Museum Curator

General Summary


The Campbell County Rockpile Museum in Gillette, Wyoming is seeking a full-time Curator to manage the development and implementation of an engaging and educational exhibition program.


The Curator manages the development and implementation of an engaging and educational exhibition program at the Campbell County Rockpile Museum. This includes, but is not limited to, administrative and technical work in historical and collections research, conceptual design, construction, installation, and exhibit maintenance.

The Museum Curator will also assist the Museum Director with management of the museum by serving as a second in command.

Essential Duties and Responsibilites


The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Supervises the work of assigned personnel, including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Leads the museum in the development, design, fabrication, and installation of on-site and traveling exhibits. Manages a long-term exhibition schedule for temporary and permanent galleries in the museum and additional exhibition spaces in the county.
• Regularly review exhibits to identify necessary repairs, maintenance, or updates.
• Works with Education Department on the development, implementation, and maintenance of a new Master Interpretive Plan for the museum.
• Disseminates results of research beyond exhibitions through publications, lectures, or other media.
• Prepares and manages exhibitions budget throughout the fiscal year. This includes grant management.
• Assists other museum staff with management of collections and helps supervise collections volunteers and interns.
• Arranges shipping/receiving of artifacts and exhibits. Prepares damage reports including insurance papers, packing, and unpacking orders, and shipping and receiving papers. Compiles a detailed condition report of objects/loans.
• Prepares contractual arrangements.
• Assists public with research and associated requests for information and photographs.
• Creates publicity for exhibits and manages media requests.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and related activities. Attends workshops, conferences, and classes to increase professional knowledge. Serves on committees as assigned.
• Actively participate in strategic planning, fundraising, grant writing, and planning and support for exhibitions and other Rockpile Museum initiatives.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications


Looking for a detail-oriented and highly organized person that can work both independently and as part of a team. Must be able to exert 50 pounds of force occasionally and stand for long periods of time. Some outdoor work will be involved, and some evenings and Saturdays are required.
Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Museum Studies, History, or a related field
• Experience in Exhibits
• Three (3) to Five (5) years of experience creating and managing museum exhibitions.
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Class C driver's license

Competencies for Successful Performance of Job Duties


Knowledge of:

• Knowledge that interpretation is a mission-based communication process that forges emotional and intellectual connections between the interest of the audience and the meaning inherent in the museum's collection and other resources.
• Knowledge of interpretive design and specifically exhibit development, design, fabrication, maintenance, and evaluation
• Historical and object research methodology
• Museum collection policies/procedures, collections planning, and collections care
• Proper handling methods and storage of museum artifacts
• Knowledge of informal learning techniques
• English grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Principles and practices of basic bookkeeping and budgeting
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment
• Principles and practices of employee supervision
• Photographic equipment and techniques
• Experience using the Adobe Creative Suite or similar design software
• State law as it applies to ownership, property, and gifts

Skill in:

• Skill in creating a visitor-focused environment.
• Skill in problem-solving and planning.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Performing basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios
• Communication, both oral and written

Ability to:

• Ability to develop exhibits/interpretation for a diverse community
• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Learn and apply exhibit design techniques
• Ability to use various types of power tools and related equipment
• Learn and apply techniques used in handling museum objects
• Apply methods used in packing and transporting museum objects
• Ability to communicate with colleagues, employees, students, and others in a respectful and clear manner

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The position involves medium physical demands, such as exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects.

We offer a complete benefits package to eligible part-time and full-time employees working 20+ hours/week. Benefits include health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plan, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts, life insurance, supplemental insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time employees who work at least 20-39 hours/week, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis. To learn more details, visit our benefits page .