Library - Museum Curator

Description

Under the direction of the Event Operations Manager, the Museum Curator is responsible for the planning, development, design, installation, interpretation, and ongoing management of museum exhibits and collections at the Edward-Dean Museum & Gardens. This position plays a key role in creating engaging and educational visitor experiences through thoughtful exhibit design, preservation of collections, and dynamic public programming.

The Museum Curator oversees the acquisition, cataloging, preservation, interpretation, and exhibition of artifacts while researching and developing exhibitions that support the museum's mission. The position also assists with fundraising and grant initiatives, maintains museum accreditation, collaborates with staff and volunteers, and serves as a community ambassador for the museum.

This is a full-time, on-site position that requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays in support of museum operations, exhibitions, educational programming, and special events.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Collect, identify, classify, receive, prepare, and catalog artifacts, objects, gifts, and other museum requests. 
• Provide and/or arrange for protective care and presentation of artifacts and objects at museum sites following established conservation standards. 
• Perform authentication and attribution of artifacts; make recommendations for the acquisition and negotiate the sale and loans of artifacts and objects; inspect private collections to advise on value of the Edward-Dean Museum collection. 
• Plan and design displays of museum collections and coordinate logistics for exhibitions including shipping, installation, and storage of artwork, artifacts, and event equipment. 
• Gather data and photographic records; perform research for preparation of exhibits and/or publication of technical articles and journals. 
• Assist in the preparation of press and publicity releases to publicize and promote public interest in the museum; promote museum programs through public speaking to professional, student, and community groups; serve as the museum liaison to schools; develop and conduct adult and children's educational interpretive programs at the museum. 
• Ensure a positive and engaging experience for visitors by overseeing ticketing processes, managing crowd flow, and coordination and/or conducting of tours, workshops, lectures, classes, audio guides, workshops and interactive exhibits. Continuously seek ways to enhance visitor satisfaction and implement improvements based on visitor feedback.
• Aid in research for preparation of grant proposals, journal articles, implementation, and reporting on grants. 
• Aid in the training, assignment, and supervision of staff and volunteers; assist in the recruitment of volunteers. 
• Coordinate and maintain accreditation.

Requirements

An individual should possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed and meet the amount of education, training and/or work experience required.

• Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in museum studies, art, history, archaeology, or a closely related field. 
• Experience: One year of experience performing curatorial functions in an educational institution, museum, or other related institution preferred. (A master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in museum studies, art, history, archaeology, or a closely related field may be substituted for the required experience). 
• Knowledge of: Techniques of selection, evaluation, preservation, restoration, and exhibition of artifacts and objects; conservation practices, materials, and resources; professional publications and ethics. 
• Ability to: Independently research, develop, and prepare specialized collections and exhibits; perform original field and secondary research; prepare and deliver presentations to the public; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 
• License: Possession of a valid California Driver's License. 

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to move from place to place within the location; lifting of items weighing up to (25) pounds and occasional up to 35 pounds such as files, books, stacks of paper, and other materials.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time and to maintain focus on projects such as computer screens or detailed paperwork.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Tuition Assistance
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources

EEO STATEMENT

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. 

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.