Curator of Collections & Educator

Job Description: Curator of Collections & Education

Status: Full-Time Exempt Position
Reports To: Executive Director
Location: 215 Canal St., Pueblo, CO 81004

About the Employer

Steelworks provides continuing education to the public through the preservation of historic archives, artifacts, and buildings of CF&I, and related activities leading to the industrialization of the entire Western United States. Throughout our 26-year history, we have effectively interpreted the history of CF&I and how it relates to the greater community through our museum exhibitions and special events.

Position Overview

The Museum Curator & Educator is a key member of a small museum team and must be a self-starter who can work independently while managing multiple responsibilities. This role oversees collections care, exhibition development, and educational programming, requiring strong time management, the ability to multi-task across collections, exhibits, and education, and effective problem-solving abilities. The Curator & Educator advances the museum’s mission through thoughtful stewardship, creative interpretation, and meaningful community engagement.

In addition to these primary responsibilities, you will perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director in support of Steelworks' mission, strategic goals, and daily operations. You will also assist with special projects, cross-departmental initiatives, and other ad hoc assignments as directed by executive leadership to ensure the continued success and effectiveness of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Collections & Exhibits

· Independently manage and preserve the museum’s collections following professional standards.

· Oversee accessioning, cataloging, storage, and condition reporting with strong attention to detail.

· Plan, research, design, install, and regularly curate new exhibitions while balancing multiple deadlines.

· Troubleshoot issues related to exhibit installation, artifact housing, or environmental conditions.

· Coordinate artifact loans, acquisitions, and deaccessions.

· Maintain exhibit spaces and ensure accurate, updated interpretive materials.

· Fulfill research requests for the public, academic, and commercial purposes.

· Education & Public Programs

· Develop and deliver educational programs, tours, curriculum, and workshops for diverse audiences.

· Take initiative in identifying new opportunities for outreach, partnerships, and community engagement.

· Create user-friendly educational materials that align with exhibition themes.

· Adapt programs as needed using creative problem-solving and on-the-spot decision making.

· Visitor Experience & Engagement

· Provide positive interactions with visitors, volunteers, and partners.

· Train and guide volunteers and interns with clarity and patience.

· Assist with front desk or visitor services as needed, demonstrating flexibility in a small-team environment.

· Administration & Operations

· Manage project timelines, budgets, and supplies with strong time management skills.

· Assist with grant writing and reporting for collections, exhibits, or educational initiatives.

· Maintain compliance with museum policies, safety procedures, and best practices.

· Participate in team planning discussions and represent the museum professionally at community events.

· Assist with the planning and execution of special events.

· Perform other tasks as assigned to support the overall operations of the museum.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, History, Education, Anthropology, or a related field (Master’s preferred but not required).

· Demonstrated experience working with museum collections, exhibits, or archival materials.

· Experience developing or delivering educational programs.

· Exceptional time management skills with the ability to multi-task and balance multiple projects, deadlines, and responsibilities in a small museum setting.

· Proven self-starter who works independently and takes initiative without constant supervision.

· Strong problem-solving abilities, especially when handling exhibit installation challenges, unexpected issues, or program adjustments.

· Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.

· Familiarity with collections management systems (e.g., PastPerfect).

· Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable wearing multiple hats.

Preferred Skills

· K–12 education or curriculum development experience.

· Knowledge of preservation and basic conservation practices.

· Graphic design, exhibit layout, or digital content creation skills.

· Public speaking or interpretive storytelling experience.

· Bilingual abilities (Spanish or other languages).

Physical Demands

· Communications skills enough to convey information verbally or in writing.

· Stamina enough to perform job duties on uneven working and walking surfaces.

· Manual dexterity enough to operate cleaning equipment, move objects, operate hand and power tools, move and bend, twist and stoop in performance of job duties.

· Ability to regularly lift and move up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds unassisted.

· Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

· Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach overhead, and use tools and equipment as required for exhibit installation and collections management.

Work Environment

· The employee performs duties in a wide variety of settings including office, warehouse/storage conditions, public galleries, and classroom settings.

· The noise level in the work environment will vary accordingly.

· Working regular Saturdays is required; some nights may be required.

· Some tasks of the job include warehouse-like conditions with little to no climate control.

· Some tasks include interaction with dust, dirt, mold, and rust.

· Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $43,000 - $50,000

Benefits: Health insurance, PTO, retirement plan, museum discounts, and professional development opportunities.

Flexible schedule as needed for programs or events.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Steelworks is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Pay: $43,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $43,000 - $50,000