Curator

CURATOR JOB SEARCH

Sweetwater County Historical Museum – Green River, WY

ABOUT THE MUSEUM

The Sweetwater County Historical Museum is housed in a renovated 1931 post office building in scenic southwestern Wyoming. It holds a collection of approximately 40,000 artifacts, county archives, a large historical photograph collection, and local history research materials. Sweetwater County has an ethnically diverse history and the Museum strives to tell the stories of the Native Americans, explorers, fur trappers, travelers of emigrant trails, Pony Express riders, stagecoach drivers, railroad workers, coal and trona miners, oil and gas workers, ranchers, cowboys, sheepherders, homesteaders, business people, and all who have called this unique landscape home. Please visit www.sweetwatermuseum.org for more information.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Curator is responsible for the care and interpretation of the Museum’s collections to fulfill its mission to connect people to the story of Sweetwater County by preserving and presenting its natural and cultural history.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct the acquisition and care of collections according to best practices established by the American Alliance of Museums and the Museum’s Collections Policy
• Oversee collection management for the Museum including both remedial and preventive conservation techniques comprising but not limited to environmental monitoring, artifact cleaning, specialty mount making and maintenance of the collections storage area
• Develop or update collection management policies including Collections, Integrated Pest Management, and Disaster Preparedness
• Perform research necessary to thoroughly identify and document museum collections
• Maintain the collection database and paper records, complete cataloging of new and backlog accessions, maintain loans and other collections associated paperwork and activities, and generally manage all legal and documentary records of the collections
• Develop and grow an educational collection
• Assume management of the internship program including hiring, oversight, project development, and intern evaluations
• Oversee volunteers working in collections including assigning projects, training, and evaluation
• Work regularly with the Exhibits Coordinator and Public Engagement Coordinator to develop and produce engaging exhibits, programs, and events that promote the mission of the Museum and expand service to the people of Sweetwater County
• Perform thorough historical research in response to research requests from the public, professional researchers, and other institutions
• Develop and present programs on a variety of historical topics for community outreach
• Participate in the maintenance of the website, Facebook, and other social media
• Assist in preparing and disseminating promotional/marketing materials for exhibits and museum programs
• Cultivate partnerships with other organizations including museums, colleges, etc.
• Keep abreast of the latest research and trends in museums and collection management
• Represent the museum by participating in relevant professional organizations at the local, state, and national level
• Conduct tours of the museum and related sites as needed
• Collaborate with the Public Engagement Coordinator to develop projects for volunteers
• Assist the Executive Director with administrative tasks including budget development, monthly finances, and strategic planning as needed

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in history, museum studies, public history, or closely related field PLUS a minimum of two years demonstrable experience performing similar or related duties. A combination of education and experience may substitute
• Strong understanding of collections management and accepted curatorial practices
• Familiarity with the cultural and natural history of southwest Wyoming and the West
• Ability to perform historical research and write for exhibits, interpretation, news media, other publications, and research requests
• Ability to define goals, meet deadlines, organize work, and prioritize projects
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking
• Valid driver license and ability to operate a motor vehicle
• Ability and willingness to work some evening and weekend hours
• Ability to lift 50 lbs., bend, stretch, stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, reach, twist, sit, and walk

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of other museum departments and procedures, including exhibit development, education and public programming, and office management
• Experience with Catalogit database software and standard cataloging procedures
• Supervisory experience
• Knowledge of fabrication and/or basic hand and power tool operation
• Background in, or ability to learn, basic accounting procedures

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time position with a salary range of $48,000-$50,000 annually. The position offers a generous and competitive benefits package including paid vacation, sick leave and retirement and life, health, dental, and vision insurance.

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, current résumé or vita and three professional references via email to director@sweetwatermuseum.org or mail to the address below. The position is open until filled, but initial review will begin on October 1, 2025.

Curator Search

Sweetwater County Historical Museum

3 East Flaming Gorge Way

Green River, WY 82935