Curator of Interpretation

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 36140
Agency: Department of Education - SD State Historical Society
Location: Pierre, SD
Salary: $23.56 - $26.50/hr, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: H
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

South Dakota Department of Education – Office of History Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society Position

Title: Curator of Interpretation

The Curator of Interpretation (COI) is a regular, full-time, and permanent position in Pierre.

The COI works in the Museum which is a unit of the South Dakota State Historical Society, a full-service state historical society, nestled within the Department of Education. The Museum is located at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre, which moves history forward using the rich heritage and complex stories of South Dakota. The Museum provides general reference resource collections, compelling exhibits, and timely educational programming. The Museum has a comprehensive collection of over 34,000 artifacts and nearly 15,000 square feet of exhibition space.

Now is a great time to join the South Dakota State Historical Society as it revitalizes its 1989 Cultural Heritage Center. After the project is completed in 2027, the position’s focus will return to the following:

Duties: The full-time COI shapes how history is communicated to a variety of audiences of all ages through exhibit labels, program content, educational initiatives with youth and adults, and the museum community statewide. This is not a remote position, and the candidate will work full-time in the Pierre area. Job functions are not limited to:

• Deliver the Education Kit program, ensuring that maintenance, policies, and schedules are observed.
• Deliver interpretive content in collaboration with the Curator of Exhibits.
• Deliver education programs for young people through adults seeking credentialed continuing education.
• Maintain relationships and advise partner historical organizations as needed.
• Provide public speaking in university, organizational, and public settings.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Bachelor’s in History, Education, Humanities, or related field, with Master’s preferred.

Skills & Qualifications:

• collaborative, effective communicator, and patient with learners;
• three-five years providing museum education or professional training;
• familiarity with multiple delivery methods, such as academic methods, exhibits, folklore, formal education, oral history, and so on;
• ability to lift 25 pounds;
• ability to work outside of office hours as needed;
• valid Driver’s License;
• approachable and engaging with groups and individuals.

Knowledge:

• South Dakota Social Studies Standards;
• curriculum writing;
• effective communication methods in exhibitions;
• South Dakota history.

Pre-existing relationships in the South Dakota education community are preferred.

Initial review of applications will begin after May 29, 2026. Start date negotiable.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your cover letter, resume, and three references.

This position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=43H
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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