Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

The Museum Curator and Caretaker is responsible for preserving, interpreting, and showcasing the museum's collection of antique and historically significant automobiles. This role ensures the quality, accuracy, and appeal of all exhibits while maintaining proper conservation standards. The Curator leads research, collection management, exhibit development, and public engagement initiatives that enhance the museum's mission and visitor experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSONSIBILITIES:

Collection Management & Preservation

• Oversee the care, documentation, and conservation of antique automobiles and related artifacts.
• Develop and maintain accurate cataloging systems, provenance records, and condition reports.
• Ensure proper storage, handling, and environmental controls to preserve vehicles and artifacts.
• Coordinate acquisition strategies, including donations, purchases, and loans.

Exhibition Development

• Design, plan, and curate permanent and temporary exhibits highlighting automotive history, engineering, culture, and innovation.
• Create compelling interpretive materials including labels, signage, multimedia content, brochures, and virtual exhibits.
• Collaborate with restoration experts, fabricators, and collections staff to prepare vehicles for display.

Research & Interpretation

• Conduct in-depth research on antique automobiles, designers, manufacturers, and historical eras.
• Serve as museum subject-matter expert and resource for the public, staff, and media.
• Develop educational programs, tours, lectures, and events that bring automotive history to life.

Public Engagement & Outreach

• Represent the museum through speaking engagements, community presentations, and partnerships.
• Collaborate with marketing teams on storytelling, exhibit promotion, and public programs.
• Assist with donor relations and development events connected to the museum's collection.

Operational & Administrative Leadership

• Develop budgets and manage exhibition project costs.
• Oversee museum volunteers.
• Ensure compliance with museum standards, ethical guidelines, and industry best practices.
• Coordinate with lenders, insurance providers, and transport companies for vehicle loans and exhibitions.
• Evening or weekend hours will occasionally be required for special events, car shows, and tours.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree in Museum Studies, History, Art History, Automotive History, or a related field.
• Experience working with museum collections, archives, or exhibitions.
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of conservation practices and object handling standards.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The Museum Curator role requires the ability to lift and move objects up to 25-40 pounds, including artifacts, tools, and exhibit materials, as well as occasionally assisting with positioning vehicles using safe, non-mechanical guidance. The position involves extended periods of standing and walking throughout exhibit areas, storage spaces, and public galleries, along with frequent bending, reaching, and stooping to access shelves, cabinets, and vehicle interiors. Must also use step stools or small ladders when needed, demonstrate fine motor skills for handling small objects and preparing archival materials, and maintain strong visual acuity for both detailed cataloging and evaluating exhibit layouts. The role may include working in temperature-controlled storage rooms, workshops with occasional dust or equipment noise, and supporting events that require setting up or moving exhibit components. Evening or weekend hours will occasionally be required for special events, car shows, and tours.

The employee is regularly required to use a computer/laptop/iPad in an office environment with natural and/or fluorescent lighting and navigate between office building floors.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position involves a combination of office duties, active presence on the exhibit floor, and hands-on artifact handling. The role occasionally requires evening and weekend hours to support special events or exhibit openings. Additionally, the ability to lift, move, or assist in positioning objects, with support when necessary, is essential.

Additional Job Description:

Base Compensation: $80,000 - $95,000

The base salary range may vary depending on geographic location, applicant skills, and prior relevant experience.

We offer our full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement plans with matching contributions, and generous paid time off. Additionally, we provide profit sharing, tuition reimbursement, and an employee assistance program.