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Assistant Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate Curator

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Co-supervise curatorial assistants, assistant curators, and curatorial fellows. * Cultivate and maintain relationships with a diverse constituency of artists, patrons, trustees, members of the press ...

Zoo Keeper (Primates)

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Assistant Curator of Section working Location: Audubon Zoo General Summary: This position is a Zookeeper at the Audubon Zoo. The position will encompass a skilled professional that provides technical ...

Curator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION This role of Curator is responsible for welcoming guests to the hotel and ... Welcome guests in a friendly, prompt, and professional manner. * Assist with bags storage. * Act as ...

Curator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Welcome guests in a friendly, prompt, and professional manner.  * Assist with bags storage. * Act as a lobby ambassador.  * Perform check-in and check-out procedures using Opera Cloud. Obtain ...

Curator of Mammals

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Curator of Mammals Job Code: Department: Living Collections Job Grade: Reports To: Vice President ... Works with Assistant Curators and keepers on a one-to-one basis, mentoring on bathing, collecting ...

CITY OF ELKHART - DEPARTMENT NYCRR Museum POSITION Curator Assistant DIVISION NNYCRRM STATUS Part-time CATEGORY Hourly, $18 FLSA Non-exempt REPORTS TO Museum Coordinator DATE 2026 JOB SUMMARY ...

As a Beauty and Wellness Curator, you will guide customers in selecting our top-notch skincare ... Guide customers on our skincare products and their benefits Assist customers with their tanning ...

The Field Museum's Mann Lab (Early Tetrapod Evolution) seeks a candidate to assist the curator in both research and technical aspects of vertebrate paleontology. The position will include four major ...

Keeper

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$18 - $24.25/hr

Position Title Keeper Facility Zoo Department Sea Lions Reports to Assistant Curator Position Type Full-time Who We Are Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon ...

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Assistant Curator information

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How much do assistant curator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant curator in the United States is $21.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Assistant Curator Do?

The job of an assistant curator is to assist the chief curator at a museum with various tasks. These jobs include things like helping to research exhibits and collect new items to display as well as cataloging. An assistant curator frequently helps plan and implement new exhibits, oversees permanent galleries, supports restoration work, helps create educator guides, and supports the marketing efforts of the museum. They may also supervise museum employees, teach students, and respond to inquiries from the public. Many curators also help draft budgets and maintain electronic databases. The qualifications for this position typically include a postsecondary degree in a relevant field.

What are assistant curators?

Assistant curators are museum or gallery professionals who support senior curators in managing collections, organizing exhibitions, and conducting research. Their responsibilities often include cataloguing artifacts, assisting with acquisitions, preparing displays, and helping develop educational programs. They also collaborate with other staff, handle administrative duties, and may interact with the public or researchers. This entry-level to mid-level role is vital for the smooth operation and preservation of cultural and historical collections.

How does an Assistant Curator typically collaborate with other museum departments?

Assistant Curators frequently work alongside colleagues in education, conservation, registration, and marketing to develop and execute exhibitions and programs. They may coordinate with registrars for object loans, communicate with conservators to assess and prepare artworks, and support educational staff in creating interpretive materials. This collaborative approach ensures that exhibitions are both engaging and logistically sound, offering valuable cross-departmental experience and insight to Assistant Curators.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Curator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Curator, you need a solid background in art history or museum studies, usually with a relevant degree, and experience in research or collection management. Familiarity with collection databases, exhibition planning software, and digital cataloging tools is often required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating on exhibitions and engaging with the public. These skills ensure the accurate care, interpretation, and presentation of collections, contributing to a museum's educational mission and visitor experience.
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Infographic showing various Assistant Curator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,709 per year, or $22 per hour.

Assistant Curator of Fish, Invertebrates and Jellies

The Maritime Aquarium

Norwalk, CT • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
The Maritime Aquarium's mission is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For 37 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium hosts nearly 450,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals.
Altogether, the Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 50,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its 85 full-time staff, and part-time and seasonal staff, in addition to our volunteers.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Assistant Curator oversees the care of animals that fall within their assigned section, as well as supervise assigned staff. This position coordinates closely with veterinarians, life support staff, and other departments to ensure optimal care and welfare of these species.
Reports to: Associate Director of Animal Husbandry
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Maintains Jellies and Tropical Fish and Invertebrate exhibits, including life support systems and proper water quality, ensuring that they are safe, sanitary and enriching and insure all aquarists do as well
  • Responsible for ensuring tanks are stocked with appropriate animals, including propagation where appropriate
  • Responsible for the output of jelly culture labs and maintaining jellies exhibits
  • Supervises a team of Aquarists, executing duties such as scheduling, performance assessments, and ordering department supplies
  • Interact with courtesy, professionalism and respect to staff, docents, volunteers and guests consistent with the organization's mission and core values
  • Assists the Associate Director and Director in ensuring compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, as well as pertinent AZA accreditation standards
  • Responsible for assessing animal condition, identifying diseases and administering treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian. Coordinates directly with contract veterinarians to schedule routine exams and medical care as required (annual physical exams, bloodwork, et cetera)
  • Oversees collection of animals, including their husbandry, exhibit maintenance, and maintaining life support systems
  • Assesses the welfare of the collection, serves on the institutional welfare committee
  • Serve as institutional representative (IR) to appropriate AZA Species Survival Plans (SSPs) and Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs)
  • Coordinate with colleagues at other institutions to maintain best practices in husbandry and animal management and keep current with the state of the industry
  • Foster a "one team" mentality among the husbandry staff with no barriers between staff working with different taxa
  • Mentors their staff members and ensures a strong departmental commitment to professional development
  • Participates in daily routine and maintenance as needed
  • Performs water quality analysis and makes adjustments
  • Participates in and oversees administration of animal diets
  • Experience with tropical fish and invertebrates, corals and jellies
  • Responsible for ensuring tanks are stocked with appropriate animals, including propagation where appropriate
  • Work with our veterinary team to administer and oversee quarantine prophylaxis and medical treatments
  • Maintains inventory of dietary items and supplies, including live and frozen animals, produce, and dietary supplements
  • Maintains accurate records, reviews records and ensures compliance with animal recordkeeping
  • Participates in development and implementation of training and enrichment programs as appropriate for various taxa
  • Participates in the collection of animals from Long Island Sound and other locations for display in Aquarium tanks
  • Assists in exhibit development
  • Documents and communicates observations
  • Maintains a variety of collecting equipment
  • Able to work weekends and holidays and travel for extended periods of time to perform collecting and animal transport duties
  • Performs other tasks as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Prefer four-year degree (B.S. or B.A.) in marine biology, biology, zoology, psychology or related field
  • Five year's paid experience in an AZA accredited zoo, aquarium or equivalent (or combination of experience and education) with jellies, corals, fish and invertebrates
  • Advanced knowledge of jelly and coral care and cultivation
  • Advanced knowledge of the operation and maintenance of aquarium and life support systems, laboratory equipment and operating procedures, and water quality testing
  • Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal
  • Able to lift a minimum of 60 pounds
  • Able to negotiate stairs, climb high obstacles and maneuver easily in various behind the scenes areas
  • Able to negotiate various field conditions
  • Able to work standing up for extended periods of time
  • Valid license required with a clean driving record
  • SCUBA certification and collection experience preferred

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.