Associate Curator Of Living History

Description:

Since opening in 1982, the HIGH DESERT MUSEUM has brought together wildlife, cultures, history, art and natural resources to promote an understanding of North America’s High Desert country. We do so through indoor and outdoor exhibits, wildlife in natural habitats, living history demonstrations and dynamic programs on a beautiful, 135-acre campus in the pine forest. The Museum is a nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was awarded the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Services. During the 2018-19 fiscal year, 195,000 visitors enjoyed the Museum.

The Museum is located in Bend, Oregon, a fast-growing, charismatic city nestled against the Cascade Range at the eastern edge of the High Desert. We strive to be inclusive, culturally humble, relevant, curious and mindful. As a team, we work together to wildly excite and responsibly teach, creating connection to and dialogue about the High Desert.

About this job and what you’ll do

The associate curator of living history is responsible for the maintenance and interpretation of the 1904 High Desert Ranch and Sawmill and its associated programs. The main duties will include supervising interpreters as well as interpreting the site for visitors, demonstrating historical activities and managing the daily operations in period clothing.

The Museum provides strong health and welfare benefits, plus 10.5 paid holidays, your birthday off, and three personal days per calendar year (this will be prorated based on hire date). You will also accrue two weeks of paid vacation per year for the first year of employment.

About who you are

The associated curator of living history is generally outgoing and loves connecting with diverse audiences. You demonstrate a passion for sharing diverse histories with families, school groups, and the general public through hands-on activities all while in period costume. Finding unique ways to help visitors better understand the diverse stories of people of the past is especially interesting to you.

You are organized and detail-oriented and can manage both long-range planning for the as well as the day-to-day tasks. You are a leader who can work well with both the public as well as supervise employees and volunteers. You are a problem solver who can think on their feet and respond quickly and tactfully.