Exhibitions Manager and Associate Curator

Sdmaritime; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maritime Museum of San Diego seeks an Exhibitions Manager and Associate Curator to collaborate with museum staff on developing and presenting exhibitions and shipboard displays. This role supports content development, liaison among guest curators, staff, and exhibition designers, and the preparation of gallery and shipboard exhibit spaces.

You will assist with content development, oversee gallery and shipboard spaces, and handle artifacts with care, including safe handling and installation

Qualifications

• Ability to write exhibition content according to industry standards on a variety of subjects.
• Prior experience in art or artifact handling and exhibit installation preferred.
• Familiarity with shop tools, hardware, and materials.
• A degree in history, art history, art, design, or a related field preferred, or equivalent trade experience.
• At least two years of museum exhibition and curatorial experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create content to upgrade existing and/or create new exhibition labels.
• Perform routine touch-up, repair, and upkeep in galleries and on outdoor and shipboard exhibits.
• Curate in-house exhibitions and manage curatorial schedule.
• Handle, pack, transport, store, and install artifacts, ship models, and exhibit materials spanning a range of media and maritime traditions.
• Follow established best practices for the safe handling and movement of collection objects.
• Assist with loading and unloading exhibition shipments; operate a box truck to move objects between the Museum and offsite storage.
• Install and maintain audio-visual components used in exhibits.
• Support compliance with Cal-OSHA requirements, including documentation and training on tools, materials, and equipment.
• Respond to threats to collection objects or vessels from unanticipated conditions, moving items to safety per the Museum’s Disaster Preparedness Plan.
• Attend relevant training sessions, conferences, or workshops as opportunities arise.
• Take on other departmental duties as needed.

Skills

Carpentry

Exhibit fabrication

Finishing

Lighting

Education

History or related field degree

Trade experience/equivalent

2+ years museum exhibition experience

Tools

Shop tools

OSHA knowledge

Job description

Exhibitions Manager and Associate Curator

Position opening – Exhibitions Manager and Associate Curator

Department: Exhibitions & Collections
Reports to: Director of Library and Collections
Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Salary Range: $24.00 – $28.00 per hour

Position Summary

The Exhibitions Curator works with museum staff to bring the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s exhibitions and historic vessels to life. This role supports content development, liaison among guest curators, staff, and exhibition designers, the preparation of gallery and shipboard exhibit spaces, and the safe handling and installation of artifacts, models, and interpretive materials across our collection. Some evening and weekend hours are required.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Create content to upgrade existing and/or create new exhibition labels
• Perform routine touch-up, repair, and upkeep in galleries and on outdoor and shipboard exhibits
• Curate in-house exhibitions and manage curatorial schedule
• Handle, pack, transport, store, and install artifacts, ship models, and exhibit materials spanning a range of media and maritime traditions
• Follow established best practices for the safe handling and movement of collection objects
• Assist with loading and unloading exhibition shipments; operate a box truck to move objects between the Museum and offsite storage
• Install and maintain audio-visual components used in exhibits
• Support compliance with Cal-OSHA requirements, including documentation and training on tools, materials, and equipment
• Respond to threats to collection objects or vessels from unanticipated conditions, moving items to safety per the Museum’s Disaster Preparedness Plan
• Attend relevant training sessions, conferences, or workshops as opportunities arise
• Take on other departmental duties as needed

Qualifications

Education

• Ability to write exhibition content according to industry standards on a variety of subjects
• Prior experience in art or artifact handling and exhibit installation preferred
• Familiarity with shop tools, hardware, and materials
• A degree in history, art history, art, design, or a related field preferred, or equivalent trade experience
• At least two years of museum exhibition and curatorial experience preferred

Knowledge

• Safe operation of portable and stationary power tools preferred
• Understanding of archival standards for collection care preferredAbility to read shop drawings preferred
• Familiarity with OSHA regulations and guidelines preferred

Abilities

• Able to work independently and collaboratively to deliver high-quality results under firm deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Discretion, cooperation, and respect in a team setting

Skills

• Experience in carpentry, exhibit fabrication, finishing, and/or lighting preferred
• Willingness and ability to learn to operate a scissor lift and box truck
• Solid organizational and time-management skills

Other

• Valid California driver’s license and proof of insurance required

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds
• Ability to work overhead, on ladders, and with lift equipment
• Regular walking, including stairs and shipboard access points
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven setting in an exciting historic maritime atmosphere
• Workspaces may be dusty, noisy, and include outdoor and shipboard conditions