Museum Curator

Curator Position at Campbell County Rockpile Museum

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 Responsibilities:

• 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:

• 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
• Class C driver's license

Competencies for Successful Performance of Job Duties:

Knowledge of:

• Interpretation as a mission-based communication process
• 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
• Informal learning techniques
• English grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Basic bookkeeping and budgeting
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment
• Employee supervision
• Photographic equipment and techniques
• Adobe Creative Suite or similar design software
• State law as it applies to ownership, property, and gifts

Skill in:

• Creating a visitor-focused environment
• Problem-solving and planning
• Interpersonal skills
• Performing a variety of duties
• Basic mathematical functions
• Communication

Ability to:

• Develop exhibits/interpretation for a diverse community
• Meet schedules and deadlines
• Understand and carry out directions
• Organize and maintain documents and files
• Maintain confidentiality
• Learn and apply exhibit design techniques
• Use power tools and related equipment
• Learn and apply techniques used in handling museum objects
• Apply methods used in packing and transporting museum objects
• Communicate respectfully and clearly

Physical Demands:

• 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.