Curatorial Assistant - Library Systems & Services

About the Role

The Edward-Dean Museum & Gardens in Beaumont, California, is a distinguished cultural institution showcasing decorative arts, antiques, and dynamic exhibitions within a historically significant setting. The Curatorial Assistant position contributes vital support to the museum’s curatorial department and daily functions through a blend of curatorial, clerical, and visitor-oriented tasks. This includes managing volunteer relations, aiding in exhibition design and preparation, leading tours, assisting in educational programming, and undertaking collection maintenance to assure gallery presentation excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day curatorial and administrative assistance to museum curators.
• Manage volunteer communications including recruitment, training, scheduling, and correspondence.
• Lead guided tours and enhance visitor engagement and experience.
• Support exhibition efforts through research, conceptual development, coordination of design, installation, and removal.
• Oversee the creation and editing of educational and curatorial materials such as exhibition labels and interpretive text to maintain factual accuracy and consistency.
• Conduct collection research to develop profound knowledge about the museum’s artifacts, themes, and exhibition narratives.
• Facilitate collection care activities including cleaning, inventory assistance, and documentation support.
• Perform routine inspections of exhibition spaces to ensure cleanliness, orderliness, and availability of materials for visitors.
• Help promote museum events, exhibitions, and programming to the broader community.
• Assist in the development and facilitation of educational initiatives catering to diverse age groups.
• Partner with the Museum Curator on end-of-day financial processes, including maintaining precise visitor attendance records.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in History, Art History, Museum Studies, Anthropology, or related discipline.
• Proven experience in customer service and cash handling.
• Familiarity with museum or gallery environments preferred but not mandatory.
• Ability to absorb and apply knowledge of the collection to support exhibitions and tours.
• Strong teamwork ethic and positive attitude adaptable to varied events.
• Exceptional organizational capabilities with great attention to detail and accuracy.
• Availability to work flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Tuition assistance program.
• Retirement plans such as 401(k) or IRA options.
• Life insurance covering basic, voluntary, and accidental death and dismemberment.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• Access to wellness resources.

Physical Demands

• Frequent lifting and carrying of museum objects and materials required.
• Extended periods of standing and physical capability to push carts and lift boxes up to 40 pounds.

Additional Information

The institution is an equal opportunity employer, committed to nondiscrimination regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected statuses. Job duties and responsibilities may be reassigned as needed, and this job description outlines the general professional expectations. The position is at-will and may require reasonable accommodation to cater to individual needs. Applicants who pose direct health or safety risks may be disqualified in keeping with established requirements.