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Job Title: Museum Curator
Type of Company: We are a science museum, zoological park, and domed theatre.
Education: BS, Biology, College of William & Mary •• MS, Wildlife Biology, North Carolina State University
Previous Experience: I worked as a veterinary technician, high school science teacher and an environmental educator.
Job Tasks: I direct the educational endeavors of a modern museum/zoo/planetarium complex. Our educational presentations (ranging from 30 minute public shows to week-long camps) are attended by over 65,000 engaged learners each year. We present a comprehensive array of educational offerings including curriculum guided demonstration programs for schools ("Weather & Climate", "Electricity", "Matter", "Sound Science" "Vertebrate Animals" etc), inquiry-based investigative sessions (Lego robotics, "Animal Care Camp", zoology, herpetology, model rocketry), public “edu-tainment” shows, off-site presentations, sleep-over educational sessions, regular “Kids Page” science column in local newspaper, and numerous television and radio appearances. I work extensively with live animals from our zoo, coordinate special events, write grants, supervise a staff of eight professionals.
There is no "typical" day; every day is different and unique. Yesterday, for example, I spent several hours assembling our giant walk-through maze, spent time training our miniature toucan (and getting pooped on in the process), evaluated a new projector for our domed theater, hosted an evening program for our summer youth volunteers, answered numerous e-mail requests for information about the museum, worked on the fountain in our zoo, and completed paperwork for starting a new employee. Each day is unique in its own way, and the unexpected frequently occurs.
Best and Worst Parts of the Job: I work in a very interesting place. We have over 250,000 visitors every year to the place where I'm paid to work. It is also a happy place (except when children are told by their parents that it is time to leave), and I get lots of positive feedback from people who appreciate what I do.
The pay is considerably less than what I could earn in the private sector, and those of us in jobs like mine must tailor their lifestyles accordingly.
Job Tips:
1.) Jobs are very competitive, and you must build an impressive resume before expecting to land a career-type job. Do this through internships and volunteer positions.
2.) Volunteer at a place where you might like to work. You will get to know some of the decision makers, and that will give you an edge.
3.) Get a good education at a top-flight college.
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