Responsibilities and Tasks

Leadership

1. In collaboration with the Director of Programs and the Curator of Wildlife, create and execute a short-term and long-term vision for natural history exhibitions and programs at the Museum and in the community.

2. Collaborate with Museum staff on the Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation process.

3. Develop and maintain partnerships with organizations, institutions and tribes throughout the community, region and beyond to further enhance the Museum’s role as a resource for wildlife, natural history and conservation information.

4. Represent the Museum at professional meetings, forums and/or workshops.

5. Embrace, support and help implement the Museum’s continued learning and commitment to justice, diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion.

6. In coordination with the Communications Team, represent the Museum as needed in a variety of mediums, including social media, print, photography and video, in materials produced by both the Museum and by journalists sharing the story of the Museum’s work.

7. Develop and manage the department budget.

Exhibits

1. As a key member of the Exhibitions Team, plan and execute temporary and permanent exhibitions about natural history and the relationship between people and the natural and cultural resources of the High Desert. Activities include, and are not limited to: identifying specimens and objects for loan; researching content; writing exhibit labels, panels and essays for collateral publications; and collaborating with the team on exhibition design and installation.

2. Adhere to exhibition deadlines and budgets for temporary and permanent

Public Programs

1. Collaborate with Curators and partner organizations to continue current programs and develop new public programs for people of all ages in connection with the Museum’s permanent and changing exhibitions, permanent collections and strategic plan.

2. Plan and lead lectures, field trips, tours and interpretive programs with an emphasis on local and regional natural history to diverse audiences.

3. Collaborate with the Curator of Education and Engagement on the development and implementation of programs for students and teachers in grades PreK through 16.

Interpretation

1. Collaborate with other Curators to provide direction and support to the Museum’s interpretation program, including refining interpretive goals and developing a variety of interpretive techniques and approaches to engage and inform visitors.

2. Ensure interpretation embodies the Museum’s mission and strategic plan and welcomes all audiences by honoring their many cultures, abilities, backgrounds and lived experiences.

3. Recruit, train, mentor and supervise paid interns and volunteers.

Collections

1. In conjunction with the Collections Committee, adhere to the Museum’s Collection Management Policy and develop a strategic vision for the Museum’s natural history

2. Collect specimens, objects and materials in accordance with the Collections Management Policy and Strategic Collecting

3. Cultivate and maintain new and existing donors to enhance the Museum’s natural history

Qualifications

• Masters degree in zoology, biology, ecology or related field required; or combination of education and work experience (Bachelors degree, supplemented with 2 years curatorial experience)

• Thorough knowledge of natural history with specific expertise in the High Desert and Intermountain West regions

• Public speaking experience

• Proven ability to work as part of a team, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with fellow employees, volunteers and the general public

• Ability to communicate and work collaboratively with a diverse range of groups and institutions, including federal agencies, museums, nonprofits and tribal nations

• Understanding of, and commitment to, justice, equity, inclusion, accessibility and diversity practices

• Balance team and individual responsibilities; exhibit objectivity and openness to others’ views; give and welcome feedback; contribute to building a positive team spirit; ability to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives and supports everyone’s efforts to succeed

• Experience working with museum collections

• Excellent organizational, communication and writing skills

• Detailed-oriented while handling multiple projects and deadlines

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Proven curatorial track record of creating compelling exhibitions and public programs

The Museum provides an equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/transgender status, age, disability, veteran or marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Mission

The High Desert Museum wildly excites and responsibly teaches through innovative, interdisciplinary experiences, creating connection to and dialogue about the High Desert