Functions as a fully qualified curator.  Some positions research, develop and implement site interpretive master plans and programs. Positions identify, preserve, catalogue and make recommendations for restoration of specimens, art objects or records.  Positions work independently and exercise judgment and discretion in determining the scope or level of service. Work is typically reviewed on a spot check basis after decisions have been made.  Unusual problems that may occur are brought to a higher level manager with probable outcomes and solutions.  May supervise lower level positions.

Provide object research assistance; recommend collection management policy and procedures; lead and/or train volunteers; assists in reviewing exhibit design concepts, detailed exhibit design drawings, audio-visual component, and computer software programs;

Provides written and oral reports to board, staff and outside groups; gives addresses and lectures to students and/or visiting groups;

Select, identify, preserve and catalog materials in a specialty field;

Negotiates for and appraises artifacts for historical value and accession for museum retention;

Construct, install and dismantle museum or gallery exhibits or displays;

Coordinates public lectures, workshops, seminars and conferences.

Coordinates and conducts research and development of related products, such as publications and presentations on community heritage and history.

Prepares educational materials, including curricula, for use by students and educators.  Provide technical assistance to communities. May supervise lower level staff.

Knowledge of: Museum administration and methods including knowledge of state rules relating to personnel, finance, and contracting; proper function of exhibit and other teams; successfully negotiating with other museums for traveling exhibits and other projects; methods of documenting, researching organizing and caring for collections;

Ability to:  Use computer-assisted design programs such as Auto-Cad to produce scaled floor plans, perspective colored renderings, and 3-dimensional views of case design; use graphic design software such as Freehand or In-Design, to design, create, and edit images including text and photos on exhibit panels and directional signage; use video editing programs to produce finished 2- to 15 minute video presentation from raw footage, including the addition of sound or music and such special effects as zooming and fading;  use collections management software for cataloging collections such as Argus, Mimsy, Post Perfect; identify and classify museum objects or archival collections; lift 30 pounds.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification.  It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Positions typically require a Bachelor’s degree in history, anthropology, archaeology, museum studies, fine arts, education or closely related field

AND

two years experience as a museum curator or equivalent. 

Some positions require a Bachelor’s degree related to an assigned collection specialty.   Some positions allow experience in natural science research or interpretation to be substituted, year for year, for education.

New class, consolidates, 4360 Curator I, 25700 Curator 1; adopted January 1, 2006.
Revise class. Revises distinguishing characteristics; adopted May 12, 2006.
Revise class. general revision, revises desirable qualifications; adopted May 10, 2007, effective July 1, 2007.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.