and follow the “To Apply” instructions noted in job openings below.
Museum Careers
Manager of Educational Programs
(Full-time, salaried, exempt)
Reporting to the Associate Director of Museum Learning and managing one direct report, the Manager of Educational Programs develops, oversees, and supports a variety of museum learning program offerings at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. This includes management-level responsibility for the successful execution of regular drop-in activity days, quarterly homeschool days, three school vacation week programs (February, April, December), a robust calendar of summer offerings, and online learning opportunities. This individual manages the museum’s annual summer internship program, the High School Apprenticeship program, and all active college-level partnerships, including work-study arrangements. As Manager, this individual will be expected to maintain top-level oversight of program activities, operations, funding, and expense management. They will work closely with colleagues in development and finance to ensure smooth and accurate applications and reporting. They will envision long-term programmatic goals, outcomes, and structures, and oversee their successful execution across the museum learning team, working especially closely with their direct report. Finally, they will program the Museum’s Maker Space (opening 2027), collaborate with area schools on annual Education exhibitions, and serve as liaison to community partners, schools, and the Museum Learning Committee.
For the full Position Description, Qualifications, and Application Instructions click here. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; application closing date is February 9, 2026.
Museum Learning Associate
(Part-Time, Non-Exempt)
Pay range: $16.00-$20.00/hour
Museum Learning Associates support the creation, delivery, and staffing of engaging, visitor-centered activities and programs for a variety of learners, including K-12 and college students, children and families, with a focus on field trips (schools, camps, after-school programs), targeted audiences (homeschoolers, scouts, vacation weeks, summer visitors), and outreach (schools, festivals, community events). Working closely with the Museum Learning team and volunteers, Associates will facilitate a range of school tours, extended learning workshops, public programs, and in-gallery activities connected to Museum content in art, history, science, and culture. This is a part-time position of 10-20 hours per week, with flexible weekly scheduling based on programmatic needs.
For the full Position Description, Qualifications, and Application Instructions click here. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; application closing date is February 9, 2026.
Art Handler / Object Preparator / Installation Technician
Contract work on a temporary project basis
Hourly Rate: $15-50/hour, dependent on experience
The New Bedford Whaling Museum seeks contract Art Handlers / Object Preparators / Installation technicians to work on a short-term contract basis for project-based timelines. They will assist in all aspects of preparation, packing, transporting, installation, deinstallation, and storage of works for the museum. The ideal candidate understands that the safety and security of artworks and of fellow team members is critical. This position will move and install valuable art objects in various locations; pack and unpack objects, maintain collections storage areas to ensure the safety of the art; create custom crate interiors for outgoing loans, frame and unframe two-dimensional works, and perform other miscellaneous art handling duties as required. They work closely with curators and other department staff, under the direction of the Chief Curator and the Associate Curator of Exhibitions and Collections to facilitate the safe exhibition of works from the collection. We are looking to have resumes on hand for project-based work throughout the year.
For the full Position Description, Qualifications, and Application Instructions click here. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and filed for future projects. No phone calls, please.
Visitor Experience Associate
This is a part-time non- exempt role that guarantees a minimum of 24 hours of work per week, with the potential to work up to 32 hours.
Hourly Rate: $16/hour
The Visitor Experience Associate serves as the public face of the New Bedford Whaling Museum and is integral to fulfilling the Museum’s strategic goal of providing all guests with a welcoming and engaging experience. On a day-to-day basis, the Visitor Experience Associate is responsible for greeting and orienting visitors, generating revenue through admission, theater, and store sales, providing guests with information about the museum and local area, and assisting with initiatives to better understand our visitors. Success in this position requires a confident and outgoing disposition, attention to detail, prompt and reliable attendance, and an enthusiasm for working with the public.
For the part-time job description, qualifications, and application Instructions click here. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and filed for future projects. No phone calls, please.
Click here for information on our High School Apprenticeship Program.
