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Cultural Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department MOCA, Curatorial Compensation $42,000.00 Annual General Description The Assistant ... Cultivate relationships with artists, curators, educators, and cultural institutions nationally and ...

Gardens Curator

Palm Desert, CA ยท On-site

$70K/yr

The Gardens Curator is a leadership position responsible for the oversight of all aspects ... culture. Located at the base of the picturesque Santa Rosa mountains in the heart of the Southern ...

Museum Curator

Albuquerque, NM ยท On-site

$62K - $68K/yr

... cultural or ethnic studies, anthropology, communications or humanities; and Four (4) years of ... curatorial experience in the fields of art, history or museum collections; and To include two (2) ...

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Cultural Curator information

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do cultural curator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for cultural curator in the United States is $72,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need to be a curator?

A cultural curator typically needs a bachelor's degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field, with many roles preferring a master's degree or higher. Relevant experience in curation, collections management, or related areas is important, along with strong organizational and research skills. Knowledge of art, history, or cultural sectors and familiarity with collection management software are also beneficial.

What does a cultural curator do?

A cultural curator is responsible for selecting, organizing, and managing cultural exhibits, collections, or programs in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions. They research cultural artifacts, develop display concepts, and collaborate with artists or community groups to promote cultural understanding and engagement. Strong research, organizational skills, and knowledge of cultural history are essential for this role.

What is a Cultural Curator?

A Cultural Curator is a professional responsible for selecting, organizing, and presenting cultural artifacts, exhibitions, or events. They work in settings such as museums, galleries, cultural institutions, or event spaces, using their expertise to interpret and showcase cultural heritage, art, or history for the public. Cultural Curators often conduct research, collaborate with artists and communities, and design educational programs to engage audiences and promote cultural understanding. Their goal is to preserve and highlight diverse cultural expressions, ensuring they are accessible and meaningful to a wide range of people.

What are the main challenges a Cultural Curator faces when designing exhibitions or programs?

Cultural Curators often encounter the challenge of balancing diverse perspectives and representing various cultures accurately and respectfully. They must carefully select artifacts and themes that engage audiences while honoring the context and significance of each item. Collaborating with community stakeholders and experts is essential to ensure inclusivity and relevance, but it can be time-consuming and require strong communication skills. Additionally, curators must work within budget and space constraints, making strategic decisions to create meaningful and educational experiences.

How to become a cultural curator?

To become a cultural curator, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field, along with experience in curation, collections management, or arts administration. Developing skills in research, organization, and communication, as well as familiarity with digital tools and exhibition planning, is also important; advanced roles may require a master's degree or specialized training.

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

To thrive as a Cultural Curator, you need expertise in art history, cultural studies, and collection management, often supported by a relevant degree or museum studies certification. Familiarity with collection management software, exhibition design tools, and digital archiving systems is typically required. Strong research, communication, and collaboration skills help curators engage diverse audiences and foster partnerships. These abilities are crucial for preserving cultural heritage, creating impactful exhibitions, and enhancing public engagement.

Do curators make a lot of money?

Cultural curators' salaries vary depending on experience, location, and the institution they work for. On average, they earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, with those in larger or more prestigious organizations earning higher wages. Advanced skills in research, collections management, and public engagement can influence earning potential.
More about Cultural Curator jobs
What cities are hiring for Cultural Curator jobs? Cities with the most Cultural Curator job openings:
What states have the most Cultural Curator jobs? States with the most job openings for Cultural Curator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cultural Curator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Assistant Curator- BioPark

City of Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque, NM โ€ข On-site

$57K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Salary : $57,449.60 - $60,507.20 Annually
Location : Albuquerque, NM
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2601155
Department: Arts and Culture
Division: CS-BP Animal Ops
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Closing Date: 7/27/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
Bargaining Unit: MP
Position Summary
The Assistant Curator role is a dynamic leadership position at the ABQ BioPark Zoo. This role oversees a variety of animal care staff and will demonstrate hands-on leadership within the hoofstock department. This Assistant Curator position will work with rhinos, giraffes, warthogs, and hippos and plays a key role in meeting and exceeding the BioPark's animal welfare goals.
Supervise, plan and coordinate staff engaged in a variety of ABQ BioPark services, activities and operations with the focus on providing highly responsible care and husbandry of the BioPark's diverse living collection. This includes the maintenance of exhibits and facilities. Assignment will be in one of the BioPark facilities: Zoo (exotic animals); Botanic Garden (plants, trees, farm animals and displays); Aquarium (salt and fresh water aquatic animals and plants).
Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Essential and Supplemental Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
  1. Coordinate the organization, staffing and operational activities for a variety of Biological Park services, activities and operations including the care and husbandry of animals; the care of Botanical Garden displays including trees, farm crops, the maintenance of animal enclosures and facilities and the provision of educational services.
  2. Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities; recommend and implement resulting policies and procedures.
  3. Identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures, identify resource needs; review with appropriate management staff, implement improvements.
  4. Direct, coordinate and review the work plan for assigned Biological Park services, assign work activities and projects; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures, meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
  5. Monitor animal diets, enclosures and transportation; ensure health and welfare of animals and farm crops.
  6. Conduct research on assigned sections of the plant or animal collections; maintain and update collection inventory and records.
  7. Assist with the evaluation of exhibit needs and tree health care; participate in the design, construction, and security of various animal habitats; coordinate assigned tasks with maintenance and construction divisions and staff as specified; manage facility as designated.
  8. Assist with monitoring animal husbandry methods, diets, enclosures and transportation; ensure health and welfare of animals; consult with veterinarians as directed.
  9. Participate in the preparation of documents and reports related to the inventory, equipment, supplies and products.
  10. Research specific animal or plant history prior to acquisition; make recommendations for acquisition and disposition of animals, plants and trees.
  11. Assist with analyzing Bio Park visitor needs; participate in the design of programs to fit those needs.
  12. Respond to public inquiries regarding plants or animals and their behaviors; may evaluate, prepare and modify various educational materials and curricular; assist with the education programs as needed.
  13. Assist in selection, training and evaluation of animal care personnel and the coordination of staff training.
  14. Participate as assigned, in the development and administration of budget, forecast funds for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies, etc. as necessary.
  15. Assist Bio Park Curator as needed.
SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. Participate on a variety of committees and boards relative to assigned area of responsibility; prepare and present staff reports and other correspondence as necessary.
  2. Attend and participate in professional group meetings, seminars training sessions as needed.
  3. Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Zoo, Aquarium and Botanical Garden operations, including arboriculture; maintain awareness of new developments in the field assigned; incorporate new developments as appropriate into programs.
  4. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements
Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.
When assigned to the Zoo:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in zoology, animal husbandry or biology; and
Three (3) years of management of exotic animals and exotic animal husbandry experience; and
To include one (1) year of supervisory or lead experience.
Experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility preferred.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or the ability to obtain within ninety (90) days from date of hire.
Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within six (6) months from date of hire.
Working Conditions
Environmental:
Outdoor facilities; may work in an animal environment including a variety of domestic, exotic, aquatic animals and animal waste; Work in or with water; work on slippery or uneven surfaces; exposure to chemicals and pesticides, noise, dust, heat, cold and inclement weather conditions.
Physical:
Essential and supplemental functions may require physical condition necessary for; light to heavy lifting; for walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping; kneeling, crawling for prolonged periods of time; operating motorized equipment and vehicles.
Total Rewards. Total You.
The City of Albuquerque takes pride in offering our employees one of the most attractive Total Rewards packages in New Mexico. In addition to competitive salaries, the City provides benefit options for health, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, disability, and much more. The City also has pre-tax savings plans for healthcare, childcare, and parking. Employees participate in the state's public retirement system (PERA), with the City paying up to 75 percent of the employee's contribution. That's higher than any other contribution rate in the state of New Mexico!
Paid holidays? Check
Paid parental leave? Check
Paid birthdays off? Check
Vacation and sick leave starting Day 1? Check and check
Our people matter and we prioritize physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. With resources such as onsite and mobile medical clinics, an employee assistance program that encourages work-life balance, and tuition assistance and professional development pathways, the City is committed to equipping our employees with tools to better their lives and grow their careers while serving their community.
01
Please identify your ability to possess a valid New Mexico driver's license (attach a copy of your driver's license). Select all that apply.
  • Possess a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or have the ability to obtain by date of hire (attach a copy of your Driver's License)?
  • Able to possess a valid New Mexico Driver's License within ninety (90) days from date of hire?
  • Do not possess and not able to obtain a valid New Mexico Driver's License by date of hire or within ninety (90) days from date of hire.

02
Do you possess experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you possess the lead or supervisory experience outlined in the minimum requirements? If you have successfully completed the City of Albuquerque's Pre-Management Development Program (PMDP), please select 'yes' and attach your certificate. (Lead is defined as monitors projects, programs or people.)
  • Yes
  • No

04
Select the highest level of successfully completed related education as identified by the minimum requirements (if applicable, attach supporting degree or transcripts).
  • No High School Diploma
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Non/degree accredited- Some College
  • Associates
  • Bachelors
  • Masters
  • Juris Doctorate
  • Doctorate

05
Select the number of years of work experience you possess which relates to the minimum requirements, if applicable, add verifiable time in a temporary upgrade status and/or volunteer experience when selecting number of years.
  • No experience
  • 1 to less than 6 months
  • 6 to less than 12 months
  • 1 year to less than 2 years
  • 2 years to less than 3 years
  • 3 years to less than 4 years
  • 4 years to less than 5 years
  • 5 years to less than 6 years
  • 6 years to less than 7 years
  • 7 years to less than 8 years
  • 8 years to less than 9 years
  • 9 years to less than 10 years
  • 10 years to less than 11 years
  • 11 years to less than 12 years
  • 12 years to less than 13 years
  • 13 or more years

Required Question