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Guest Curator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kenmore Heritage Association

Curator of Art

Goldendale, WA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

... guest/advisory curators, and donor relationship development. Other desired competencies include executive leadership succession potential, experience with grant writing for exhibitions, existing ...

Merlin Entertainments

Curator

East Rutherford, NJ

As Curator at SEA LIFE New Jersey, you will take direct ownership of our curatorial team, animal ... Cultivates guest-obsessed teams who focus on experience as a fundamental requirement of their roles ...

Lincoln Children's Zoo

$60 - $80/hr

The Assistant Curator provides direct supervision of Animal Department Supervisors and assists the ... Exceptional guest experience skills. * Ability to be flexible to change and provide solutions when ...

Genesis of Cherry Hill

Guest Hospitality Curator

Marlton, NJ · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

We are seeking an enthusiastic, professional, and polished individual to serve as the Guest Hospitality Curator at Genesis of Cherry Hill. As the first point of contact for our valued clients, you ...

Posted today

SEA LIFE

Curator

East Rutherford, NJ · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

What you'll bring to the team As Curator at SEA LIFE New Jersey, you will take direct ownership of ... Cultivates guest-obsessed teams who focus on experience as a fundamental requirement of their roles ...

SEA LIFE

Curator

East Rutherford, NJ

What you'll bring to the team As Curator at SEA LIFE New Jersey, you will take direct ownership of ... Cultivates guest-obsessed teams who focus on experience as a fundamental requirement of their roles ...

SEA LIFE

Curator

East Rutherford, NJ · On-site

What you'll bring to the team As Curator at SEA LIFE New Jersey, you will take direct ownership of ... Cultivates guest-obsessed teams who focus on experience as a fundamental requirement of their roles ...

Genesis of Cherry Hill

Guest Hospitality Curator

Marlton, NJ · On-site

$19.50 - $20.50/hr

We are seeking an enthusiastic, professional, and polished individual to serve as the Guest Hospitality Curator at Genesis of Cherry Hill. As the first point of contact for our valued clients, you ...

New

University of Texas

$100 - $125/hr

Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Hiring Department: Jack S Blanton Museum of Art Position ... Supervise guest curators, visiting scholars, interns, and student researchers. * Academic ...

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Guest Curator information

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do guest curator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for guest 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 is a guest curator?

Guest curators are professionals who are invited to organize and oversee specific exhibitions or projects at museums, galleries, or cultural institutions on a temporary basis. They bring fresh perspectives and expertise, often focusing on a particular theme, artist, or collection. Unlike staff curators, guest curators typically work on a contract or project basis and collaborate with the institution's team to develop exhibition concepts, select artworks, and sometimes contribute to catalogues or public programs.

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

To thrive as a Guest Curator, you need a deep understanding of art history or a related field, strong research abilities, and prior experience in curating exhibitions or art projects. Familiarity with collection management systems, exhibition design software, and digital archiving tools is typically required. Excellent communication, organization, and networking skills help build relationships with artists, institutions, and audiences. These competencies ensure successful, impactful exhibitions that engage the public and uphold the institution's standards.

What are some common challenges guest curators face when working with museum or gallery teams?

Guest Curators often navigate the challenge of integrating their vision with the institution’s existing collections, policies, and logistical constraints. Collaboration with permanent staff, such as registrars, educators, and exhibition designers, is key to ensuring the project aligns with the organization’s mission and resources. Time management can also be demanding, as Guest Curators typically work on fixed-term contracts with tight deadlines for research, installation, and public programming. Flexibility and strong communication skills are essential for successfully balancing creative ambitions with practical considerations.

What is the difference between Guest Curator vs Art Curator?

AspectGuest CuratorArt Curator
CredentialsTypically requires a background in art history or related field, with experience in curation or exhibition planningRequires a degree in art history, museum studies, or related discipline, often with extensive experience in curation
Work EnvironmentTemporary role, often freelance or project-based, working with museums, galleries, or cultural institutionsFull-time position within museums, galleries, or institutions overseeing ongoing collections and exhibitions
Employer & IndustryUsed by cultural institutions for specific exhibitions or projectsEmployed by museums, galleries, and cultural organizations for long-term collection management

In summary, a Guest Curator is a temporary, project-based role often filled by external experts, while an Art Curator is a permanent staff member responsible for ongoing collection and exhibition management within an institution.

What states have the most Guest Curator jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Guest Curator jobs?

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

Guest Curator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Guest Curator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 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 12 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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