MUSEUM CURATOR (HISTORY)

Code: 05484 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Examples of work

• Discusses museum operation with governing body representatives or the head of the agency, in order to formulate new or change existing policies.
• Assists in planning publicity and arranges for printing brochures or placing of information in the media.
• Conducts tours, explaining points of interest and answers questions of visitors. Trains and supervises guides and other museum employees.
• Supervises the establishment and accurate maintenance of all records including permanent inventory, loans, and donations made to the historical museum.
• Supervises the cleaning, restoration and preservation of historical exhibits. Photographs all objects and conducts identity research.
• Plans, coordinates and supervises physical changes to the museum such as repairs, restoration, and decoration.
• Plans and supervises employees in the renovation, decoration and placement of objects in the historical museum.
• Supervises employees in the proper storage and protection of all objects when not on display.
• Prepares budgets and is responsible for all purchases and initial authorization for payments.
• Plans special events and exhibits.
• Prepares reports and necessary correspondence.
• Responsible for safety and security measures for the building.
• Handles acquisition of loans and donations to the historical museum.
• Plans and carries out the educational functions of the facility such as providing for lectures, talks, guided tours, film showings, and informational pamphlets in order to acquaint, educate, and develop interest in those topics and subjects associated with the museum.
• Perform various record keeping tasks associated with curatorial work such as assigning code numbers to items and recording descriptive information in museum's permanent files in order to provide resource material for research, exhibit and other similar reasons.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of technical assistants, by giving work assignments, reviewing work upon completion, and training the individuals in techniques related to acquisitioning, cataloguing, storing, displaying, cleaning, and restoring various artifacts.

Education

Graduation from a four year course at an accredited college or university with a major course of study in history.

Experience

Two years of experience in the planning, designing, preparation and care of exhibits or collections or objects of historical value or significance.

<b> KNOWLEDGE </b>

Thorough knowledge and understanding of the subject area of the museum.

Thorough knowledge of and practice in the techniques and methods of developing, expanding, and managing museum collections and of classifying, documenting, and caring for the specimens, artifacts, or objects related to the subject matter of the museum.

Thorough knowledge of the techniques and methods of planning and designing museum exhibits and ability to understand the subject matter of the museum, and to interpret it in effective visual form.

Thorough knowledge of the purposes and operation of a historical museum. Of the preparation of display and exhibits for the public.

Of the proper procedures in the cleaning, storage, and protection of historical objects in use and in storage.

Of the layout most suitable for display purposes in view of space and other limitations.

Of antiques and their care.

Of inventory cataloguing and maintenance of suitable records. Of loan and donation procedures.

<b> ABILITY </b>

Ability to read, write, speak, understand or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position. Communication may include such forms as American Sign Language or braille.

To plan museum tours and to host special functions and meetings.

To work with members of the news media and schools to initiate publicity for the historical museum.

To conduct historical research on objects or documents and to transfer this research into concise informative information to the public.

To work with the public in receiving information, loans, and donations., as well as to plan special events in an effort to encourage active participation by residents in local cultural affairs.

Ability to work harmoniously with various groups and individuals interested in the museum and it's exhibits.

To supervise the design, preparation, installation, and maintenance of suitable displays and exhibits.

To make the best use of available space, funds, personnel, equipment, and objects.

To prepare reports, articles, brochures, and descriptive materials for publication and to establish and maintain needed records and files.

To give talks before groups, organizations, and patrons. To do historical research as it relates to the exhibits.

To determine work to be accomplished, issue assignments, and instruct subordinate personnel in proper methods and techniques to utilize in the performance of their duties.

To comprehend, analyze, and interpret policies and procedures of the organization.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.