Directs a museum department, discipline, or function.
Employees in this class perform professional curatorial work in administering a specialized museum department or a major museum function. Employees in this class may serve as assistant museum directors.
Directs the maintenance of collections, including cataloging, classifying, storing, interpreting and displaying collections. Obtains, develops and organizes new acquisitions, loans, and collections. Plans and coordinates the accession of new items to be placed in the museum collection. Supervises the conservation and repair of historic structures and items for exhibitions. Designs exhibits and collects exhibit materials. Provides information to the public regarding museum collections and artifacts as well as public inquiries for information and research. Performs general reference and public information duties. Develops written materials for exhibits and publish findings in journals. Establishes contacts with institutions and other organizations to exchange information and data. Manages contracts and insurance for loans and exhibitions. Develops and oversees preventative conservation and collections care. Creates and enforces policies related to collections care and access. Maintains and develops facilities including purchases and expansion programs. Organizes scholars and field parties engaged in research. Prepares the budget request for the assigned area. Supervises assistants and volunteers engaged in collections care work.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of caring for and preserving museum objects, specimens and artifacts. Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules and regulations governing collections. Knowledge of the principles and objectives of museum programs and exhibits. Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and direct activities in the assigned functional area. Ability to oversee the work of volunteers, support personnel, registration and collections care staff, and other curators. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to create and manage departmental budgets and project budgets. Ability to liaison with boards and other institutions to advance curatorial or collections management work.
A bachelor's degree in history, natural history, fine arts, arts administration, museum studies, museology or a related field and related experience in curatorial or collections management practices.