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Curator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

City of Louisville, KY

Zoo Assistant Curator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$59K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Zoo Opening Date: 08/06/2026 Closing Date: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Description Summary Objective The purpose of this position is to perform curatorial work in general operational areas. This class ...

e-Active B.V.

$120 - $170/hr

Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs | Oakland Museum of California The Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs is responsible for the overarching vision and strategy that bring together exhibitions ...

New

Curative

CRNA Opening in Kentucky

Owensboro, KY

Curative finds incredible talent with less hassle using better data. We combine the heart and hard work of experienced recruiters with the intelligent technology of Doximity, the world's largest ...

Doist

$120 - $170/hr

This role requires strong technical expertise, a keen eye for content curation, and the ability to scale enablement at pace. This individual is flexible, meticulous in their craft, and has a positive ...

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All JobsCurator JobsCurator Jobs in Kentucky

Curator information

See Kentucky salary details

$22.1K

$63.1K

$103.8K

How much do curator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for curator in Kentucky is $63,078.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,400.00 and $81,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges curators face when planning exhibitions, and how can they overcome them?

Curators often encounter challenges such as balancing artistic vision with budget constraints, managing loan agreements for artworks, and coordinating logistics for installation. They also need to ensure that exhibitions are accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. To overcome these challenges, curators frequently collaborate with educators, registrars, designers, and conservators, and rely on strong project management and communication skills to bring exhibitions to fruition while aligning with institutional goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a curator?

To thrive as a Curator, you typically need expertise in art history or a related field, often supported by a master's degree and relevant museum experience. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital cataloging tools, and conservation techniques is commonly required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences set outstanding curators apart. These skills ensure the effective preservation, interpretation, and presentation of collections, which are critical for engaging the public and safeguarding cultural heritage.

What is a curator?

Museum curators work with the collection of an entire museum. Part of your job in this career is to oversee the acquisition of new pieces to a collection, either by directly arranging to purchase a piece or providing advice on what pieces to add. You also work with other museums and private collectors in order to arrange for loans and traveling exhibitions. As a museum curator, your duties include supervising staff members, advising on conservation, and writing grant proposals and museum literature. You are also in charge of meeting with trustees and managing programs and research projects that enhance the museum’s mission.

What does a curator do?

A curator is responsible for managing and overseeing collections of artwork, historical items, or scientific specimens in museums, galleries, or similar institutions. Their duties often include acquiring new items, organizing exhibitions, conducting research, and ensuring proper care and documentation of the collection. Curators also work to engage the public through educational programs and collaborate with other professionals in the field. They play a key role in shaping the narrative and presentation of a collection to educate and inspire visitors.

What is the difference between Curator vs Archivist?

AspectCuratorArchivist
Required CredentialsTypically a master's degree in museum studies, history, or related fieldOften a master's degree in library science, archival studies, or history
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, cultural institutionsArchives, libraries, historical repositories
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in museums and cultural organizations to manage collectionsUsed in archives and institutions to preserve and organize records

While both roles involve managing collections, a Curator primarily oversees museum exhibits and educational programs, whereas an Archivist focuses on preserving and organizing historical records and documents. Both require specialized education and work in cultural or historical settings, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

More about Curator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Curator jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Curator jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Curator jobs in Kentucky?

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

What job categories do people searching Curator jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Curator jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Curator jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Curator job openings:

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

Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Curator job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,078 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Curator I -Kentucky Historical Society (Non-Merit)

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Frankfort, KY • On-site

$43K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Advertisement Closes
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
Click here for more details on state employment.
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

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