Conservation Exhibit Specialist

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is an outgrowth of the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site, is home to the National Rivers Hall of Fame, and supports a national outreach program called RiverWorks Discovery.

Position Overview

The Conservation Exhibit Specialist promotes DCHS’s mission and vision by bringing a conservation focus to exhibition initiatives to create high-quality guest experiences. This Specialist advances strategic initiatives by facilitating collaborative projects which use the landscape as a “living exhibit” as well as assist in the daily maintenance and development of permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Essential responsibilities include maintenance and development of exhibitions and partnering with the conservation team to extend that concept to the out-of-doors through our grounds and various Taking CAARE (Conservation Action through Advocacy, Research, and Engagement) programs. While primary duties reflect essential functions of the position, it is not a detailed description of all aspects of the role.

This is a full-time, permanent position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include vacation time, sick time, paid holidays, medical, dental, flex plan, and 403b retirement plan.

Primary duties

• Ensure exhibits and interactive components remain in good working condition
• Coordinate and conduct design, build, installation, and upkeep of temporary and permanent exhibit components with a primary focus on animal habitats, water features, and environmental interactives
• Facilitates conservation and stewardship experiences that connect people to the organization’s mission through opportunities in nature, on the water, and by community involvement
• Advance conservation and sustainability goals throughout the organization and community

Additional duties:

• Conduct work in a safe and efficient manner for individuals, artifacts, and animals
• Collaboratively establish and execute annual departmental goals
• Support DCHS strategic initiatives and operational activities

Skills and Abilities

• Will typically have experience with varied conservation exhibit work, preferably in a museum, aquarium, zoo, science center, historic site, or similar setting
• A background in conservation, stewardship, or land/water management, often gained through experience or coursework in fields such as forestry, ecology, limnology, etc.
• A strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to create innovative repair solutions using a variety of tools and technical skills
• Competence and confidence leading a group of novices in canoes on the Mississippi River.
• Familiarity with computers and the Microsoft Office suite of programs.

Qualifications:

• Must possess or be able to acquire a valid Iowa, Wisconsin or Illinois driver’s license within 3 months of hire
• Must be capable of holding certification in First Aid, CPR, and boating safety
• Must be physically capable of extended periods of standing, walking, kneeling, bending, climbing, and heavy lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Must be comfortable working in and around water, and outdoors in potentially inclement weather conditions

How to Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email your resume, cover letter, salary requirements, and references, or by delivering them in person to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
• To learn more, visit www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team 

The Dubuque County Historical Society and its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site, are committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where our staff and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. DEAI values guide and impact all the decisions the museum makes, both internal and external.

We recognize that it is highly unlikely that any applicant is able to meet all of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if you are drawn to this position and feel your strengths would be an asset to the organization, we highly encourage you to apply.