CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
9E19
MUSEUM CURATOR
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is museum curatorial work at the full performance level researching, assembling, and exhibiting artifactual collections pertaining to Philadelphia regional history. An employee
in this class is also responsible for the acquisition, registration, care, and maintenance of
historical artifacts.
Work is performed under the supervision of the museum director.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
- Researches themes and concepts for exhibits; contacts public and private collectors to
locate artifacts; prepares exhibit scripts and display information; participates in the installation
of exhibits; conducts tours and gives lectures about exhibits; writes press releases for exhibits;
gives interviews to the media when requested; arranges for return of artifacts after presentation
of exhibits.
- Acquires artifacts for museum's permanent collection; evaluates offers to donate artifacts
to museum; makes recommendations on artifacts to accept; registers artifacts into the museum's
collection; prepares accession forms for artifacts, detailing artifact and background information;
researches background information when necessary; catalogues artifacts; conducts periodic
inventories of artifacts; performs routine care and maintenance on artifacts; recommends
restoration or conservation of artifacts; monitors restoration performed by contracted
conservators; acquires necessary insurance for artifacts; obtains permission for the reproduction
of historical documents; documents all artifacts borrowed and lent by the museum.
- Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- American history with particular emphasis on the local history of Philadelphia.
- standard museum practices, procedures, methods, and techniques.
- the literature and research sources in the field of American history.
ABILITY TO:
- express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with museum staff, professional associates, private collectors, and the general public.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject
applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based
on training and experience requirements as approved on 4/1984.)
- Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in history, art history, or a related field.
- Two years of experience in museum curatorial and exhibit work, working with American artifactual collections of historical significance.
Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department which has included a bachelor's degree as an educational minimum.
NOTE: Completion of a master's degree program in museum studies or an equivalent area may be substituted for one year of the above experience.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
PAY RANGE: EP17
Class Established: 4/1984
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END OF JOB CLASS SPECIFICATION - 9E19