Job Description

Posting Details
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Institution South Dakota State University
Working Title Curatorial Assistant, Collections
Posting Number CSA02525P
Department SDSU-SD Art Museum
Physical Location of Position (City) Brookings
Posting Text
The South Dakota Art Museum is seeking a full-time, temporary (two-year) Curatorial Assistant to join our team and support the care, management, and exhibition of our collections. In this role, you'll play an important part in preserving cultural treasures, assisting with collections handling, and contributing to projects that ensure objects are thoughtfully cared for and shared with the public. This is a hands-on opportunity to gain valuable museum experience while making a meaningful impact on the stewardship of our collections.
The , located on the SDSU campus in Brookings, is the state's premier visual arts institution. The museum houses a diverse collection, including Native American art and works by Harvey Dunn and Oscar Howe, and hosts a variety of changing exhibitions each year. It is committed to excellence in collections care, education, and public engagement.
This position is located in .
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Job Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and carry out deaccessioning of objects from the permanent collection, including condition assessments, provenance research, and maintaining records in collections databases and state systems.
• Assist with strategic collections reviews, policy updates, and multi-year planning for collection movement, storage organization, and object re-housing.
• Support exhibition installation and deinstallation, including safe handling, packing, matting, and mount-making of objects.
• Organize collections committee meetings and maintain communication with committee members.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of galleries and storage areas; support lighting, fabrication, and reporting as directed.
• Provide general support across museum operations as needed, including guest services, events, programs, or gallery monitoring.
• Participate in planning, professional development, and cross-departmental initiatives.

Benefits: including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university's guidelines.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• Work processes and practices pertaining to the museum field; and
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Skill & Ability to:

• Work independently, manage projects, and maintain accurate records;
• Interpret and comprehend program guidelines and procedures;
• Communicate effectively; and
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public.

Required License: Valid driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
Comments: This position is classified as Program Assistant I class code 11041.
Application Procedures: This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted.
Any offer of employment is contingent on the university's verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University's Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.
Posting Date 11/06/2025
Closing Date 11/26/2025
Open Until Filled No
First Consideration Date
Advertised Salary $20.89/hour, depending upon qualifications, plus benefits
Duration of the Term Other
If Other, describe duration 2 years
Appointment Percent 100
Work Hours
Generally, the position will work 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday. Evening or weekend work may be required for program-related duties or special events.
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type Temporary
Scope of Search External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
This position requires Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License, Other
If other, please indicate Lifting/Handling Artwork
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
is the state's largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing . Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.
Contact Information
For additional information regarding this position or questions about the online application process, please contact Human Resources at 605-688-4128.

Skills Required