Museum Curator - Higher Ed. determines the level of care for the museum's entire collection. Evaluates and catalogs new collections according to department and library procedures. Being a Museum Curator - Higher Ed. maintains the environment and security of the collection storage and facilitates research use of collections. Contacts benefactors and writes grant proposals to increase museum funding. Additionally, Museum Curator - Higher Ed. requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a head of a unit/department. The Museum Curator - Higher Ed. manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. To be a Museum Curator - Higher Ed. typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)
Title: Associate Curator of Living History
Division: Education & Engagement
Classification: Salaried, full-time, exempt
Directly supported by: Curator of Education & Engagement
Directly supports: Living history interpreters, living history volunteers
Salary Range: $52,000 DOE
About us
Since opening in 1982, the HIGH DESERT MUSEUM has brought together wildlife, cultures, history, art and natural resources to promote an understanding of North America’s High Desert country. We do so through indoor and outdoor exhibits, wildlife in natural habitats, living history demonstrations and dynamic programs on a beautiful, 135-acre campus in the pine forest. The Museum is a nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was awarded the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Services. During the 2018-19 fiscal year, 195,000 visitors enjoyed the Museum.
The Museum is located in Bend, Oregon, a fast-growing, charismatic city nestled against the Cascade Range at the eastern edge of the High Desert. We strive to be inclusive, culturally humble, relevant, curious and mindful. As a team, we work together to wildly excite and responsibly teach, creating connection to and dialogue about the High Desert.
About this job and what you’ll do
The associate curator of living history is responsible for the maintenance and interpretation of the 1904 High Desert Ranch and Sawmill and its associated programs. The main duties will include supervising interpreters as well as interpreting the site for visitors, demonstrating historical activities and managing the daily operations in period clothing.
The Museum provides strong health and welfare benefits, plus 10.5 paid holidays, your birthday off, and three personal days per calendar year (this will be prorated based on hire date). You will also accrue two weeks of paid vacation per year for the first year of employment.
About who you are
The associated curator of living history is generally outgoing and loves connecting with diverse audiences. You demonstrate a passion for sharing diverse histories with families, school groups, and the general public through hands-on activities all while in period costume. Finding unique ways to help visitors better understand the diverse stories of people of the past is especially interesting to you.
You are organized and detail-oriented and can manage both long-range planning for the as well as the day-to-day tasks. You are a leader who can work well with both the public as well as supervise employees and volunteers. You are a problem solver who can think on their feet and respond quickly and tactfully.
Want to learn more?
Importantly, we recognize and honor that the qualifications required to excel in this position can come from a range of both professional and lived experiences. In the job description we describe what we believe to be important qualifications for a candidate to have while remaining open to the diversity of experiences that can lead to these skill sets. Position descriptions are at times presented in a way that leaves qualified candidates feeling unwelcome, intimidated, uncomfortable and/or unqualified to apply. Recognizing that, we strongly encourage anyone who feels passionate about this work and believes they have what it takes to thrive in this role to apply.
Want to apply?
Please email PDFs of your resume & cover letter to: jobs@highdesertmuseum.org
The Museum provides an equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/transgender status, age, disability, veteran or marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Mission
The High Desert Museum wildly excites and responsibly teaches through innovative, interdisciplinary experiences, creating connection to and dialogue about the High Desert.
jobs@highdesertmuseum.org
highdesertmuseum.org/job-opportunities