Geology curator sought for rededicated Arizona museum

The Arizona Historical Society has opened two museum curator positions for the new "Arizona Experience." The new museum is being built from the Arizona Mining & Mineral Museum which was transferred from the Dept. of Mines & Mineral Resources last year. The original concept for a Centennial Museum [right] based on Arizona's historical 5 C's has undergone considerable evolution and will focus more on Arizona's future.

The senior position is described as "a leadership position in the agency that will assist senior staff in determining program policy. The Museum Curator has principal responsibility for daily management and operation of the facility and it programs. In conjunction with appropriate staff, the position helps research, develop, and implement public programming. The position serves as the museum's "first" point of contact with the public thereby representing the agency to its diverse audiences. Working with a variety of stakeholders, the position has an opportunity to shape the museum's future direction."

The Arizona Historical Society also seeks a Curator 2 "having geological expertise to manage mineral collections and associated educational programming at its new museum, The Arizona Experience, a project of the state's 2012 Centennial. The position participates in the development of exhibits, programs, events, and other museum activities by performing technical and specialized work in these areas."

This position requires a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology with specialized knowledge of Arizona minerals/mineralogy; knowledge of research techniques; preparing, selecting, and cataloguing specimens; one year experience equivalent to curator responsibilities.

Preference will be given to candidates having a degree in a mineral-related field with museum experience.

*Familiarity with the discipline of geology
*Specialized knowledge of Arizona minerals/mineralogy
*Research techniques, preparing, selecting, and cataloging specimens
*Museum policies/procedures, and collections management
*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships among team members and volunteers
*Ability to apply sound critical judgment
*Skills in oral and written communication
*Skill in conducting research
*Skill in curatorial skills such as handling and displaying specimens
*Skill in interpersonal relations and skills useful for interpreting and maintaining a historic building and/or modern facility.
*Skill in preparing exhibits and in preserving museum objects and document
*Skill in locating objects and documents for collection and/or loan
*Skill in registration, cataloging, and archival techniques
*Skill in basic photographic techniques, scanning and equipment use
*Skill in applying/interpreting historic research
*Ability to write reports, grant requests, research reports, etc.
*Ability to continue education or professional development through various settings-there should be a continuing program of acquiring and developing skills through study-practice and through attending workshops.

Applicants should go to the State Jobs site, and search for Curator or click here.