Curator of Exhibits, WY State Museum 2026-02022

Curator of Exhibits, WY State Museum 2026-02022

Salary

$29.76 Hourly

Location

Cheyenne, WY

Job Type

Permanent Full-time

Job Number

2026-02022

Department

State Parks & Cultural Resources

Division

Cultural Resources

Opening Date

08/14/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Job Classification

CRCR08

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description and Functions

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Since its founding in 1895, the Wyoming State Museum has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the entire state. Through exhibits, artifacts, and education programs for schools and the public, we share the story of Wyoming, from prehistoric times to the present. On average, the museum serves more than 70,000 individuals through its general visitation and programs.

The Curator of Exhibits is responsible for the design and curation of exhibits at the Wyoming State Museum. This role leads the graphic design, layout, and interpretation of exhibits produced by the museum. The position is managed by the Supervisor of Exhibits and Programs and collaborates with other museum staff, institutions, and agency employees. This role is crucial to advancing the museum's mission of educating the public by creating exhibits that engage locals and tourists.

Living in Cheyenne

Cheyenne is Wyoming's largest city and state capital. It is located in southeastern Wyoming, only 90 minutes north of Denver. Cheyenne holds on to its deep-rooted western heritage, showcased through Cheyenne Frontier Days, the world's largest outdoor rodeo. Outside of town are recreational opportunities at Curt Gowdy State Park and the Medicine Bow National Forest. There is also a vibrant arts and culture scene, featuring multiple museums, galleries, and festivals. The city offers a small-town feel while providing access to larger city amenities, outdoor recreation, and cultural offerings.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities
• And MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary? Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact: stacy.sprengeler@wyo.gov, 307-777-7010

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

• Collaborate with other museum staff to curate onsite exhibits.
• Responsible for design including 3D renderings, visual themes, furniture placement, graphic elements, text panels, and any other relevant components.
• Ensure galleries and exhibits conform to Smithsonian accessibility standards.
• Stay up to date on exhibit best practices.
• Develop an interpretive package that can include images, text, artifacts, and any other relevant content.
• Conduct research to inform exhibit interpretation.
• Track project spending based on the provided budget.
• Collaborate with museum staff on interactive development.
• Collaborate with the collections team on artifact selection and display requirements.
• Ensure the website is updated with current exhibits.
• Ensure gallery spaces are clean and safe for all visitors.
• Responsible for general maintenance of exhibits, including potential repairs.
• Update and replace interpretive labels or other exhibit components as needed.
• Replace and adjust gallery lighting.
• Responsible for maintaining printing and design equipment and materials.
• Maintain print shop to adhere to OSHA standards.
• Manage the WSM's traveling exhibits program.
• Once every 7-8 weeks, serve a Mon-Sat shift as front-of-house manager. During shift, this position will serve as the museum security officer and point of contact for visitors and volunteers. Respond to emergencies by contacting appropriate parties. Open and close the museum and cover the front desk if a volunteer is unavailable.
• Supervise volunteers and interns as they relate to exhibits.
• Assist other museum staff when appropriate or needed.
• Serve on museum and agency committees as assigned.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES:

Preference may be given to applicants with a Master's degree in museum studies, history, education, cultural resources, or a related field.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Strong grasp of museum best practices, especially as they relate to interpretive writing, universal design, and accessibility.
• Strong skills in oral and written communication.
• Ability to create outlines, research, and write interpretive text.
• Exhibit design and construction techniques including use of Adobe Creative Cloud programs, SketchUp, and/or equivalent design software.
• Ability to organize and prioritize time, manage multiple assignments, and plan and coordinate events and deadlines.
• Knowledge of estimating, budgeting, and bidding practices as it relates to exhibit production.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Bachelors Degree (typically in Cultural Resources)

Experience:

0-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Cultural Resources)

OR

Education & Experience Substitution:

3-5 years of progressive work experience (typically in Cultural Resources)

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None

Necessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is typically performed indoors, but some outdoor work and travel are required.

Ability to work occasional nights and weekends.

Ability to lift 75 pounds with or without accommodation.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Non-Exempt

Supplemental Information

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.

Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job - it's a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life.

Employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive health coverage - medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Voluntary Benefits - including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts
• Multiple retirement options - including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account, helping you plan for long-term financial security
• Generous paid leave and flexible schedules - vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 11 paid holidays each year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility - for those with qualifying student loans
• Training and professional development - to support your career growth and advancement
• Employee Assistance Program - Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts
• Wellness Program - Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health

Know your full value.

Your paycheck is only part of the picture. The State of Wyoming offers a Total Compensation Calculator that shows the full value of your salary plus benefits, so you can clearly see what your complete compensation package looks like.

Explore your total compensation: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov/

WORKING FOR THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION - Wyoming offers a lifestyle you can't find anywhere else - wide-open spaces, clean air, friendly communities, year-round recreation, and no state income tax.

Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!.

01

(AA) Which of the following best describes your highest completed level of education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• High School Diploma/GED/or Equivalent
• Some college Coursework, No Degree Received
• Associates Degree
• Associates Degree and additional coursework
• Bachelors Degree
• Bachelors Degree and additional coursework
• Masters Degree
• Masters Degree and additional coursework
• Doctorate Degree
• Doctorate Degree and additional coursework
• None of the Above

02

(AA) Which of the following Quarter/Semester credit hours best describes your completed college education to date or within the next three (3) months? (Transcripts may be required.)

• 45+ Quarter hours/30+ Semester hours
• 90+ Quarter hours/60+ Semester hours
• 136+ Quarter hours/91+ Semester hours
• 180+ Quarter hours/120+ Semester hours
• 225+ Quarter hours/150+Semester hours
• N/A

03

(CRCR08) Which of the following best describes your work experience in Cultural Resources? Experience definition: (This experience includes, but may not be limited to, the following: cultural resources (such as historic preservation, museums studies, archaeology, anthropology or related experience.)

• No relevant experience, but willing to learn.
• Less than one (1) year of relevant experience.
• One (1) to less than two (2) years of relevant experience.
• Two (2) to less than three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Three (3) or more years of relevant experience.

04

(AA) Describe your relevant experience below.

05

Do you have a Master's degree in museum studies, history, education, cultural resources, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

06

(A1) Where did you hear about this opportunity?

• Government Jobs @ www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Zip Recruiter
• Wyoming Workforce Center
• Other job sites (Wyoming at Work, Monster, etc.)
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Newspaper/Newsletter Advertisement
• Career Fair
• Human Resources Division
• Friend or Acquaintance (Not State Employee)
• Current State Employee
• Other

07

(A1) If you selected "Current State Employee" please provide the employees first and last name, and include the department they work for, if known. Please limit this response to only one employee. This employee may be eligible for a Referral Bonus.

08

(A1) If you selected Other, please tell us where you heard about this opportunity.

09

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE DISCLOSURE: PER WYOMING STATUTE, current employees of the State of Wyoming are not eligible for veterans preference. If you are not a current employee of the State of Wyoming, to be eligible to receive veterans preference you MUST have been a resident of the State of Wyoming for a period of one (1) year or more at any time prior to submitting this application. I have read and understand the veterans preference disclosure.

• Yes
• No
• I am not a veteran

10

(AA) VETERANS PREFERENCE: If you are a war veteran as defined in section 101, Title 38, United States Code or are the surviving spouse of a war veteran who receives survivor benefits from the federal government based on the veterans military service, and wish to claim veterans preference, please attach the appropriate documentation substantiating your claim. Indicate below your appropriate veterans preference status. By requesting veterans preference, you are certifying that you meet the statutory requirements as described in the above disclosure.

• Current State Employee
• Veteran - DD214 Attached
• Disabled Veteran (10% or more) - DD214 and Veterans Disability Determination Attached
• Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Veteran - DD214 and proof of Survivor Benefit Attached
• None of the above

11

(A2) Please be advised that an incomplete application WILL NOT be considered for employment. An attached resume is not required and is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. Some State of Wyoming agencies use E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities at https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. I have read and understand the above statement.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Wyoming

Address Human Resource Contact Information located in the

General Description Section

Statewide, Wyoming, 82002

Phone 307-777-7188

Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm