Museum Curator of Natural History Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of widespread fascination with the natural world, the role of museum curators of natural history has become more important than ever.

As our understanding of the Earth’s history evolves, so does the demand for knowledgeable curators who can interpret, share, and protect our natural heritage.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a museum curator of natural history?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager aiming to pinpoint the ideal candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the fascinating realm of natural history curation,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable museum curator of natural history job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Museum Curator of Natural History Duties and Responsibilities

Museum Curators of Natural History are responsible for collecting, preserving, interpreting, and displaying items of natural history significance.

They must have a deep understanding of natural history, conservation, and museum practices.

The following are the duties and responsibilities of a Museum Curator of Natural History:

• Acquire, store, and preserve collections of natural history objects
• Research and provide information about the significance of the collections
• Create and manage exhibitions that display the collections to the public in an educational and engaging manner
• Liaise with other museum professionals, researchers, and the public to answer queries related to the collections
• Develop educational programs and materials that relate to the collections
• Oversee the safety and security of the collections
• Apply for grants and manage the budget for collections and exhibitions
• Document and maintain records of the collections, including their acquisition, storage, preservation, and display
• Ensure the museum follows laws and regulations related to the handling and display of natural history objects

 

Museum Curator of Natural History Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a knowledgeable and passionate Museum Curator of Natural History to manage our collections and exhibits.

The successful candidate will be responsible for acquiring, storing, and exhibiting a collection of artefacts and specimens, researching and interpreting their historical, cultural, or scientific importance.

Our ideal candidate is an expert in natural history, with a deep understanding of scientific research methods, museum conservation practices, and public engagement strategies.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan and organize the acquisition, storage, and exhibition of collections and related materials, including the selection of exhibition themes and designs, and develop or install exhibit materials.
• Conduct research and analysis to evaluate the significance of different specimens.
• Develop and maintain an institution’s registration, cataloguing, and basic record-keeping systems, using computer databases.
• Collaborate with other institutions and organizations to conduct research and promote collection activities.
• Prepare and deliver educational and promotional presentations on collections to the public, community organizations, and professional and academic groups.
• Plan and conduct public outreach programs and events to engage and educate the public and encourage understanding and appreciation of natural history.

 

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Natural History, Museum Studies, or a related field is required. A Ph.D. is preferred.
• Several years of work experience in a museum, preferably in a curatorial role.
• Knowledge of collections management systems and museum registration methods.
• Experience in research, documentation, and cataloguing of collections.
• Excellent communication skills for public speaking and writing scholarly articles.
• Ability to work collaboratively with museum staff, volunteers, and diverse public constituencies.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Museum Curator of Natural History
• Work Environment: Museum environment, with occasional field work for research or collection purposes. Some weekend and evening hours may be required for special events or programs.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of the Museum.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $52,000 minimum to $92,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of your published works or contributions to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Museum Curator of Natural History Do?

A Museum Curator of Natural History primarily works for museums or educational institutions, specifically in departments or sections dedicated to natural history.

Their role involves researching, acquiring, and interpreting various natural history artifacts, including fossils, minerals, and biological specimens.

They work closely with other professionals, such as researchers and historians, to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the displayed items.

The Museum Curator of Natural History is responsible for developing and organizing exhibitions that showcase these artifacts, creating an engaging and informative experience for visitors.

They also manage the maintenance and preservation of the museum’s natural history collection, ensuring that the artifacts are stored under appropriate conditions to prevent damage or decay.

In addition, they often work on collaborative projects with universities and research institutions, contributing to scholarly publications and participating in fieldwork.

The Museum Curator of Natural History also serves as a resource person for visitors, conducting guided tours, delivering lectures, and answering inquiries about the exhibits.

They engage with the public, promoting awareness and appreciation of natural history, and often participate in educational outreach programs.

They are responsible for securing funding for their department or projects, which often involves writing proposals and coordinating with donors and grant-making bodies.

Their role requires a deep understanding of natural history, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a general audience.

 

Museum Curator of Natural History Qualifications and Skills

A Museum Curator of Natural History should possess a variety of skills and qualifications that align with this unique role, including:

• Expert knowledge of natural history, including the understanding of various scientific disciplines like geology, paleontology, anthropology, botany, and more.
• Strong research skills to continuously gather, verify, and interpret historical and scientific information.
• Excellent organization skills to manage and catalog museum collections efficiently.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to interact with museum staff, researchers, volunteers, donors, and the public effectively.
• Experience in grant writing and fundraising to secure funds for museum operations and projects.
• Leadership skills to manage staff, coordinate volunteers, and oversee projects.
• Exhibit design and display skills to present collections in an engaging and informative manner.
• Ability to use museum-specific software for cataloging, research, and exhibit design.
• Public speaking skills for giving presentations, leading tours, or representing the museum at public events.
• Problem-solving skills to address issues related to preservation, display, research, and other museum-related challenges.

 

Museum Curator of Natural History Experience Requirements

Museum Curators of Natural History typically hold a master’s degree or higher in a related field such as Natural History, Museum Studies, Anthropology, or Archaeology.

This education often provides them with a foundation of knowledge and theory, as well as some practical experience through fieldwork, internships, or on-campus museum work.

Entry-level curators may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through internships or part-time positions at museums, galleries, or historical sites.

These early career experiences typically involve collections management, exhibition planning, research, and public education.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have had roles that involve managing collections, designing exhibitions, writing grants, or conducting original research.

These individuals have often honed their expertise in a particular area of Natural History and may have published their research in academic journals or presented at conferences.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have held leadership roles in smaller institutions or major departments within larger museums.

These professionals may have experience with strategic planning, staff supervision, budget management, and donor cultivation.

They are well-suited for senior curator or director positions within the museum sector.

Furthermore, curators, at any level, are expected to keep up with the latest research in their field and be committed to ongoing professional development.

This can be accomplished by attending professional conferences, participating in workshops, and maintaining membership in professional organizations such as the American Alliance of Museums or the Natural Science Collections Alliance.

 

Museum Curator of Natural History Education and Training Requirements

Museum Curators of Natural History usually have a master’s or doctoral degree in natural history, museum studies, anthropology, archaeology, or a related field.

These programs offer training in areas such as museum administration, public programming, fundraising, and collection management.

They also provide knowledge about the natural history to educate the general public.

Prior to achieving curator status, they often start their career in entry-level positions within the museum to gain experience and understanding of the industry.

Having expertise in a particular area of natural history is often required, which can be acquired through specialized training, research, or hands-on work.

While it’s not necessarily a requirement, some curators may also have experience in teaching or public speaking, which can be beneficial for educational outreach programs and interactions with visitors.

Ongoing professional development is critical as well, which may include attending industry conferences, seminars, and workshops, and staying updated on the latest research and exhibits in natural history.

Some museums may require curators to obtain professional certification, which can demonstrate commitment to the field and verify knowledge and skills.

Given the research-intensive nature of the job, curators must also have strong research, writing, and organizational skills.

 

Museum Curator of Natural History Salary Expectations

A Museum Curator of Natural History can expect to earn an average salary of $55,370 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience in the field, educational qualifications, the prestige of the employing institution, and the geographical location of the museum.

 

Museum Curator of Natural History Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Museum Curator of Natural History need?

A Museum Curator of Natural History typically requires a master’s degree or Ph.D. in a related field such as archaeology, anthropology, paleontology or biology.

A strong background in research and a demonstrated knowledge of natural history is also required.

Some curators may also have specialized training in museum studies.

 

What skills are important for a Museum Curator of Natural History?

Important skills for a Museum Curator of Natural History include strong research abilities, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills.

Curators often need to write grant proposals, research papers, and exhibit descriptions, so strong writing skills are important.

They also need to be able to communicate with a wide range of people, from museum visitors to academics to donors.

 

What does a typical day look like for a Museum Curator of Natural History?

A typical day for a Museum Curator of Natural History can vary greatly depending on the museum and the specific projects they are working on.

They may spend their day researching and cataloging new acquisitions, planning and organizing exhibits, leading tours or educational programs, or meeting with donors.

They may also work on grant proposals or other administrative tasks.

 

What is the career progression for a Museum Curator of Natural History?

Museum Curators of Natural History typically start their careers in lower-level positions within a museum, such as a research assistant or collections manager.

With experience and further education, they may move into a curator position.

From there, they could potentially become a department head, a museum director, or a professor in a related academic field.

 

What makes a good Museum Curator of Natural History?

A good Museum Curator of Natural History is passionate about their field and dedicated to preserving and sharing knowledge about the natural world.

They should be detail-oriented and have strong research skills.

Good curators are also excellent communicators, able to engage with a wide range of people and to convey complex scientific concepts in a way that is understandable and interesting to the general public.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unlocked the secrets of what it truly means to be a Museum Curator of Natural History.

And guess what?

It’s not just about arranging artifacts.

It’s about shaping the narrative of our planet, one exhibit at a time.

Armed with our definitive Museum Curator of Natural History job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into this fascinating field.

But why stop there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating tailored job listings or perfecting your resume to match your passion.

Remember:

Every artifact tells a part of our vast, interconnected story.

Let’s tell that story. Together.

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