Museum Associate

About the Position

The City of Sterling is seeking a motivated, organized, and community-minded Museum Associate to join our Museum team. This position plays an important role in supporting the daily operations of the Museum and providing an engaging, welcoming experience for visitors of all ages.

The Museum Associate works closely with the Museum Curator and assists with a variety of administrative, educational, public service, collection, and event-related activities. This is a diverse position that combines office and administrative responsibilities with opportunities to interact directly with the public, conduct educational tours, assist with programs and special events, and help preserve and share the history of our community.

The ideal candidate will enjoy working with people, have an interest in local history and museums, be organized and dependable, and be comfortable balancing administrative responsibilities with hands-on work and public interaction.

Learn More about the Overland Trail Museum here.

Work Schedule Requirements 

This position is regularly scheduled Tuesday–Saturday; however, flexibility in scheduling is required. The Museum hosts a variety of programs, special events, tours, and holiday activities that may require work outside of the regular schedule, including evenings, holidays, and other non-standard hours. Employees should be prepared to adjust their schedule as needed to support Museum operations and events.

What You'll Do

Under the general supervision of the Museum Curator, the Museum Associate may perform the following duties:

• Assist with the daily operations of the Museum and Museum facilities.
• Provide friendly, knowledgeable, and professional customer service to Museum visitors, community members, vendors, volunteers, and other members of the public.
• Welcome visitors and provide information regarding Museum exhibits, collections, programs, events, and available resources.
• Lead educational tours and activities for school groups, families, community organizations, and other visitors.
• Assist with planning, coordinating, and conducting Museum programs, lectures, tours, educational activities, and special events.
• Assist with annual Museum events and other community activities.
• Develop and facilitate educational and interactive activities designed to engage visitors, including children and youth.
• Conduct research related to Museum collections, historical materials, artifacts, and exhibits.
• Assist with maintaining accurate records of Museum collections, inventory, cataloging, and visitation statistics.
• Enter and maintain information using word processing, spreadsheet, database, and other computer software.
• Assist with the organization, storage, inventory, and care of Museum artifacts and materials.
• Assist with general office duties, including filing, data entry, correspondence, recordkeeping, and maintaining organized files.
• Operate the Museum cash register and handle money, receipts, and deposits in accordance with City procedures.
• Assist with the scheduling and coordination of staff, volunteers, seasonal employees, and educational programs.
• Provide routine direction and assistance to seasonal employees, volunteers, and new employees.
• Exercise appropriate judgment and discretion when addressing routine visitor, operational, or departmental concerns in the absence of the Museum Curator.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and records.
• Assist with the general care, organization, and appearance of Museum spaces and facilities.
• Safely operate equipment used in the performance of assigned duties and perform minor routine maintenance as appropriate.
• Follow all City policies, procedures, safety rules, and applicable regulations.
• Represent the City of Sterling and the Museum in a professional, courteous, and positive manner.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Museum Curator.

What We're Looking For

Required:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Eighteen months to three years of routine or semi-skilled work experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a diverse range of people.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively with frequent interruptions.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn and use various software programs.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and accurately handle cash and financial transactions.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and files.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and complete assignments with minimal supervision.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the appropriate Colorado driver's license for any City-owned vehicle operated as part of the position.

Preferred:

• Experience working in a museum, historical organization, cultural institution, educational setting, or similar public-facing environment.
• Knowledge or interest in local history, Colorado history, material culture, or historic artifacts.
• Experience leading tours, educational programs, presentations, or public events.
• Experience working with children, students, families, volunteers, or community organizations.
• Experience with collections, inventory, cataloging, historical research, or archival materials.
• Experience with event planning or program coordination.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Position

A successful Museum Associate will be someone who:

• Enjoys interacting with people and creating a positive visitor experience.
• Can make history and Museum collections interesting and accessible to people of different ages and backgrounds.
• Is comfortable speaking to groups and leading tours or educational activities.
• Is organized and able to keep track of details, records, schedules, and multiple projects.
• Can work independently and recognize when an issue needs to be brought to the Museum Curator.
• Is dependable, flexible, and willing to assist wherever needed to support Museum operations.
• Uses good judgment and professionalism when working with the public.
• Works well with coworkers, volunteers, seasonal employees, and other City departments.
• Takes pride in representing the City of Sterling and preserving the community's history.

Physical & Working Requirements

This position involves a combination of office, public-facing, and Museum activities. The employee must be able to move throughout Museum work areas and perform tasks requiring standing, walking, reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, and occasional climbing. The position requires the ability to lift up to 25 pounds and carry objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

The position requires sufficient manual dexterity to operate computers, keyboards, and other equipment; sufficient vision to work with records, reports, artifacts, and equipment; and sufficient hearing to communicate effectively with visitors, coworkers, and others.

This position is regularly scheduled Tuesday–Saturday; however, flexibility in scheduling is required. The Museum hosts a variety of programs, special events, tours, and holiday activities that may require work outside of the regular schedule, including evenings, holidays, and other non-standard hours. Employees should be prepared to adjust their schedule as needed to support Museum operations and events.

Additional Information

This position works under the general supervision of the Museum Curator. The Museum Associate may serve as the responsible staff member for the Museum in the absence of the Museum Curator and may provide routine direction to seasonal employees, volunteers, and new employees.

The City of Sterling is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers qualified applicants without regard to legally protected status.

The City reserves the right to modify this job posting and/or assign additional duties as necessary to meet operational needs.

Why Join the City of Sterling?

The Museum Associate is an opportunity to work in a position where history, education, community service, and public interaction come together every day. If you enjoy helping people, learning about history, working with the community, and creating meaningful experiences for Museum visitors, we encourage you to apply.

What We Offer

• Health coverage you can count on – Medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options.
• Peace of mind – City-paid life and AD&D insurance, plus options to add more coverage for you and your family.
• Support when you need it – Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Time to recharge – Paid time off starting at 7.39 hours per pay period (and growing with service) plus paid holidays.
• Future-focused – 5.37% City contribution to a 401(a) retirement plan after one year, plus voluntary 457(b) pre-tax and Roth savings plans.
• Wellness perks – Incentives for participating in wellness activities, and free access for you and your household to the Sterling Recreation Center and Logan County Shooting Range.
• Extra protection – Optional supplemental insurance plans, plus legal and identity protection options.
• Always here for you – 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Program for counseling, resources, and work-life balance support.

View our full benefits package here.

The City of Sterling is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are ready to roll up their sleeves and make a difference.

Apply Now – Position Open Until Filled

If you're ready to start a meaningful job with strong benefits, training support, and long-term growth potential, apply today!