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Curator Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Marketing Internship

East Greenwich, RI · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Marketing planning and curating ideas * Designing social media posts * Technical standards for ... Photoshop/image editing Position is a 3-4 month internship, with opportunity for full time. First ...

This a two year position (24 months) intended for an early career curator, arts researcher, or art ... May be responsible for supervising student interns or employees. Minimum Requirements: Master ...

... Curator Intern. Candidates are expected to have a general knowledge of computers, as they will be ... This is a non-paid internship. Responsibilities: Moderating/ organizing video content Working with ...

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Curator Internship information

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do curator internship jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for curator internship 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 is a curator internship?

A Curator Internship is a temporary position that provides hands-on experience in a museum, gallery, or similar institution, working under the guidance of professional curators. Interns assist with tasks such as cataloging collections, researching objects, preparing exhibits, and developing educational materials. This internship is designed for students or recent graduates interested in museum studies, art history, or cultural heritage, offering valuable insights into the daily responsibilities of a curator and the workings of cultural institutions.

What kind of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a curator internship?

As a Curator Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects such as assisting with exhibition planning, cataloging collections, conducting research on artists or artifacts, and helping organize educational programs. You may collaborate closely with curators, educators, and collection managers, gaining hands-on experience in both the creative and administrative aspects of museum work. This role often involves both independent research tasks and teamwork, offering a well-rounded introduction to the day-to-day responsibilities of a professional curator.

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

To thrive as a Curator Intern, you generally need a background in art history, museum studies, or a related field, along with strong research and organizational skills. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital cataloging tools, and basic image editing software is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and strong written and verbal communication skills help you excel in both independent projects and collaborative environments. These skills are crucial for accurately managing collections, supporting exhibitions, and effectively engaging with the public and museum professionals.

What is the difference between Curator Internship vs Museum Assistant?

AspectCurator InternshipMuseum Assistant
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of arts, history, or museum studies programsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer related experience
Work EnvironmentPrimarily office and gallery spaces, assisting with exhibitions and collectionsFront desk, visitor services, and general support tasks in museum settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by museums, galleries, and cultural institutions for training internsCommonly employed in museums, historical sites, and cultural centers for operational support

While both roles are within museum settings, a Curator Internship focuses on gaining experience in curation, collections, and exhibition planning, often involving research and project work. A Museum Assistant provides general support, customer service, and operational tasks. Internships are ideal for those pursuing a career in curation, whereas assistant roles support daily museum functions.

More about Curator Internship jobs

What cities are hiring for Curator Internship jobs?

Cities with the most Curator Internship job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Curator jobs?

The most popular types of Curator jobs are:

What states have the most Curator Internship jobs?

States with the most job openings for Curator Internship jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Curator Internship jobs?

For Curator Internship jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Curator Internship job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% Internship, 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Gardener and Assistant Curator

Northampton, MA • On-site

Smith College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Smith College rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.
Department
Botanic Garden
Job Description
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:
With guidance from the Landscape Curator, work independently and with other Botanic Garden staff to maintain the health, aesthetics, safety, maps, and records of the RBR Border, Rock Garden, Systematics, Fern Garden, Lanning Fountain landscape, annual border, Lyman beds, and adjacent lawns and gardens. Work with supervisor to select and or propagate plants for these areas as required and assigned. Regularly supervise, mentor, train, collaborate with, and serve as a resource for interns, work study students, faculty, and researchers who wish to use the collections for research, education, conservation, and recreation. As needed, assist with other landscape care projects and events as assigned by the Landscape Curator or Director. Support efforts to advance inclusion and belonging in teaching and learning about plants, people, and place, including efforts to broaden access and participation in public horticulture and related educational opportunities.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Independently maintain the RBR Border, Rock Garden, Systematics, Fern Garden, Lanning Fountain landscape, annual border, Lyman beds, and adjacent lawns and gardens to the highest professional horticultural standards.
  • Apply horticultural knowledge to maintain healthy plants through plant selection, propagation, soil management, watering, fertilization, plant placement, weeding, mowing, pest/disease treatments, and all other appropriate interventions.
  • Ensure garden infrastructure, structures, and hardscaping are in good repair and communicate deficiencies to appropriate personnel.
  • Design, plan, renovate, and install new plantings. Consult college policies, Collection Policy priorities, Collections Management Plan, Botanic Garden educational objectives, and strategic planning goals to guide selection of plant materials, design of spaces, and installation of associated infrastructure.
  • Maintain accurate plant records in the collections database, GIS database, and related record keeping systems. Inventory, install, and replace plant tags in garden spaces. Follow protocols for accessioning, deaccessioning, inventorying, and moving plants. Enable the work of the Manager of Living Collections through regular communication and collaboration.
  • Coordinate activities and projects with other Botanic Garden staff to ensure efficient and timely completion of work. Create and assess work plans that optimize collection health, campus aesthetics, safety, time management, and efficient use of resources.
  • Assist other gardeners, horticulturalists, and facilities staff with projects as needed.
  • Contribute to integrated pest management strategies and solutions. Scout for pests and diseases and maintain plantings in a way that minimizes the need for chemical interventions. Take necessary steps to manage pest and disease issues including applying pesticides in compliance with all state and federal regulations. Stay current on emerging pests and pathogens and their detection, treatments, and prevention.
  • Enable and support research, education, and student engagement at the Botanic Garden. Provide a supportive experiential learning environment for interns, work-study students, and those using the garden for scholarship or recreation. Supervise, mentor, train, collaborate with, and serve as a resource for students, interns, and work study students. Facilitate access to the collections, gardens, and arboretum for research, education, conservation, and recreation.
  • Maintain accurate inventories of supplies, tools, work spaces, and materials. Ensure that tools and work spaces are safe, secure, organized and functional. Make service requests or schedule specialist services when needed.
  • Communicate purchasing needs and budget requests to supervisor. Obtain estimates for products, services, and materials.
  • Perform duties related to garden and conservatory collection maintenance, collection management, curation, and botanic garden operations as required for the Botanic Garden to thrive.
  • Drive pick-up truck or utility cart when needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's Degree in horticulture, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • 3 to 5 years of experience working professionally in horticulture with an emphasis on perennial garden design, curation and maintenance.
  • Minimum of one-year experience in horticultural work with alpine plants, or equivalent formal education.
  • Valid driver's license required. Must complete and comply with all College driving credentialing requirements. Upon award of this position, a Division of Motor Vehicles background check will be completed.
  • Obtain a Massachusetts Core Applicator or Private Applicator License within 6 months of hire. Willingness to upgrade to at private certification if required (within one year of being notified by the college).
  • Physical ability to lift 40 pounds and bend and stretch with reasonable nimbleness, team lift objects up to 80 pounds, move and plant (with assistance) heavy balled trees and shrubs.

SKILLS:
  • Experience with and capacity to support inclusive programming designed for teaching and learning about plants, people, and place, including efforts to broaden a sense of belonging, and access to and participation in public horticulture and related educational opportunities.
  • Extensive and broad knowledge of plant identification, cultivation and propagation.
  • Knowledge of and experience with aesthetic presentation of annuals, perennials and woody plants appropriate for gardens in the local climate. A test will be given to confirm plant identification and horticultural skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to design garden beds and implement installations.
  • Ability to understand written and verbal instructions.
  • Ability to use horticultural chemicals, hand tools, general horticultural equipment, machinery, power tools (including a chainsaw) and materials safely and effectively.
  • Ability to independently make sound and correct decisions on the care of garden plants and shrubs.
  • Ability to maintain accurate records, maps, and plant labels using Botanic Garden software, computer equipment, and printing/engraving equipment.
  • Ability to send and receive email in a timely manner.
  • Willingness and ability to adapt to modern technology, methodologies, and updates in the scientific literature.
  • Ability to work with others as a team to complete priority projects as they arise.
  • Ability to supervise student workers, interns, and other labor.
  • Ability to correctly identify regionally common perennial, tree, and shrub species, pests and pathogens, and correctly evaluate plant health and safety. A verbal test on campus will be given.
  • Must demonstrate proficiency in accessing the internet, using the Smith College email and calendar systems, Workday (payroll & HR system) and applicable work order system(s).
  • Experience using IrisBG preferred, or willingness and ability to learn and utilize the system otherwise.
  • Capacity and willingness to participate in continuing education and on-the-job training.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Exposure to all types of outside weather conditions and diverse horticultural plant materials. Occasional work with pesticides and other horticultural chemicals.
Schedule: Mon.-Fri., 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Applications will continue being reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions is filled.
Compensation
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with a progressive wage schedule. The Step 1 hourly rate is $28.77. New hires are typically placed at Step 1.
Position Type
Regular
Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application.
You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.
Review of applications will begin
October 22, 2026
About Smith College
Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.
As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.

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