Curator

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The Department of State's (DOS) responsibilities are found in virtually every aspect of state government: economic development, finance, transportation, housing, education, culture and quality-of-life issues. Our mission at DOS range from preserving Delaware’s historical sites and collections, to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, to serving consumers, public employees and veterans.

DOS offer numerous career opportunities and is dedicated to attracting and retaining highly talented individuals who are ready to make a difference in state government.

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The Curator of Archeology position is responsible for the intellectual and physical control over the archaeological collections held by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, overseeing the safety, preservation, maintenance, and documentation of objects held in storage, on exhibit, and on loan. This position is engaged in project management, policy development, and community engagement through researcher and exhibition requests. The collection includes (but is not limited to) section 106 artifacts, shipwreck artifacts, and artifacts from native communities.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Administers the curation of historical objects and archaeological artifact. This includes coordinating the acquisition and curation of objects donated or purchased. Curation includes prescribing conditions under which objects/artifacts are recovered, catalogued, stored, exhibited and transported, and may involve negotiating the loan of those objects; evaluating and prioritizing collection restoration/conservation needs and selecting and managing contractual services.
• Coordinates multiple projects with other curators, professional organizations, appointed/elected state officials, etc. in the curation of historical objects and archaeological artifacts.
• Develop, prioritize, and propose budgets for curatorial and conversation projects. Writes grant applications for funding studies, conservation, exhibits and/or documentation of Delaware's legacies and manages grant funded projects including supervising and monitoring professional consultants/contractors/seasonal staff.
• Conducts cultural, historical and scientific research, analyzes objects/artifacts and compiles documentary summaries providing historical contexts for the collections and development of tours.
• Conducts outreach activities such as preparing and conducting lectures and presentations, representing Delaware State Museums on professional committees and preparing papers for publication.
• Maintains technological advances in collections management, conservation techniques of historical objects and archaeological artifacts, and curatorial activities.
• Provides leadership, cultural and technical expertise to curatorial staff, historical organizations, the education community, research interns, volunteers, professional colleagues and diverse public/special interest groups.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Curator
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Anthropology, Archaeology, Art History, Design History, Architecture, Decorative Arts, American/World History, or Museum Studies or related field.
2. Six months experience in museum practices such as collection management, research, exhibit design, management and handling of collections, preservation or maintenance of historic buildings, conducting museum educational programs or tours.
3. Six months experience in cultural or historical research which includes analyzing objects/artifacts and compiling documentary summaries which provide historical contexts for exhibits, programs, tours, historical sites, and artifacts.
4. Knowledge of project management which includes planning, developing, implementing, managing and evaluating projects to ensure objectives are met.
5. Knowledge of interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
6. Knowledge of grant writing. 

 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.