Vacancy Circular 117/2025 offers a permanent Museum Assistant role at Hector Pieterson Museum. Learn requirements, duties, and how to apply.
Introduction: Why This Vacancy Matters
Museums are more than buildings with artifacts—they are gateways to history, culture, and community identity. The City of Johannesburg, through Vacancy Circular 117/2025, is offering a permanent position for a Museum Assistant. This role goes beyond cleaning or logistics—it’s about supporting exhibitions, engaging the public, and helping preserve South Africa’s rich heritage.
Whether you’re a recent school leaver or an individual passionate about culture and heritage, this opportunity opens a doorway to a career in the arts and museum sector.
Overview of Vacancy Circular 117/2025
The Vacancy Circular 117/2025 outlines the requirements, duties, and application process for the Museum Assistant role at the Hector Pieterson Memorial Arts Museum in Orlando West, Johannesburg.
This opportunity is open to both internal City of Johannesburg employees and external applicants, making it inclusive for a wide range of candidates.
- Position: Museum Assistant
- Location: Hector Pieterson Memorial Arts Museum, Orlando West
- Department: Community Development – Arts, Culture, and Heritage
- Remuneration: R11 646,32 per month (basic salary, excluding benefits)
- Closing Date: Wednesday, 01 October 2025
Why Apply for the Museum Assistant Role?
Choosing a career as a Museum Assistant offers:
- Cultural Impact – You contribute to preserving South Africa’s heritage.
- Career Growth – This is an entry-level role with pathways to curatorship, cultural management, and public programming.
- Job Stability – Permanent employment within a government institution.
- Community Service – Museums are educational spaces for youth, schools, and tourists.
- Employment Equity Focus – The City of Johannesburg promotes inclusivity, considering designated groups and encouraging applications from persons with disabilities.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for the Museum Assistant position under Vacancy Circular 117/2025, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Educational Requirement: Grade 10 (or equivalent).
- Experience: From less than 1 year of practical experience in a museum, gallery, or similar environment.
Advantageous Experience:
- Exposure to museum collections, exhibitions, or visitor services.
- Volunteer work in cultural institutions.
- Knowledge of heritage and cultural studies.
Primary Purpose of the Role
The Museum Assistant supports the smooth operation of the museum by:
- Assisting with exhibitions and collections.
- Helping with public programmes.
- Maintaining cleanliness and site management.
- Engaging with visitors and ensuring they enjoy a memorable and educational experience.
In essence, the assistant ensures that both behind-the-scenes operations and front-facing visitor interactions run smoothly.
Key Performance Areas
As per Vacancy Circular 117/2025, the Museum Assistant role covers the following responsibility areas:
🔹 Museum Maintenance & Housekeeping
- Cleaning inside and outside museum spaces.
- Ensuring grounds are free of litter, dead leaves, and clutter.
- Supporting the safe movement and storage of museum furniture and displays.
🔹 Logistics & Operations
- Receiving and checking deliveries of museum supplies.
- Monitoring environmental conditions in storage and exhibition areas (temperature, humidity, lighting).
- Supporting operational day-to-day planning for exhibitions and programmes.
🔹 Visitor Engagement
- Assisting visitors with inquiries.
- Offering guided information where required.
- Creating a welcoming environment for diverse audiences, including learners, researchers, and tourists.
🔹 Support Services
- Contributing to process optimization.
- Assisting colleagues and supporting the smooth running of the museum branch.
Leading Competencies Required
To excel as a Museum Assistant, applicants should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Communication Skills – Verbal and written, especially for engaging with the public.
- Customer Service – Ability to interact professionally with visitors and colleagues.
- Teamwork & Independence – Capable of working in teams and independently.
- Physical Capability – Tasks may require moving displays and handling cleaning duties.
- Organisational Skills – Time management and attention to detail.
Core Competencies
Vacancy Circular 117/2025 highlights key competencies for the Museum Assistant role:
- Museum Operations Knowledge – Ethics, exhibit design, and public programming basics.
- Health & Safety Awareness – Understanding safe handling practices and emergency procedures.
- Collection Security – Ensuring artifacts and exhibitions are protected.
Remuneration Package
The City of Johannesburg offers a basic salary of R11 646,32 per month, excluding benefits.
Additional benefits (subject to HR policy) may include:
- Pension contributions.
- Medical aid options.
- Paid leave (annual, sick, and family responsibility leave).
- Skills development and training opportunities.
Employment Equity and Inclusivity
The City of Johannesburg, in line with employment equity legislation, prioritises diversity in hiring. The municipality actively considers:
- Race
- Gender
- Disability inclusion
Preference is given to historically disadvantaged groups. However, all suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
Application Process Explained
To apply for the Museum Assistant position under Vacancy Circular 117/2025, follow these steps:
- Complete the Online Application Form
- Accessible via: City of Johannesburg Jobs.
- For this vacancy, use the provided application link.
- Attach Relevant Documents
- Certified copies of qualifications/certificates.
- ID copy.
- Updated CV.
- Provide Work Experience Description
- Outline relevant experience in museums, galleries, or customer-facing roles.
- Membership Proof (if applicable)
- Include professional membership numbers and expiry dates.
- Internal Applicants
- Must include employee number.
- Browser Recommendation
- Use Google Chrome for best results.
Important Notes & Disclaimer
Applicants should note:
- The City of Johannesburg will never ask for payment during recruitment.
- Applications are only accepted online.
- Submitting your CV does not guarantee appointment.
- Original documents may be required during the selection process.
- Misrepresentation on your CV/application will lead to disqualification.
- Applications close on Wednesday, 01 October 2025.
Recruitment Process & Screening
If shortlisted, applicants will undergo risk checks in line with City of Johannesburg’s Talent Acquisition Policy, including:
- Credit record check.
- CV validation.
- Employment record verification.
- Criminal record check.
- Identity validation.
Location of the Role
The Museum Assistant will be based at:
Hector Pieterson Memorial Arts Museum
8287 Cnr Khumalo and Zeph Mothopeng Street
Orlando West, Johannesburg
This museum is a significant heritage site, making this role both meaningful and impactful.
Contact Information
- Enquiries Contact Person: Edwin Tshabangu
- Telephone Number: 011 407 6553
For applications: use the official City of Johannesburg careers portal.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
To increase your chances:
- Tailor your CV to highlight relevant museum or public service experience.
- Emphasise customer service skills.
- Show passion for arts, culture, and heritage.
- Mention teamwork and adaptability in past roles.
- Ensure all certificates are certified and up-to-date.
Why Work at the City of Johannesburg?
Working at the City of Johannesburg offers:
- Stable government employment.
- Opportunities for career growth in arts and culture.
- Contribution to community development.
- Alignment with a city that values heritage preservation and public engagement.
Conclusion
The Vacancy Circular 117/2025 – Museum Assistant opportunity at the City of Johannesburg is more than a job—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. This role blends service, heritage preservation, and community engagement.
If you’re passionate about culture, heritage, and making a difference in your city, this position could be your stepping stone to a fulfilling career in the arts and cultural sector.