Museum Curator

Job Details

Under general direction, plans, organizes, manages, directs, and supervises the daily operations, activities, programs, and services of the Lake County museums, which includes fiscal management, personnel management, program planning and evaluation, and public relations; assists in the development and implementation of museum policies, procedures, and objectives; represents museum activities, programs, and services with the public, boards, and other government agencies; performs professional curator services; performs special assignments as directed; and performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.

Education and Experience:

Completion of two (2) years of college coursework in museum services, history, anthropology, art or related field

and

Four (4) years of full-time experience in performing professional museum work, including display and exhibit development. Experience in a lead or supervisory capacity is strongly preferred.

OR

Education equivalent to a four (4) year degree in an area related to museum services such as history, anthropology, art, or a directly related field

and

Two (2) years of full-time experience in performing professional museum work, including display and exhibit development. Experience in a lead or supervisory capacity is strongly preferred.

OR

Education equivalent to a four (4) year degree in an area related to museum services such as history, anthropology, art, or a directly related field,

and

Possession of a Master’s degree in an area related to museum services such as history, anthropology, library science, art or a directly related field.

and

Previous work or volunteer experience in a museum or library. Experience that included assisting in display and exhibit development is strongly preferred.

Additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted.

General Recruitment Information

This is not exhaustive of all job responsibilities. For more details, please refer to the link provided below.

To view the complete job description visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lakecountyca/classspecs

The information presented in job postings, job descriptions, or recruitment materials does not form a legally binding contract, either explicit or implicit. Benefits may differ among different employee groups. The details provided in these materials are subject to change or cancellation without prior notification. Prospective employees of the County of Lake must undergo the County's pre-employment medical review program upon receiving a conditional job offer before assuming their position with the County.

Applicants may substitute relevant experience and/or education at a 2 to 1 ratio to fulfill minimum qualifications. For further details, individuals should reach out to the Human Resources department.

ADA Accommodations

Individuals in need of accommodation during the application and/or selection process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should reach out to County of Lake Human Resources at (707) 263-2213.

The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer

Veteran's Preference

MUSEUM CURATOR
DEFINITION
Under general direction, plans, organizes, manages, directs, and supervises the daily operations, activities, programs, and services of the Lake County museums, which includes fiscal management, personnel management, program planning and evaluation, and public relations; assists in the development and implementation of museum policies, procedures, and objectives; represents museum activities, programs, and services with the public, boards, and other government agencies; performs professional curator services; performs special assignments as directed; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a specialized classification that is responsible for overseeing and directing the functions and activities of the Lake County museums. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, directing, coordinating, and supervising the work of staff, preparing and administering the budget, and performing a broad range of professional curator work.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from management staff, depending on areas of work assignments. Exercises supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

• Plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, and administers museum services and programs for the county.
• Develops and recommends goals, objectives, and policies.
• Makes recommendations on and administers the museum budget, fiscal expenditures, and revenues.
• Supervises, evaluates, and ensures proper training of museum staff, establishing work methods and standards.
• Meets with individuals, groups, and community organizations, providing and disseminating information and explaining museum goals and policies.
• Oversees all aspects of exhibits and programs, including design, content, maintenance, rotation of artifacts and exhibits.
• Develops information and reports regarding museum and staff activities.
• Makes presentations to committees, professional and non-profit organizations, other county departments, and other agencies.
• Interprets and implements administrative decisions, policies, and procedures.
• Directs and reviews grant preparation, management, compliance, reporting requirements, and management.
• Represents the museums with the community, other County staff, boards, commissions, and other organizations.
• Contacts and solicits community members as potential lenders and donors of artifacts, materials, assistance, and information.
• Frequently travels between County museum facilities.
• Frequently travels to off-site locations to conduct museum outreach events.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• Principles of museum and program management and administration.
• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of professional museum work, including accepted museum registration and cataloguing systems.
• Standard artifact presentation, preservation, and protection methods and techniques.
• County museum policies, rules, and regulations.
• Anthropology and art.
• Standard reference materials.
• Principles of budget development and administration.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Modern office policies and procedures.
• Computer applications for County museum services and functions.
• Development of museum programs and media collections for patrons.
• Community resources.
• Customer service principles and techniques.

• Written and oral communications skills.
• Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, manage, and supervise the functions, staff, and services of the Lake County museums.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the department and assigned area(s) of responsibility.
• Use a variety of judgment in the development of museum displays.
• Perform technical work related to care of artifacts and exhibit preparation.
• Read and interpret historical documents.
• Gather, organize, analyze, and present a variety of data and information.
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports.
• Prepare promotional and information materials.
• Effectively use computers and computerized museum information systems.
• Analyze and resolve administrative situations and problems.
• Effectively represent the museums in answering questions, responding to inquiries, providing assistance and dealing with requests from the public, community organizations, other County staff, and other agencies.
• Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Licensing and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s License.

Education and Experience:

Completion of two (2) years of college coursework in museum services, history, anthropology, art or related field

and

Four (4) years of full-time experience in performing professional museum work, including display and exhibit development. Experience in a lead or supervisory capacity is strongly preferred.

OR

Education equivalent to a four (4) year degree in an area related to museum services such as history, anthropology, art, or a directly related field

and

Two (2) years of full-time experience in performing professional museum work, including display and exhibit development. Experience in a lead or supervisory capacity is strongly preferred.

OR

Education equivalent to a four (4) year degree in an area related to museum services such as history, anthropology, art, or a directly related field,

and

Possession of a Master’s degree in an area related to museum services such as history, anthropology, library science, art or a directly related field.

and

Previous work or volunteer experience in a museum or library. Experience that included assisting in display and exhibit development is strongly preferred.

Additional directly related experience and/or education may be substituted.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Incumbents generally work in a typical office environment with adequate light and temperature. There may be occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, loud noise, fumes, noxious odors, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation; underground, confined, or restricted workspaces; and heights more than five stories above ground level. Incumbents may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.

A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment. Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).

Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.

The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment. The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein. The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice. Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.

RETIREMENT - County employees are members of the California Public Employee Retirement system (CalPERS).CalPERS provides a defined benefit pension at retirement for County employees.The pension formulas and employee contribution amounts may vary by bargaining unit, date of hire, prior qualifying service, and classification. Please contact Human Resources for more information.

HEALTH AND INSURANCE BENEFITS - Medical, dental, hospital, vision, life and disability coverage is available to employees and their dependents. The County contributes $1,500 of the monthly premiums for the insurance plan options.

VACATION ACCRUAL may be adjusted for current city or county government employees.

VACATION - 80 hours per year during the first five years of service, 120 hours per year after five years, and additional accruals based on years of service beyond fifteen years. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

SICK LEAVE - Accrues at a rate of 96 hours per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

HOLIDAYS- An average of twelve paid 8-hour holidays per year. Pro-rated for part-time employees.

SALARY - Lake County has an adopted salary schedule. The salary range for most classifications is in five increments with a provision for longevity increases. Appointments are normally made at the first step of the salary range.

SOCIAL SECURITY - County employees participate in Social Security.

CALIFORNIA STATE DISABILITY INSURANCE - SDI is available to some County employees.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS and CREDIT UNION MEMBERSHIPS are available to County employees.

Closing Date/Time: 4/21/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• County of Lake

• 707-263-2213

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