CURATOR OF HISTORY

The Position

The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of Curator of History to fill one (1) vacancy in the Museum Department.The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months.

The Curator of History is responsible for curating exhibitions, developing and presenting programs, and building the local history collections for the Museum of Riverside. Also included are curatorial responsibilities relating to informed care and interpretation of the Museum’s Victorian-era Heritage House (the only property currently open to the public and the location of the Curator of History’s office) and National Historic Landmark Harada House, and ensuring alignment with federal, state, and local historic preservation standards. In addition, the Museum of Riverside is under way on an exciting project to renovate and expand its historic main downtown museum site. The successful candidate for the position of Curator of History will be an experienced curatorial professional and will possess a distinguished curatorial record of achievement, creative storytelling skills, exceptional interpretive writing abilities, a commitment to scholarly integrity, and an engaging manner with the public. The Curator of History must be able to handle a demanding workload, managing multiple projects simultaneously within a work environment that will be in flux for several years until the new downtown site reopens. The successful candidate will be an analytical thinker and have a strong work ethic, sense of humor, can-do attitude, and the desire to be part of the team who will bring about momentous change for the institution. Collections care and management experience will be important, and experience with historic structures is a strongly encouraged.

The Museum of Riverside has a long history of collecting, exhibiting, and publishing in its areas of disciplinary expertise, which include Riverside area history, Indigenous resources, culture, and natural science. The Curator of History will develop and execute a robust schedule of exhibitions, community programming, and public communications relating to the region’s history. This position will work with the Curatorial Services Manager, the Museum Director, colleagues, and the community to successfully accomplish these tasks, and to steward the permanent collection of historic artifacts. The Curator of History is also a key liaison to an active volunteer corps. The Curator of History may assist with the museum's ongoing effort to seek and administer grants and private donations and support execution of the Museum’s major events.

The Curator of History, u nder general supervision, performs a variety of technical and professional duties in the assembling and caring for museum collections in anthropology, history, historic structures, or natural history; to plan and provide materials for museum exhibitions and educational programs; to provide public access to history collections and answer research inquiries; work closely with all facets of the community to preserve this region’s legacy; and to do related work as required.

In summary, the Museum is looking for a motivated individual who works well under pressure and can manage a diverse array of job responsibilities, working with artifacts one moment, historic structures the next, planning a public program, and developing an exhibition all in the same week. It is crucial for this person to be able to work well with their colleagues, direct supervisor, and department head to successfully complete these tasks to advance the mission and goals of the Museum and provide the best experiences for the local community as well as City visitors.
*Actual Classification Title: Museum Curator. Please refer to the Museum Curator job description for more clarification.

4% salary increase effective the first pay-period following July 1, 2026

Work Performed

Typical duties may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following (varies depending on assignment):

• Work effectively on teams to implement the Museum of Riverside’s mission.
• Locate, acquire, and house appropriate artifacts or specimens, in accordance with the Museum’s Collections Development Plan.
• Conduct detailed analysis and research to identify and catalog items.
• Prepare and maintain proper collection records.
• Oversee necessary maintenance, preservation, and conservation of collected materials.
• Select artifacts and specimens and continuously plan exhibitions within assigned field of responsibility.
• Develop content to promote and market programs to encourage public participation and engagement.
• Provide content for labels to emphasize exhibition features.
• Participate in museum and/or community-sponsored programs and events.
• Present lectures or other programs to community groups, Museum audiences, and professional organizations. Includes the development of digital programs and videos
• Contribute articles to the Museum newsletters and scholarly publications.
• Research and prepare content for grant applications.
• Advise the public regarding the care of historic objects in their ownership (not to include authentication or appraisal).
• Confer and cooperate with other resource and Museum personnel regarding materials sources, object data, exhibition details, publications, and programs.
• When assigned to History or Anthropology, manage the documentation, care, and interpretation of artifacts that include, but are not limited to, historic and contemporary artifacts and documents in a range of media, relating to the Riverside and surrounding area.
• When assigned to Historic Structures, manage the general upkeep of the Museum’s historic structures (including, but not limited to the Heritage House, Harada House, and Robinson House); maintain maintenance and capital improvements schedules.
• Instruct interns and volunteers.
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Education: Equivalent to a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university with major work in museology, history, anthropology, archaeology, geology, natural science, zoology, or a closely related field of specialization. Three years of experience in the field and the interest to pursue graduate studies may substitute for the partial fulfillment of the Master’s Degree requirement.

Experience: Three years of experience in the collection, preservation, interpretation, presentation of materials for Museum exhibitions and the presentation of public programs.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Ability to work irregular schedules, including evenings and weekends.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Class “C” California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

Highly Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in the interpretive and management concerns that are particular to historic sites.
• Experience in the collection, interpretation, and presentation of materials for museum exhibitions and public programs.
• Knowledge of American material culture history (southern California history preferred), the principles of collection preservation, and contemporary museum practices.
• Experience with collections management relational databases, TMS Collections in particular.
• Experience with program delivery by means of in-person programs, publications, and digital modes.
• Proficiency in computer programs such as the Microsoft Office Suite, basic graphic design programs, and collections management software.
• Experience in training and managing volunteers.
• Experience leading preservation and maintenance efforts for the Museum’s historic structures and the history collections within them and associated with them.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions : Work is typically done at a historic site or museum environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and some direct exposure to hazardous physical substances and live animals. Employees may be required to carry boxes of supplies, set up equipment for onsite and offsite programs (including outdoor programs), and climb ladders. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Selection Process

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION:
1) Completed Employment Application
2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire
3) Résumé, Cover Letter, and (3) three professional references

PLEASE NOTE: FOR DIRECTIONS ON ATTACHING A DOCUMENT TO AN ON-LINE APPLICATION, OR GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPLETING YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE: (Application Guide).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS:
If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.

The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.

It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.

Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination.

NOTE : The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university.

Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options: An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at http://www.naces.org/members.html or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/ .An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university. All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) - General Unit

The City offers an attractive benefits package, the central provisions of which are as follows:

• Retirement for Classic Members - For employees hired after 1/1/2013 who are CLASSIC MEMBERS of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12 and have not been separated from service from such agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2.7 % @ age 55; 3-year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 8%. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
• Retirement for New Members - For employees hired 1/1/2013 or later and who ARE NOT a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12, or those who have been separated from a public agency which contracts with CalPERS or a reciprocal agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2% at age 62; 3 year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 50% of the normal cost and is subject to change per CalPERS every fiscal year. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
• Health Insurance - The City offers six health insurance plans and contributes up to $1,687 per month for HMO plans (family coverage).
• Dental Insurance - The City provides three dental insurance plans and contributes up to $85 per month.
• Vision Insurance - The City provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employees and their dependents that are enrolled in medical coverage.
• Life Insurance - The City provides and pays for term life insurance equal to $100,000. Additional Life Insurance is available and voluntary for employees and eligible dependents (up to $300k).
• Deferred Compensation - The City contributes $50 a month with a minimum employee contribution of $12.50 per check. Participation in the deferred compensation plan is optional.
• Leave Benefits - Includes vacation leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holiday benefits. Please refer to the SEIU MOU for specific details.
• Flexible Spending Account - The City offers a Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Plan for optional participation.
• State Disability Insurance - Automatic coverage administered by the Employee Development Department (EDD) of the State of California
• Vacation Accrual - 0-4 yrs. = 80hrs, 5-9 yrs. = 120hrs, 10+ yrs. = 160 hrs.

For other special compensation, refer to the SEIU MOU .
For additional benefits information, please visit the following website: https://www.riversideca.gov/human/employee-hub/benefits/about-1
For part-time, benefitted positions the insurance and other benefits (leave accruals, holidays, etc.) are pro-rated based on ½ or ¾ time status.

Closing Date/Time: 7/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Riverside

• 951-826-2392

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