Museum Curator

The La Sierra University Museum is seeking a highly qualified and motivated Museum Curator to oversee the management, care, and development of its collections. The ideal candidate will be responsible for research, documentation, and preservation of historical artifacts and specimens, ensuring that the museum remains an educational and culturally significant institution. The role requires a proactive approach to maintaining collections and engaging with the public through exhibits, educational programs, and research services.

Candidate Description

The ideal candidate is skilled in research, able to analyze, manage, and organize information efficiently. They must be an active listener with excellent communication skills, capable of collaborating with colleagues, researchers, and the public to achieve the museum's goals. The candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills and an ability to facilitate cooperation from various stakeholders.

Work Environment

The work primarily takes place indoors, often in cooler environments such as collection storage areas. The role may require occasional climbing on ladders, lifting or carrying boxes, and working in standard office settings. Some positions may involve outdoor fieldwork to acquire new collections or conduct research.

Minimum Education/Experience Requirements

·       Education: A Master of Arts or Science in museum studies, anthropology, archaeology, chemistry, biology, history, or a related field is preferred.

·       Experience: 3–4 years of experience in a museum or related field is highly desirable.

·       Technical Skills: Proficiency in computer use is essential for cataloging, managing records, and conducting research.

Key Responsibilities

Collection Management: 

•          Accession, label, record, store, and handle artifacts and specimens in accordance with museum best practices.
•           Monitor and maintain environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, light, etc.) and security measures for storage areas and exhibits.
•            Carry out inventorying, cataloging, and accurate data entry for all objects and specimens in the museum's collection.

Research and Documentation: 

•           Conduct routine research to authenticate, identify, and document the history of items in the collection.
•         Summarize and compile information from various sources for museum records, publications, or educational purposes. 

Public Engagement and Education: 

·       Prepare and present educational and interpretive programs, including guided tours, exhibits, and lectures related to the museum’s collection.

·       Develop educational and interpretive materials that enhance the visitor experience and promote awareness of the museum’s collections.

Collaboration and Access: 

•          Monitor user access to collections, ensuring that they are used responsibly by researchers, students, and the general public.
•          Facilitate research requests, online access, and other exhibit-related collaborations.

Professional Development: 

•         Maintain expertise in at least one of the disciplines represented by the museum's collections (anthropology, archaeology, biology, history, etc.) and a working knowledge of others.
•         Stay current with museum best practices, ethical standards, and industry advancements to ensure the museum's operations align with professional guidelines.

Additional Responsibilities

•         Report to an Oversight Committee established by the Museum Board Executive Committee.
•        Supervise, in collaboration with the Oversight Committee, Associate and Assistant Curators in your field.
•        Work with the Oversight Committee on matters related to the operating budget.
•        Draft and update planning and management documents for collection care and exhibits.
•        Assist in developing interpretive materials for public programming and collections outreach.
•         Participate in fieldwork, collection acquisition, and special projects as required.

Skills and Competencies

·       Strong organizational and analytical skills.

·       Ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences.

·       Detail-oriented with excellent problem-solving abilities.

·       Skilled in using museum management software and other digital tools for collection management and research.

·       Ability to work collaboratively in a team as well as independently.

This position offers an exciting opportunity for a dedicated museum professional to contribute to the ongoing success of the La Sierra University Museum.

Wage Range: $22.51 to $26.60 per hour, plus generous benefits. 

·        Comprehensive health coverage available

·        Tuition Assistance (spouse and dependent eligibility)

·        10 Paid Holidays

·        FSA, Pet Insurance, Legal Services, Identity Protection Services, and more!