Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center
Associate Curator of Maximus Gallery
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center, Santa Barbara, California, us, 93190
Overview
Associate Curator of Maximus Gallery at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center. The mission: inspire a thirst for discovery and a passion for the natural world. Base pay range: $68,640.00/yr - $70,350.00/yr. This range is provided by the employer; actual pay depends on skills and experience. Position details
Title:
Associate Curator of Maximus Gallery Classification:
Full-time, Exempt Department:
Maximus Gallery Reports To:
Department Head and Curator of Maximus Gallery Wage Band:
Curator Pay Range:
$68,640 to $70,350 The position is a mentorship under the current Curator until retirement. Per the Maximus Gallery Endowment, the collection and exhibitions must remain dedicated exclusively to antique natural history works on paper; this is not a contemporary or modern art gallery. Position Summary
Assists in the planning, design, and exhibition of three gallery shows each year. Assists in the curation, interpretation, and stewardship of the Museum’s John and Peggy Maximus Gallery collection—over 4,000 antique engravings and lithographs of natural history subjects, dating from the 17th to 19th centuries. These works on paper, originally created for scientific documentation and identification, now stand at the intersection of science, history, and art. Responsibilities include researching and presenting works within the historical and scientific context of natural history illustration and ensuring exhibitions align with the collection’s focus. Specific Responsibilities
Exhibit Development Gain and maintain deep familiarity with the collection’s history, provenance, and significance. Conduct scholarly research on the collection, artists, scientific context, and the role of natural history illustration from the 17th to 19th centuries. Select exhibition themes that align with the collection’s focus on the development of science—especially biology, exploration, and discovery—from the 17th to 19th centuries. Plan and develop exhibitions drawn from the collection or related holdings at other institutions, ensuring alignment with the collection’s historic and scientific focus. Contribute to up to three original gallery exhibitions annually that meet the Maximus Gallery’s standards of presentation and interpretation. Consider design choices—layout, color palette, lighting—that complement and preserve antique works on paper. Collaborate with the Maximus Gallery Curator and Exhibit Designer to ensure authenticity, historical accuracy, and aesthetic integrity. Collections Management Ensure high-level care and professional management of the antique natural history print collection, following best practices for works on paper. Assist in curation and management of the collection, focusing on natural history themes. Work with collectors, donors, and supporters to strengthen and expand the collection in alignment with natural history scope and endowment requirements. Oversee storage, organization, and preservation of the collection using archival practices. Utilize PastPerfect or similar database systems to document and track collection items. Services/Administration Cultivate and maintain a network of antique print dealers, scholars, and natural history resources. Promote public understanding and appreciation of antique natural history art through talks, tours, and written materials. Communicate effectively with visitors, colleagues, and donors about the collection’s historical and scientific context. Complete documentation and processing for acquisitions, loans, and donations in a timely and accurate manner. Organize and participate in gallery open houses and special Museum events. Provide reference assistance to staff, students, scholars, and the public. Organization-Wide Maintain clean, safe, and organized workspaces. Follow opening/closing procedures and uphold safety and emergency protocols. Support the Museum’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion for staff, guests, and the community. Foster teamwork and collaboration by sharing knowledge and contributing to a positive work culture. Contribute to a positive guest experience by greeting and addressing questions as guests navigate the Museum and Sea Center. Assist with other educational and special events as needed and approved by the supervisor. Undertake other duties as assigned. Demonstrated ability to conceive and curate art exhibitions with enthusiasm for natural history works on paper and sharing that passion with others. Advanced degree in Art History or related field, or commensurate experience. Minimum of five years of experience in a museum or public art gallery preferred. Hands-on experience with antique works on paper, preferably in natural history/scientific illustration. Knowledge of conservation issues relating to works on paper. Ability to research and contextualize 17th–19th century artworks within historical, scientific, and cultural frameworks. Experience in exhibition planning and mounting. Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Comfort with public engagement and promoting appreciation of antique natural history art. The incumbent must be able to perform each requirement of the position as outlined in the job description. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The pay range above represents the budgeted range for a new hire, encompassing the minimum and maximum rates. Placement within this range will depend on factors such as specific skills, qualifications, relevant years of experience, and alignment with salaries of current employees in similar roles. In most cases, newly hired employees are placed below the midpoint of the range.
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Associate Curator of Maximus Gallery at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center. The mission: inspire a thirst for discovery and a passion for the natural world. Base pay range: $68,640.00/yr - $70,350.00/yr. This range is provided by the employer; actual pay depends on skills and experience. Position details
Title:
Associate Curator of Maximus Gallery Classification:
Full-time, Exempt Department:
Maximus Gallery Reports To:
Department Head and Curator of Maximus Gallery Wage Band:
Curator Pay Range:
$68,640 to $70,350 The position is a mentorship under the current Curator until retirement. Per the Maximus Gallery Endowment, the collection and exhibitions must remain dedicated exclusively to antique natural history works on paper; this is not a contemporary or modern art gallery. Position Summary
Assists in the planning, design, and exhibition of three gallery shows each year. Assists in the curation, interpretation, and stewardship of the Museum’s John and Peggy Maximus Gallery collection—over 4,000 antique engravings and lithographs of natural history subjects, dating from the 17th to 19th centuries. These works on paper, originally created for scientific documentation and identification, now stand at the intersection of science, history, and art. Responsibilities include researching and presenting works within the historical and scientific context of natural history illustration and ensuring exhibitions align with the collection’s focus. Specific Responsibilities
Exhibit Development Gain and maintain deep familiarity with the collection’s history, provenance, and significance. Conduct scholarly research on the collection, artists, scientific context, and the role of natural history illustration from the 17th to 19th centuries. Select exhibition themes that align with the collection’s focus on the development of science—especially biology, exploration, and discovery—from the 17th to 19th centuries. Plan and develop exhibitions drawn from the collection or related holdings at other institutions, ensuring alignment with the collection’s historic and scientific focus. Contribute to up to three original gallery exhibitions annually that meet the Maximus Gallery’s standards of presentation and interpretation. Consider design choices—layout, color palette, lighting—that complement and preserve antique works on paper. Collaborate with the Maximus Gallery Curator and Exhibit Designer to ensure authenticity, historical accuracy, and aesthetic integrity. Collections Management Ensure high-level care and professional management of the antique natural history print collection, following best practices for works on paper. Assist in curation and management of the collection, focusing on natural history themes. Work with collectors, donors, and supporters to strengthen and expand the collection in alignment with natural history scope and endowment requirements. Oversee storage, organization, and preservation of the collection using archival practices. Utilize PastPerfect or similar database systems to document and track collection items. Services/Administration Cultivate and maintain a network of antique print dealers, scholars, and natural history resources. Promote public understanding and appreciation of antique natural history art through talks, tours, and written materials. Communicate effectively with visitors, colleagues, and donors about the collection’s historical and scientific context. Complete documentation and processing for acquisitions, loans, and donations in a timely and accurate manner. Organize and participate in gallery open houses and special Museum events. Provide reference assistance to staff, students, scholars, and the public. Organization-Wide Maintain clean, safe, and organized workspaces. Follow opening/closing procedures and uphold safety and emergency protocols. Support the Museum’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion for staff, guests, and the community. Foster teamwork and collaboration by sharing knowledge and contributing to a positive work culture. Contribute to a positive guest experience by greeting and addressing questions as guests navigate the Museum and Sea Center. Assist with other educational and special events as needed and approved by the supervisor. Undertake other duties as assigned. Demonstrated ability to conceive and curate art exhibitions with enthusiasm for natural history works on paper and sharing that passion with others. Advanced degree in Art History or related field, or commensurate experience. Minimum of five years of experience in a museum or public art gallery preferred. Hands-on experience with antique works on paper, preferably in natural history/scientific illustration. Knowledge of conservation issues relating to works on paper. Ability to research and contextualize 17th–19th century artworks within historical, scientific, and cultural frameworks. Experience in exhibition planning and mounting. Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Comfort with public engagement and promoting appreciation of antique natural history art. The incumbent must be able to perform each requirement of the position as outlined in the job description. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The pay range above represents the budgeted range for a new hire, encompassing the minimum and maximum rates. Placement within this range will depend on factors such as specific skills, qualifications, relevant years of experience, and alignment with salaries of current employees in similar roles. In most cases, newly hired employees are placed below the midpoint of the range.
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