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Curator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Ohio State University

Curatorial Assistant

Columbus, OH · On-site

$21.55 - $27.50/hr

Curatorial Assistant The Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University is an internationally recognized multidisciplinary contemporary arts center dedicated to supporting artistic ...

Miamioh

Curatorial Assistant/Fellow

Oxford, OH · On-site

This a two year position (24 months) intended for an early career curator, arts researcher, or art historian who is a recent post-graduate in art history, curatorial practices or a related field.

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Curator information

See Ohio salary details

$24.2K

$69K

$113.6K

How much do curator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for curator in Ohio is $69,046.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $89,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

Do I need a degree to be a curator?

A degree is often required to become a curator, with many positions requiring a bachelor's degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field. Advanced roles may require a master's degree or higher, along with relevant experience and skills in collection management and preservation.

Do curators make a lot of money?

Curators typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the institution. Salaries can be higher for senior or specialized curators, especially in large museums or private collections, and often require a relevant degree and knowledge of art, history, or science. Compensation varies widely based on the employer and geographic region.

What qualifications do you need to be a curator?

To become a curator, a bachelor's degree in art history, museum studies, archaeology, or a related field is typically required, with many positions preferring a master's degree or higher. Relevant experience in collections management, research, or exhibition planning, along with strong organizational and communication skills, are also important qualifications.
More about Curator jobs

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The most popular types of Curator jobs in Ohio are:

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

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Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Curator job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,046 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Assistant Curator, Pinnipeds

Powell, OH • On-site

Columbus Zoo Family of Parks
See more jobs at Columbus Zoo Family of Parksexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Supervise the daily care, husbandry, training, enrichment, nutrition, and overall management of the pinniped collection.

  • Support the Curator of Wild Encounters with area operations, staff coordination, training, evaluations, and safety protocols.

  • Lead staff in animal training and the delivery of educational and engaging guest experiences.

Job description

Overview
Inspire Teams. Advance Animal Wellbeing. Create Extraordinary Guest Experiences.
As the Assistant Curator, Pinnipeds, you will be a key leader within the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's Wild Encounters team, helping oversee the care and management of our pinniped collection while developing staff, promoting animal wellbeing, supporting conservation initiatives, and delivering memorable guest experiences. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced marine mammal professional to make a lasting impact on animals, people, and wildlife conservation.
Responsibilities
Supports the Curator of Wild Encounters and Zoo leadership in daily area operations, including scheduling, staff coordination, training, evaluations, mentoring, and adherence to safety protocols. Assists with implementing area-specific procedures, projects, and animal wellbeing best practices in alignment with professional standards. Under the Curator's guidance, contributes to protocol development, collection planning, and external professional associations. Leads staff in animal training and the delivery of educational and engaging guest experiences.
Essential Duties:
Animal Care, Wellbeing & Collection Management
  • Supervise the daily care, husbandry, training, enrichment, nutrition, and overall management of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium pinniped collection.
  • Assist the Curator of Wild Encounters with policies and protocols related to animal health, disease diagnosis and treatment, husbandry practices, nutrition, enrichment, and overall animal wellbeing.
  • Support oversight of the pinniped training program, including animal training goals and staff management.
  • Supervise food preparation procedures, including storage, thawing, processing of daily diets, and facility cleanliness.
  • Continually evaluate animal target weights and diets and provide updates to the Curator of Wild Encounters.
  • Manage animal diets under the direction of the Curator of Wild Encounters, Director of Animal Nutrition, and Zoo veterinarians, including oversight of staff administration of prescribed medications.
  • Assist with animal transports, restraint techniques, and animal acquisitions and dispositions.
  • Initiate wellbeing assessments and ensure appropriate follow-up actions are implemented.
  • Oversee or delegate planning and coordination of veterinary procedures.

Leadership, Staff Supervision & Operations
  • Support the Curator of Wild Encounters and Zoo leadership in daily area operations, including scheduling, staff coordination, training, evaluations, mentoring, adherence to safety protocols, and personnel matters.
  • Supervise staff in daily operations, including assigning work, providing written and verbal instruction, hiring, scheduling, performance management, staff development, and disciplinary actions.
  • Supervise staff development and training and implement standardized staff and collection training programs.
  • Hold weekly regional staff meetings and attend required Zoo-wide meetings.
  • Perform staff duties and related operational tasks within the region as needed.
  • Create and review regional risk assessments.
  • Input and submit facility work orders.
  • Assist with preparation and execution of the region's budget.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Guest Experience, Education & Professional Representation
  • Lead staff in animal training and the delivery of educational and engaging guest experiences.
  • Oversee staffing and implementation of programs, including hosting, training, and poolside interaction during presentations and performances.
  • Lead on-grounds programs, guided tours, and stage presentations.
  • Communicate marine mammal, conservation, and exotic animal topics accurately and professionally to guests, staff, and stakeholders.
  • Support development of educational graphics, conservation initiatives, research efforts, and visitor amenities and services.
  • Represent the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks nationally and internationally, as requested.
  • Submit articles to zoo-related publications.
  • Promote and support the mission, values, and sustainable practices of the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.

Compliance, Accreditation & Strategic Planning
  • Ensure compliance with Zoo safety policies, procedures, and standard operating practices.
  • Ensure area compliance with professional standards established by AZA, AMMPA, and ZAA.
  • Assist with development of area-specific protocols, procedures, projects, and animal wellbeing best practices aligned with professional standards.
  • Under the Curator's guidance, contribute to protocol development, collection planning, and professional engagement.
  • Support development of short- and long-term goals for the animal collection, exhibits, educational opportunities, conservation initiatives, visitor amenities, and services.
  • Support planning and implementation of improvements related to animal care, exhibits, signage, horticulture/landscaping, and visitor satisfaction.
  • Manage, coordinate, and ensure compliance with USDA, AZA, AMMPA, and ZAA inspections, accreditation, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications
Education & Experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or a related field required; equivalent experience may be substituted for a degree.
  • Ten (10) years of marine mammal experience, including extensive experience in pinniped care, husbandry, and management, preferred.
  • Experience leading and managing a work team; minimum one year preferred.
  • Experience interpreting and implementing professional standards; minimum one year required.

Leadership & Communication
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully lead, develop, train, and mentor staff.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Exceptional public speaking and presentation skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and build effective working relationships.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work independently and efficiently.

Technical Knowledge & Professional Standards
  • Demonstrated knowledge of animal care, wellbeing, conservation, and husbandry practices.
  • Knowledge of and experience with professional standards and accreditation requirements related to AZA, ZAA, and AMMPA preferred.
  • Ability to ensure compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards.
  • Ability to evaluate, adapt, and implement process improvements.
  • Ability to adhere to and model organizational values, policies, procedures, and safety standards.

Additional Requirements
  • Ability to provide exceptional guest service and positive guest interactions.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and on-call responsibilities as needed.
  • Valid state-issued driver's license with an acceptable driving record required.
  • Negative TB screening prior to employment and annually thereafter required.
  • Ability to comply with the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks' drug-free workplace policy.
  • Ability to successfully complete annual criminal background screenings.

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