About Company
The San Bernardino Historical and Pioneer Society, established in 1902, is dedicated to preserving the rich history and cultural heritage of San Bernardino and the surrounding region. Located in the heart of Downtown San Bernardino, our society operates a museum and archives that house an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, photographs, and oral histories. We serve as a vital resource for historical research, education, and community engagement, striving to connect present generations with the pioneering spirit and diverse narratives that shaped our vibrant community. Our mission is to educate the public, inspire an an appreciation for the past, and safeguard the legacy of San Bernardino for future generations through meticulously curated exhibitions, dynamic educational programs, and diligent preservation efforts. We are a non-profit organization deeply embedded in the community, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the foundational stories that define our identity.
Advertisement
Job Description
The San Bernardino Historical and Pioneer Society is seeking a passionate and highly organized Museum Curator Assistant to join our dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with a strong interest in history, museum practices, and a profound commitment to preserving local heritage. As a Museum Curator Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Curator in the daily operations of the museum, including comprehensive collection management, insightful exhibition development, thorough historical research, and impactful public engagement initiatives. This position offers invaluable hands-on experience in various facets of museum work within a community-focused historical institution, providing a unique platform to contribute to the cultural landscape of San Bernardino. You will assist with the careful handling, meticulous cataloging, and secure storage of artifacts, ensuring their long-term preservation according to professional standards. Your contributions will be vital in bringing San Bernardino’s diverse and compelling stories to life through engaging exhibitions and enriching educational programming for visitors of all ages. We are looking for someone who is meticulous, proactive, detail-oriented, and eager to contribute to a collaborative, supportive environment, helping us to enrich the community’s understanding of its past. This role is perfect for someone looking to grow their career in museum studies or historical preservation, offering a unique chance to work directly with significant local collections and contribute meaningfully to our cultural landscape. The work environment is dynamic, requiring adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a keen eye for detail, while providing ample opportunity for continuous learning and professional development within a dedicated and welcoming team.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist the Curator with the research, planning, design, and installation of museum exhibitions, including artifact selection, interpretive label writing, and display preparation.
- Support the comprehensive management of the museum's collections, including cataloging, inventorying, and rehousing artifacts according to industry-standard museum practices.
- Conduct thorough historical research to support exhibition development, educational programs, and accurate collection interpretation.
- Assist in the preservation and conservation efforts of artifacts, ensuring proper environmental controls, integrated pest management, and careful handling procedures.
- Prepare and process new acquisitions, including detailed documentation, preliminary condition reports, and accessioning.
- Contribute to the development and delivery of engaging educational programs, workshops, and guided tours for diverse age groups and audiences.
- Provide essential administrative support to the Curator, including scheduling, correspondence, file management, and record-keeping.
- Help maintain the cleanliness, safety, and organization of exhibit spaces, storage areas, and research facilities.
- Engage with museum visitors, answering questions, providing informative narratives about the museum’s collections, and sharing local history.
- Assist with the digitization of collections and archival materials to enhance accessibility and preservation.
Required Skills
- Bachelor's degree in History, Museum Studies, Archaeology, Anthropology, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of 1 year (12 months) of experience in a museum, archive, or cultural heritage institution.
- Demonstrated knowledge of museum ethics, collections care, and best practices for collections management.
- Excellent research, technical writing, and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a small, dedicated team.
- Physical ability to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds, stand for extended periods, and navigate museum spaces.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Museum Studies, Public History, Archival Studies, or a related discipline.
- Experience with museum collection management software (e.g., PastPerfect, CatalogIt, CollectiveAccess).
- Familiarity with the history of San Bernardino and the broader Inland Empire region.
- Demonstrated experience in exhibition design, fabrication, and installation.
- Bilingual proficiency (especially Spanish) is a significant asset.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience and opportunities for professional growth.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays).
- Participation in a robust retirement savings plan.
- Opportunities for professional development, workshops, and training in museum practices.
- A stimulating, supportive, and intellectually rich work environment within a vital community institution.
- Direct involvement in preserving and interpreting significant local history for future generations.
- Free admission to collaborating museums and cultural events.
How to Apply
To apply for this unique opportunity, please click on the application link below. We look forward to reviewing your application and learning more about your passion for history and museum work.
Advertisement
