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Associate Museum Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NOVA Parks

Education Curator

Alexandria, VA

Carlyle House, an eighteenth-century historic house museum committed to telling an inclusive story ... associate experienced in children's programming, working with volunteers and collections. The ...

NOVA Parks

Education Curator

Carlyle, IL · On-site

Carlyle House, an eighteenth-century historic house museum committed to telling an inclusive story ... associate experienced in children's programming, working with volunteers and collections. The ...

NOVA Parks

Education Curator

Alexandria, VA

Carlyle House, an eighteenth-century historic house museum committed to telling an inclusive story ... associate experienced in children's programming, working with volunteers and collections. The ...

NOVA Parks

Education Curator

Alexandria, VA

Carlyle House, an eighteenth-century historic house museum committed to telling an inclusive story ... associate experienced in children's programming, working with volunteers and collections. The ...

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How much do associate museum curator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate museum curator in the United States is $28.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Associate Museum Curator vs Museum Curator?

AspectAssociate Museum CuratorMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or related field; some experienceSimilar educational background; often more experience required
Work EnvironmentAssist with exhibitions, collections, and research under supervisionLead projects, make curatorial decisions, oversee collections
Employer & Industry UsageCommon entry-level or mid-level role in museums and galleriesSenior or lead role in similar institutions
Search & Comparison IntentYes, often compared for career progressionYes, as a more advanced position

The Associate Museum Curator typically supports curatorial activities, assisting with collections and exhibitions, often as an entry or mid-level role. The Museum Curator holds more responsibility, leading projects and making key decisions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Museum Curator usually has more experience and authority within the museum setting.

What are some typical responsibilities of an Associate Museum Curator, and how do they collaborate with other museum staff?

An Associate Museum Curator is often responsible for assisting with the development, organization, and interpretation of museum collections and exhibitions. They frequently conduct research, help manage collections, and contribute to exhibition planning and installation. Collaboration is key in this role, as Associate Curators regularly work with educators, registrars, conservators, and marketing staff to ensure exhibitions are well-researched, preserved, and effectively communicated to the public. This teamwork helps create engaging and educational experiences for museum visitors.

What does an Associate Museum Curator do?

An Associate Museum Curator assists in managing and developing museum collections, planning exhibitions, and conducting research on artifacts or artworks. They often work under the supervision of a senior curator and collaborate with other museum staff to ensure the proper care and display of items. Their responsibilities can also include writing catalog descriptions, organizing educational programs, and engaging with the public to promote the museum’s mission. Overall, they play a vital role in shaping the museum's offerings and contributing to scholarly research.

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

To thrive as an Associate Museum Curator, you generally need a background in art history or a related field, research skills, and experience with collections management. Familiarity with museum collection databases, cataloguing systems, and sometimes certifications in museum studies are commonly required. Strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with staff and engaging the public. These competencies ensure the preservation, interpretation, and accessibility of collections, which are essential for the museum's mission and visitor experience.
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Associate Museum Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Museum Curator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 3% Full Time, 93% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,714 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Curatorial Associate

Curatorial Associate

American Museum of Natural History

Manhattan, NY

$93K - $98K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Curatorial Associate
Department
Earth & Planetary Scienc - 017
Position Summary
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.
The department of Earth & Planetary Science (EPS), in the Division of Physical Sciences, is seeking a full-time Curatorial Associate to lead and manage day-to-day collections operations for EPS and supervise Museum Specialists engaged in collection management activities, including loans, visitor management, curation, databasing, and georeferencing. The Curatorial Associate helps plan and carry out large projects (e.g., collections moves and rehousing) and works with Facilities and Security to ensure that the collections remain safely and appropriately housed. The Curatorial Associate will work with the curators to seek external support for collections improvement, digitization of collections, and other initiatives as assigned. The Curatorial Associate reports to the department's Curator-in-Charge and collaborates with all curators in the department.
Job duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Lead the operations of the EPS collections, their care and preservation, at levels that meet or exceed disciplinary and/or Museum standards. Direct collections management operations, working with EPS curators to develop and meet short- and long-range objectives. Seek and implement efficiencies where feasible. Manage the use and upkeep of assigned departmental spaces, facilities, supplies, and equipment. Work with the department administrator, curators, and other Museum offices on purchasing and budget management.
  • Maintain the collections informatics programs, systems, databases, integrity and security of data, paper and other forms of archival records management. Promote discoverability of the collections, access to catalog records and digital assets via internal and external mechanisms.
  • Manage incoming and outgoing loan activities including shipping/receiving, permitting, and compliance.
  • Supervise departmental collection-related service to internal and external user communities.
  • Facilitate visitation to the collections and tours as well as access and use of collections and facilities by students, postdocs, research associates, and visitors. Participate in promotional and outreach activities.
  • Facilitate curatorial fieldwork and collecting activities by department students, postdocs, staff, and affiliates. Manage post-collecting curation efforts from field to shelf, including specimen identification, preservation, accessioning, cataloging, imaging, and records management.
  • Work with curators, the development office, and administration to acquire external funding for fieldwork, collections improvement, digitization of collections, research opportunities, and new programs in collections management.
  • Oversee and direct annual collections reporting.
  • Supervise departmental Museum Specialists, assigning tasks, managing their efforts, and monitoring performance.
  • Train staff and volunteers on collections operations.
  • Manage the department's collection-related website content.
The expected salary range for the Curatorial Associate is $93,000/annual - $98,000/annual. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.
Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization, and depth and scope of experience.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Completed PhD or PhD candidate in geological sciences or a related field.
  • Experience with geoscience research and/or geoscience collections.
  • Experience and/or training in collections management, databases, fieldwork, and geological research.
  • Proficiency with FileMaker Pro and/or other collections databases.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Proficient experience working with public repositories.
  • Knowledge of data sharing standards.
  • Experience working with scientists and samples internationally.
Physical Demands
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
  • Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
  • Must be able to move about the Museum campus.
  • Positioning/change of positioning: Must be able to frequently position oneself/body to accomplish job duties.
    • Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.
    • Climbing: Ascending or descending physical structures.
    • Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds of force frequently. May include any of the following:
      • Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
      • Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to drag, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion.
      • Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position.

Category
Full-Time
Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period
70
Union Status
Non-Union
FLSA
Exempt
Expected Salary Minimum
$93,000/annual
Expected Salary Maximum
$98,000/annual
EEO Statement
The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.
Quick Link
https://careers.amnh.org/postings/4788
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
GS1007P
Open Date
05/12/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants

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