Assistant Curator — Exhibits, Research & Programs

Coos History Museum; Coos Bay (OR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 10 paid holidays

Paid time off

Medical plan expense reimbursement

Museum membership

Museum store discount

Job summary

Coos History Museum seeks an Assistant Curator to support exhibits, research, and public programs. Working under the Executive Director, you will interpret local history through engaging exhibits and accessible learning experiences.

The role combines research and content development with exhibit installation, maintenance, gallery cleaning, and program delivery, collaborating with staff, volunteers, and partners across Coos County and Oregon’s South Coast.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in history, museum studies, public history, anthropology, education, or related field.
• At least two years of relevant museum experience.
• Strong research, writing, and editing skills for public content.
• Experience with exhibits, educational programming, or public history projects.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with assistance and stand for long periods.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, researching, developing, and installing exhibits.
• Draft exhibit text, labels, and interpretive materials for curatorial review.
• Identify and prepare photographs, archival materials, and objects for exhibition.
• Develop and maintain hands‑on activities and exhibit interactives.
• Perform routine exhibit inspections, maintenance, and minor repairs to exhibits and interactives.
• Clean and maintain galleries for public viewing.
• Conduct research to support exhibits, programs, publications, and museum projects.
• Assist with public research inquiries and requests according to procedures and fees.
• Coordinate with the Collections Manager to access collection materials.

Skills

Research

Writing

Editing

Public history

Education

Bachelor's degree in history

Job description

Coos History Museum seeks an Assistant Curator to support exhibits, research, and public programs. Working under the Executive Director, you will interpret local history through engaging exhibits and accessible learning experiences.

The role combines research and content development with exhibit installation, maintenance, gallery cleaning, and program delivery, collaborating with staff, volunteers, and partners across Coos County and Oregon’s South Coast.