Salary: $46,763.00 - $72,549.00 Annually, Location: DE 19809, DE
Job Type: Regular Full-time, Job Number: 03222023_MUSEUM CURATOR
Department: Community Services, Division: Community Services
Opening Date: 07/06/2023, Closing Date 8/2/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
In accordance with the Merit System Rules and Regulations, an eligible list, which will be valid for a one-year period and which will be used to fill vacancies during that period, is being established for this classification. Applicants on the eligible list will be certified in accordance with the Merit System and appropriate union contracts.
Candidates may submit online employment applications using the NEOGOV online application system available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nccde.
EXAMINATION PROCESS: The examination process for this posting may include an evaluation of training and experience, a written examination, a computerized exam, an oral board interview examination, a performance examination or any combination of the above in order to qualify applicants for placement on the eligible list. The eligible list will be used to fill vacancies that occur within the next year. The appropriate number of names on the eligible list as prescribed by Merit System Section 26.03.505 will be certified to the hiring department for consideration to fill the vacant position(s).
New employees are generally hired at the starting salary and may be eligible for merit increases each year upon receipt of a satisfactory performance evaluation, up to the maximum salary.
New Castle County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
JOB DESCRIPTION
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Responsible as Museum Curator to research, catalog, cultivate, publish, exhibit and help equitably interpret the Museum collections, historic gardens and history of site. The Curator will also aid in collections management, support NCC Department of Community Services priorities, help coordinate the museum’s educational initiatives and outreach, raise funds, participate in committee assignments Coordinates the overall activities of the Community Services Department by developing, implementing and overseeing programs; staffing facilities; and providing essential services to the community through effective interaction among the various units of the department and other departments within the County; does related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: An employee in this class assists the Community Services Department Manager in planning, controlling and coordinating activities and staff of the Community Services Department to promote and maintain the highest quality of life for New Castle County residents. This employee assists in developing, providing and maintaining a diverse mix of services available and accessible to all which will contribute to the physical, mental, social, informational and cultural needs of County residents. Responsibilities include broadening equitable representation in Rockwood’s interpretation; connecting diverse audiences to Rockwood’s wide range of cultural assets through research, publication, education and exhibitions; deepening support for Rockwood among the community, collectors, supporters, and museum professionals; and supporting Rockwood’s wide preservation efforts. Responsibilities include coordinating the various programs both within and outside the department to include coordinating with the media, other governmental and private service providers and community organizations. This employee may be required to work unusual hours including nights, weekends, and holidays at various work sites. This employee works under general direction.
EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Illustrative Only)
- Stewardship of the permanent collection: research, catalog, cultivate, publish, exhibit and help equitably interpret an important permanent collection of fine and decorative arts with strengths in 17-19th century Irish and English furniture, European and Asian ceramics and glass, 18th-19th century American furniture, 19th and 20th century costume and domestic textiles, 19th century lighting, 18th-20th century paintings and prints, and other objects collected through international tourism.
- Help to build and maintain an environment of equity for museum visitors.
- Stewardship of the Library and Manuscript collection: the Curator will also oversee the cataloguing of an historic library collection and a portion of the estate’s institutional archives.
- Curating and installing feature exhibitions and interpretive narratives: crafting original exhibitions of the history of the Rockwood estate site, the people who lived and worked here, and the permanent collection as well as the works of contemporary artist. In addition, the Curator will adapt the museum galleries and gardens to interpret new narratives about the estate’s rich history.
- Act as a key advisor to the decorative appearance of the estate buildings’ interiors and exteriors.
- Stewardship of an unrecorded collection of architectural elements that were removed from the estate during various remodeling projects during the 20th century.
- Act as a key advisor to the decorative appearance of the estate’s landscape architecture and historic plant management.
- Participate in committee assignments with NCC staff and community volunteers.
- Help manage research requests.
- Assisting with the management of the permanent collection; recommending and helping to coordinate conservation priorities.
- Assisting with raising funds for institutional priorities.
- Coordinates the delivery of all services provided by the department, including but not limited to recreational, cultural, educational, libraries, programs for seniors, housing assistance and community development;
- Develops, implements and oversees programs and activities located throughout the county including hiring of part time staff and contractors, and planning for programs, activities and special events.
- Develops programmatic connections among the various units of the department and other departments within the County;
- Promotes the sharing of resources and facilitates cooperation among the various program components and activities of the department;
- Assists in the development of long- and short-term goals for the department;
- Implements policies and procedures for the department as directed by the department manager;
- Promotes an ongoing attitude of dedication to excellent public service and ensures that internal and external customers are provided with the highest quality of service;
- Interacts with outside agencies, the media, other service providers, community organizations and the public concerning related issues;
- Assigns work and supervises staff;
- Works with department staff to develop methods for dealing with departmental issues and in responding to problems or requests received;
- Presents information to community groups;
- Operates a personal computer and other related equipment in the course of the work.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Good knowledge of at least one of the collection strengths listed above; good knowledge of museum research, interpretation, exhibition, and publication; good knowledge of collection cataloguing; good knowledge of equitable representation in cultural production; some knowledge of archive management; some knowledge of grant writing. Good knowledge of the services provided in the area of community services; some knowledge of program and budget development; ability to coordinate a variety of diverse community service functions and associated staff; ability to supervise others; ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to make effective presentations before groups; ability to establish and develop effective working relationships with associates, government officials, agencies, private organizations and the public and to promote an ongoing attitude of dedication to excellent customer service; ability to analyze complex data, draw valid conclusions and make reliable recommendations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: At least three years’ experience in the area of of museum curation; planning or coordination of a variety of exhibits and programs or services and possession of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in art history, material culture studies, architectural history, history, business administration, public administration or related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and training directly related to the required knowledge, skills and abilities. A graduate degree at the Master’s or Doctoral lev is preferred
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to pass a Class III County physical examination and background check.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Laura McDermott
Office of Human Resources
Laura.McDermott@newcastlede.gov
Small Museum Association