Associate Curator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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8/19/2026 (11:59 PM ET)
2603777
Curator I -Kentucky Historical Society (Non-Merit)
Salary
$43,210.08 Annually
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH FULL TIME ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY NON-CHAPTER 37.5 HR/WK
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Hiring Agency
Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet Kentucky Historical Society
Location
100 W Broadway TDCCKH-History Center
Frankfort, KY 40601 USA
Description
The Kentucky Historical Society (KHS), formed in 1836, is an agency in Kentucky's Tourism, Arts, and HeritageCabinet. The KHS campus has three sites in historic downtown Frankfort: The Old State Capitol; the KentuckyMilitary History Museum; and the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History serving as KHS headquarters witha signature museum, exhibits, library, research facilities, object and archival collections, museum store, andmore. KHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and has American Alliance of Museums accreditation. To learn more aboutthe Kentucky Historical Society, please visit https://history.ky.gov
The Curatorial Associate works to fulfill the mission of the Kentucky Historical Society (KHS) and helps theircolleagues throughout the organization succeed. The Curatorial Associate serves on a highly collaborative teamthat researches, cares for, catalogs, exhibits, and interprets KHS's objects collections so that all projectsand programs elevate what we know about Kentucky history. The Curatorial Associate will process and catalogcollections according to best practices and KHS guidelines. The Curatorial Associate will also assist curatorswith the assessment and research of collections and potential collections. This position also providesstewardship of the agency's object collection so that these strategic assets are preserved and accessible forresearch, teaching, and exhibition purposes. Other duties include assisting Historical Resources colleaguesand volunteers with KHS programming, outreach, and exhibit preparation.
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Help to provide stewardship over the KHS collection, including cataloging new acquisitions following KHSprocedures, standards, and guidelines.
• Improve object records of the KHS collection utilizing PastPerfect database.
• Work collaboratively with other KHS staff members to enhance the description of objects collections andincrease public access to materials.
• Research and understand collections and their place in Kentucky history.
• Promptly and effectively respond toinquiries from both staff and the public.
• Process and organize new collections to expand and improve educational and research opportunities for thestaff and public.
• As needed, assist with the packing, moving, storage, and installation of collections items for loans or inpreparation for exhibitions and special displays.
• Monitor the security, safety, environmental, and structural condition of KHS storage areas, exhibition spaces,and across the KHS campus.
• Serve on special projects and work teams.
• Support a variety of KHS outreach efforts.
• Other duties as assigned.

To see the full position description, please visit https://history.ky.gov/about/careers
Preferred Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced internet, word processing, database management, spreadsheets, and email use.
• PastPerfect experiencepreferred.
• Demonstrated facility in public speaking and writing to multiple kinds of audiences.
• Knowledge of material culture, collections management, artifact care, and museum cataloging practices.
• Adherence to professional codes of ethics and involvement in museum organizations.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills. Must be able to manage a project from concept to completion.

This is a full-time position located in Frankfort, KY that reports to the Senior Curator. This is anunclassified (non-merit) position pursuant to KRS 18A.115(1)(u). The annual salary for this position is$43,210.08 with a 5% increase following the successful completion of a probationary period. Benefits includehealth and life insurance, optional dental and vision insurance, vacation and sick leave, holiday pay,retirement, and optional deferred compensation plans. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter andcurrent resume via email to khshr@ky.gov. No telephone calls are accepted. The deadline for submissions is08/19/2026. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.
KHS is an agency of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. KHS is an equalopportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexualorientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, age, pregnancy or related medical condition, marital orfamilial status, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, or genetic information in accordance withstate and federal law.
Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION:Bachelor's degree in history, public history or a related field. Master's degree in museum studies,history, public history, or a similar area of study is preferred.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:(1) year of experience working with object collections in a museum setting
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:Education will substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:NONE
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):NONE
Working Conditions
This is a 37.5-hour workweek, Monday - Friday, with holidays, occasional evening, and weekend hours.Required to be able to visually inspect the change in the condition of archival documents and collections objects;retrieve collection objects regularly that may weigh up to 40 lbs.; able to regularly bend, stoop, reach toretrieve and store collection objects.Frequent use of a computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Erin Kuss at erin.kuss@ky.gov or 502.782.4624.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D