CURATOR OF EXHIBITS AND COLLECTIONS 
JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB SUMMARY:

- The Curator works under the supervision of the Director to plan, design and build exhibits, care for the museum collection and other tasks as requested. 


I.	SKILLS:

Master’s degree in history, museum science and/or related discipline preferred. At least four years experience as museum curator, registrar, and/or exhibit designer. Must have knowledge of current cataloguing techniques and collections management systems used by the American Association of Museums. Must have ability to use conservation techniques in the preservation of museum collection. Must have ability to perform methodological research and both academic writing and writing for the general public. The ability to work with a wide variety of individuals is necessary, as is having a working knowledge of computerization. Must be detail-oriented and flexible.

II.	     EFFORT:

-	Conducts research and determines artifacts appropriate for new exhibits that can be borrowed or utilized from the museum collection
-	Assists in conducting research for possible booking of traveling exhibits
-	Works with lending agencies to coordinate shipping, condition reporting and installation of traveling exhibits
-	Works with outside service providers for additional assistance with exhibit production (carpenters, printers, graphic designers)
-	Writes and produces exhibit labels, title panels and other text
-	Plans and prepares exhibit layout (includes de-installing previous exhibit and setting up new exhibit furniture), and prepares artifacts for display (which includes cleaning and properly mounting artifacts)
-     Installs exhibits
-    Works closely with potential donors of gifts to museum collection
-	Produces and maintains accurate donation and loan documentation, and corresponds with donors
-    Catalogs and maintains accurate records of the museum collection (hard copy and                                                                         computer database); includes photodocumentation and the museum’s collections management software program	
-    Performs minor conservation work, such as deacidification and encapsulation of historic documents, cleaning artifacts
-    Maintains storage area by ongoing inventory of collections, organization and implementation of proper storage techniques, and tracking collections within the museum facilities
-    Continues cataloguing the "old collection," which includes researching artifact provenance and determining donor
-    Answers research questions for the public, and allows access of collection materials to various public entities (chamber of commerce, news media) for various projects and publications
-   Works with Director and education coordinator to design educational programs 
-   Conducts tours as needed
-   Greets public
-   Makes bookstore sales
-   Recommends possible purchases to augment museum collection
-  Assists in building maintenance, including replacing bulbs, clean-up, etc.
-  Assists in special events, such as receptions, fundraisers, etc.

RESPONSIBILITY:

-	Responsible for exhibit maintenance and repairs, including repairing damaged labels, replacing light bulbs, and cleaning cases and artifacts	
-	Supervises volunteers in the installation of exhibits
-	Responsible for ongoing rotation of artifacts and text in permanent exhibits
-    Organizes and conducts Collection Committee meetings on a quarterly basis
-    Trains and supervises some volunteers and non-county funded employees (including JTPA students, UMHB work-study students, and community service workers) working with collections
-    Ensures that collections, valued at $500,000, are secure from theft, vandalism, or environmental damage; monitors collections and exhibit areas for temperature and humidity fluctuations and possible pest infestations
-   Coordinates with lenders to pick up and return artifacts on loan to the museum 
-   Coordination of conversion from outdated museum computer database to new database; ensures that records of collection are duplicated on the county’s AS 400 system
-   Helps coordinate move of objects and equipment into the new storage areas
-   Responsible for maintaining up-to-date policy and forms relating to the collection
-   Helps maintain building security
-   Scans images for public, for museum needs, works with entities who wish to publish or reproduce images from the collection
-   Serves on the museum’s Speaker’s Bureau



Please send resume, a writing sample, and references to: Curator Selection Committee, P.O. Box 1381, Belton, Texas 76513. Position begins March 15 or until filled. 

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