Nebraska Museum Jobs

Job Announcements

Museum General Manager
Harold Warp Pioneer Village Museum
Minden, Nebraska
Salary range: $30,000 – $50,000 commensurate with experience
Hours: 40.00

MLS: Not Required
Minimum Education: High School (or Equivalent)
Library Experience: Preferred
Supervisory Experience: Required
Type of Library: Other

Job Description

The Harold Warp Pioneer Village Museum located in Minden, Nebraska, is seeking a general manager. Founded by Harold Warp, Pioneer Village is a 70 year old museum consisting of 28 buildings located on 23 acres housing over 50,000 irreplaceable items of historical value, restored to operating order, arranged in groups and also in the chronological order of their development.

Twelve historical buildings ring a central “green,” including a Frontier Fort, an original Pony Express Station, a sod home, and a schoolhouse. The art collection includes Currier and Ives prints, Jackson paintings, and the largest single collection of Rogers statues. In addition to a steam-powered carousel, the collection contains historic planes, tractors, farm equipment, a locomotive, and more than 350 antique automobiles and motorcycles, including the world’s oldest Buick, a 1902 Cadillac, and a 1903 Ford.

The desire of Harold Warp was to create a place where people of all ages could witness the incredible progress that took place in our country from the 1830s until the 1980s and beyond. His passion for the ingenuity of the human spirit can be felt throughout the entire facility. The mission of the Pioneer Village is to continue to uphold Harold’s vision and his desire to share this impressive collection with generations to come.

The museum is currently going through updating and revitalization and is looking for an experienced individual to take the museum to the next level. The successful applicant will be working closely with the Museum Board of Directors and will be managing all day-to-day activities as well as the staff and volunteers.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Oversee the maintenance of the site and the care of its historic and modern buildings, and its landscaping.
  • Work with the Board of Directors to create donor opportunities and identify grant funding sources.
  • Lead the development of long-range and annual planning, program development, fundraising, and initiatives, and maintain an on-going financial accountability.
  • Supervise a growing team of full-time museum employees and volunteers.
  • Promote and publicize the museum to the public.
  • Develop relationships with vendors, other museums, and collectors to help support, grow, and promote the collection.
  • Lead community outreach efforts directed at supporting the revitalization of the Museum.
  • Oversee the acquisition of artifacts, conduct and document research, maintain records of provenance, condition, and artifact status, taxonomic identification, and legal or tax documents.

Benefits & Additional Compensation Info

Salary and Benefits: $30,000 – $50,000 commensurate with experience. This is a full-time job with paid time off and sick leave. Salary will commensurate with experience. 

Additional Info & Requirements

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in history, museum studies, or anthropology is preferred, but is not required.
  • Five years of progressive experience working in museums, exhibits, collections, or related non-profit organizations.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of collection and exhibits.
  • Demonstrated understanding of typical museum operations, practices, and procedures.
  • Experience managing, training, and mentoring staff.
  • Demonstrated sound and consistent judgment, initiative, and the ability to deal with complex, evolving situations.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to communicate clearly (orally and in writing) internally and to external stakeholders.
  • Experience working on committees, boards, and involvement in community outreach.
  • Experience working with budgets or accounting operations for an organization.
  • Experience with grant writing is preferred, but not required.

The Community

The city of Minden (nicknamed the Christmas City) is located in south-central Nebraska, just 12 miles off I-80. Minden offers the perks of small-town living with plenty of amenities, including great schools, unique retail, quality health care, lower housing costs, ample outdoor recreation opportunities, and close proximity to Kearney, Nebraska (a university town with a population of 34,000 about 15 miles northwest). For more information about Minden and the surrounding areas, visit the City of Minden website and the Living in Minden brochure.

HR Info

Harold Warp Pioneer Village is an equal opportunity employer.

Interested individuals can send a resume and a letter detailing their interest and how their qualifications fit the position to [email protected]

posted 12/22/2025

Development Director
Wessels Living History Farm
York, Nebraska
Salary: $22/hour
Schedule: Average 30 hours/week (April–October), 10–20 hours/week (November–March); includes some weekends.

Position Summary

The Development Director serves as a key leader at Wessels Living History Farm, sharing daily operational responsibility with the Education Coordinator and other leadership staff. This position is responsible for ensuring an exceptional guest experience, overseeing daily operations, managing finances, coordinating events, leading marketing and outreach, and driving community engagement. The Development Director plays a vital role in advancing the farm’s mission through strategic planning, donor and sponsor relations, and partnership building.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations

  • Share responsibility for opening and closing the farm with other leadership staff.
  • Lead daily operations in collaboration with the Education Coordinator.
  • Schedule staff in alignment with events, open hours, and group visits.
  • Oversee weekend operations on a rotating basis.
  • Maintain inventory, place orders, and manage supply needs.

Guest Services

  • Ensure guests receive top-tier hospitality and personal attention.
  • Provide engaging tours and facilitate visitor experiences.
  • Meet with guests to schedule and manage private events.

Financial & Administrative

  • Manage bookkeeping functions, including check writing, deposits, and transfers.
  • Track guest counts, event statistics, and membership data; prepare annual reports and donor communications.
  • Maintain memberships with relevant professional organizations (NAM, BBB, Blue Star Museums, GuideStar, etc.).

Events & Programming

  • Plan and execute Wessels events, delegating tasks as needed.
  • Work with the Education Coordinator to assess and fulfill volunteer needs.
  • Collaborate with other organizations to create joint programming opportunities.

Marketing, Public Relations & Fundraising

  • Lead marketing, advertising, and rebranding initiatives.
  • Represent Wessels at community events, service clubs, and tourism groups.
  • Manage donor relations, cultivate sponsorships, and oversee the Partners in Ag Support program.
  • Identify and apply for grant opportunities.
  • Work with York County Visitors Bureau to promote tourism and increase bus tour traffic.

Strategic & Community Engagement

  • Ensure alignment with the organization’s Strategic Plan and track progress.
  • Strengthen partnerships with Scouts, FFA, 4-H, service clubs, and other community groups.
  • Engage with the Ag Committee to evaluate potential agricultural donations.

Qualifications

  • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Experience in event planning, fundraising, and marketing.
  • Financial management skills, including basic bookkeeping.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Willingness to work weekends and adjust schedule based on seasonal needs.
  • Passion for agricultural history, education, and community engagement preferred.

Reports To:

Board of Directors / Executive Oversight

Please direct inquires or resumes to [email protected]

posted 12/10/2025

Archivist
Legacy of the Plains Museum
Gering, Nebraska
Two-Year, Full-Time Position
Salary: $35,000-$40,000 yearly

Overview

The Legacy of the Plains Museum boasts an impressive library of manuscripts, books, periodicals, collections, art and other artifacts. The topics include early history of settlement in the North Platte River Valley, agricultural practices, farm implements, and local history. The position will provide career relevant, hands-on experience with archival and manuscript materials, and the archivist will assist with other departments on occasion including events, administration, collections, and others.

Duration: FY2026 and FY2027 (Grant funded), with the possibility of additional years

Responsibilities:

  • Organize, accession, and store donations and accepted archival records
  • Update records with description, pictures, location, and other pertinent information of existing collection
  • Assist the Archives Committee and its subcommittees and attend their meetings
  • Complete research requests
  • Provide researched social media posts and columns for local media outlets
  • Manage interns and volunteers to accomplish objectives described in the archives plan
  • Provide written and oral reports and meet deadlines
  • Assist with exhibit design
  • Assist with front end, events and other museum functions
  • Other duties assigned by the Executive Director

Skills and Specifications:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Independent time management skills
  • Ability to exercise great initiative and independent judgment
  • Needs to be accessible, available, responsive, and flexible
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times
  • Excellent problem-solving skills
  • Moderate computer skills needed, including PastPerfect, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Excellent organizational, multi-tasking, accuracy, and leadership skills required
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills required

Requirements:

  • Some college or an associate’s degree preferred
  • Knowledge of archives and records management preferred
  • Computer skills and knowledge of office software packages and PastPerfect

Compensation: $35,000 – $40,000 yearly salary

For more information, call the Legacy of the Plains Museum at 308-436-1989. Resume and cover letter can be sent to 2930 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341 or [email protected].

Posted 11/11/2025

Archives Intern
Legacy of the Plains Museum
Gering, Nebraska
Two-Year, 30 hours per week
Salary: $15.00 per hour

Overview

The Legacy of the Plains Museum has become one of the premier museums in the region and boasts an
impressive collection covering the settlement and agricultural history of the North Platte River Valley and High Plains region.

The internship will provide relevant career, hands-on experience Archives Committee of the Museum.

Internship Duration: FYs 2026 and 2027

Duties could include:

  • Cataloging, scanning, and photographing of archival items
  • Assist with organization efforts of museum’s archives
  • Repacking items into proper storage containers
  • Assist with research inquiries
  • Assist processing of new donations
  • Assist with volunteer training
  • Working with volunteers on various tasks
  • Other duties as assigned

Skills and Specifications:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Independent time management skills
  • Ability to exercise great initiative and independent judgment
  • Ability to manage several projects and tasks simultaneously
  • Moderate computer skills
  • High attention to detail and accuracy
  • Solid problem-solving skills
  • Excellent organizational and multi-tasking abilities
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills required

Requirements:

  • Interest in museums and/or history
  • Must be able to work outside
  • Schedule is very flexible

Compensation: $15.00 an hour, 30 hours a week

Schedule: Schedule will be flexible. We are willing to work with school schedules.

For more information, call the Legacy of the Plains Museum at 308-436-1989. Resume and cover letter can be sent to David Wolf, 2930 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341 or [email protected].

Posted 11/11/2025

Collections Intern
Legacy of the Plains Museum
Gering, Nebraska
Two-Year, 30 hours per week
Salary: $15.00 per hour

Overview

The Legacy of the Plains Museum has become one of the premier museums in the region and boasts an
impressive collection covering the settlement and agricultural history of the North Platte River Valley and High Plains region.

The internship will provide relevant career, hands-on experience Preservation Committee of the Museum.

Internship Duration: FYs 2026 and 2027

Duties could include:

  • Cataloging and photographing artifacts
  • Assist with organization efforts of museum’s collections
  • Repacking items into proper storage containers
  • Assist with research inquiries
  • Assist processing of new donations
  • Assist with volunteer training
  • Working with volunteers on various tasks
  • Other duties as assigned

Skills and Specifications:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Independent time management skills
  • Ability to exercise great initiative and independent judgment
  • Ability to manage several projects and tasks simultaneously
  • Moderate computer skills
  • High attention to detail and accuracy
  • Solid problem-solving skills
  • Excellent organizational and multi-tasking abilities
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills required

Requirements:

  • Interest in museums and/or history
  • Must be able to work outside
  • Schedule is very flexible

Compensation: $15.00 an hour, 30 hours a week

Schedule: Schedule will be flexible. We are willing to work with school schedules.

For more information, call the Legacy of the Plains Museum at 308-436-1989. Resume and cover letter can be sent to David Wolf, 2930 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341 or [email protected].

Posted 11/11/2025

Japanese Hall Intern
Legacy of the Plains Museum
Gering, Nebraska
Two-Year, 30 hours per week
Salary: $15.00 per hour

Overview

The Legacy of the Plains Museum has become one of the premier museums in the region and boosts an
impressive collection of artifacts and library about the settlement and agricultural history of the North Platte River Valley and High Plains region.

The internship will provide relevant career, hands-on experience the Japanese Hall Committee of the Museum.

Internship Duration: FYs 2026 and 2027

Duties could include:

  • Cataloging, scanning, and photographing artifacts
  • Repacking items into proper storage containers
  • Assist with research inquiries
  • Assist processing of new donations
  • Assist with volunteer training
  • Working with volunteers on various tasks
  • Other duties as assigned

Skills and Specifications:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Independent time management skills
  • Ability to exercise great initiative and independent judgment
  • Ability to manage several projects and tasks simultaneously
  • Moderate computer skills
  • High attention to detail and accuracy
  • Solid problem-solving skills
  • Excellent organizational and multi-tasking abilities
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills required

Requirements:

  • Interest in museums and/or history
  • Must be able to work outside
  • Schedule is very flexible

Compensation: $15.00 an hour, 30 hours a week

Schedule: Schedule will be flexible. We are willing to work with school schedules.

For more information, call the Legacy of the Plains Museum at 308-436-1989. Resume and cover letter can be sent to David Wolf, 2930 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341 or [email protected].

Posted 11/11/2025

Lead Preparator
Sheldon Museum of Art
University of Nebraska — Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska
Salary: $50,000 annual salary

Apply: https://employment.unl.edu/postings/97454

Sheldon Museum of Art, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, seeks a lead preparator to work as part of the collections and exhibitions team. The lead preparator will plan, manage, and supervise exhibition installations. Coordinate the safe handling, packing, and transport of artwork. Manage artwork storage and prep room administration. Identify, develop and perform fabrication needs for art installations. Provide direct supervision for assistant preparator and on-call exhibition technicians. May require evening and weekend hours. Some domestic and international travel is required. This position reports to the chief curator and associate director for curatorial affairs.

Required Qualifications

  • B.A. in art history, museum studies, collection management, or a related field.
  • Three years of museum registration, art handling and installation experience in a professional setting or equivalent.
  • Commitment to structural equity, inclusion, and belonging toward broad-based institutional excellence, representing a range of perspectives, thoughts, and actions.   
  • Strong cross-cultural competence.   
  • High emotional intelligence and proven ability to forge mutually respectful, trusting, and effective relationships with a diverse group of staff, volunteers, donors, artists, community leaders, and decision makers.   
  • Knowledge of current art museum practices in museum collection management, art handling, crating, and shipping as articulated by the American Alliance of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Directors, the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries, and other professional organizations.   
  • Ability to recruit and develop staff and volunteers, delegate effectively, and maximize the contributions of supervised staff, while holding direct reports accountable to institutional and performance goals. 
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.   
  • Computer proficiency is essential.
  • Familiarity with collection management systems.  
  • Must be detail-oriented and able to work carefully with and safely handle works of art in a variety of media.
  • Skilled in assessing the physical condition of works of art.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively on team-based projects and across departments.
  • Ability to work effectively and simultaneously on numerous projects.
  • Matting and framing experience.
  • Competency with exhibition design and photo-editing software.
  • Must possess valid driver’s license and pass University van driving course.
  • Must be able to lift 75 pounds and work on ladders and lifts.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s Degree in art history, museum studies, collection management, or a related field.
  • Five years of museum registration, art handling and installation in a professional setting or equivalent.
  • Basic woodworking skills and experience with power tools.
  • Experience with audio-visual technology.

posted 7/3/2025

Executive Director
Douglas County Historical Society
Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska
Salary: Commensurate with experience; will include paid vacation, sick days, and a flexible schedule.

Douglas County Historical Society (DCHS) seeks an Executive Director to lead its ongoing efforts to preserve and enliven historical insight in Douglas County, Nebraska.

DCHS is headquartered on the Fort Omaha Campus of Metropolitan Community College, where it maintains and operates two facilities: the historic General Crook House Museum and a separate Archives Center. The Archives Center collects and maintains written records, photos, and other items and collections related to life in Douglas County. It offers preservation, research, and replication services. DCHS develops programs and lectures such as Second Sunday Talks, Speakers Bureau presentations, and History and Appreciation of Antiques classes to reveal and educate the public about the history of Douglas County. DCHS has over 500 members and donors, as well as an active group of dedicated volunteers. Currently four staff members report to the Executive Director. DCHS is a 501(c)(3) organization. 

This full-time position reports to the Board of Directors. The successful candidate will have primary responsibility for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the organization. This position requires a dynamic, mission-driven leader who is passionate about leading direct operations, fostering financial and programmatic growth, and developing and managing DCHS programs and community education and outreach.

Position Requirements

The preferred qualified candidate should bring:

  • A minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of prior executive experience as a successful leader of a nonprofit organization or entity;
  • A proven history of designing and directing strategies that grow organizational capacity and programmatic impact;
  • A proven ability to grow organizational funding, including (i) grant writing, (ii) cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors, and (iii) developing and managing special events;
  • Passion for the mission and programs of DCHS;
  • Proven abilities and experience in fiscal management, including developing and executing a complex budget;
  • Interest/creativity in program creation, including the ability to review current organizational programs/structures and implement refinements;
  • The capacity to excel at influencing and leading an organization towards positive growth;
  • The ability to foster an environment of accountability, healthy work relationships and partnerships, and inclusivity among organizational staff to maintain a positive and collaborative work environment;
  • Experience in creating and establishing clear, measurable business goals; and
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills, and the ability to work well with the Board of Directors, media, staff, volunteers, the General Crook House Guild, elected officials, and the greater Douglas County community.

Salary and benefits

Commensurate with experience; will include paid vacation, sick days, and a flexible schedule.

At least two (2) references will be required for finalists for the role.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter through this job posting or by emailing the same to [email protected].

Posted 5/29/2025

Museum Executive Director
Washington County, Nebraska, Historical Association
Fort Calhoun, Nebraska
Salary: $60,000

Overview
The Washington County, Nebraska, Museum Executive Director is responsible for overseeing all
operations of the Washington County Historical Association’s Museum located in Fort Calhoun,
Nebraska, including staff management, fundraising, strategic planning, board development, and
community engagement. This full-time, and fully in-person position, reports to the Board of Directors.

Position Impact
The Executive Director’s leadership is crucial to ensuring that one of Nebraska’s oldest county museums
grows as a vibrant and relevant institution of history, education, preservation, and inspiration for the
people of Washington County, Nebraska and surrounding populations.

Qualifications
While experience in a nonprofit leadership role, preferably within a cultural or educational institution is
desired, unusually qualified and creative individuals will also be considered. The successful candidate
will have skills and abilities in staff management, fundraising, strategic planning, board development and
maintaining strong donor relations
A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required.

  • Key Responsibilities
  • Leadership and Staff Oversight
    • Provide leadership for the Museum, ensuring alignment with its mission and strategic goals.
    • Oversee the recruitment, management, and development of a staff sufficient to accomplish the goals of the museum.
    • Implement policies and procedures that promote operational efficiency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Fundraising and Financial Management
    • Work with the Board of Directors to establish and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies and secure financial support from individual donors, foundations, grants, and corporations.
    • Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and donors.
    • Be responsible for the preparation and management of the annual budget, ensuring the Museum’s financial stability and sustainability.
  • Strategic Planning
    • Lead the development, implementation, and evolution of the Museum’s strategic plan, ensuring the institution’s long-term growth and impact.
    • Work with the staff to develop and expand programs, partnership development, and community outreach that align with the Museum’s mission and goals.
    • Monitor and assess the effectiveness of programs and initiatives, making data-driven decisions to enhance their impact.
  • Board Development and Governance
    • Collaborate with the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance and strategic oversight.
    • Provide regular updates to the Board of Directors on the Museum’s performance, financial health, and strategic initiatives.
    • Assist in the recruitment, orientation, and development of board members, ensuring a representative and engaged board.
  • Community Engagement and Advocacy
    • Serve as the public face and spokesperson for the Museum, representing its mission and values in the communities of Washington County, Nebraska.
    • Foster strong regional relationships with community leaders and organizations towards meeting the Museum’s goals and objectives.

Salary & Benefits
The salary for this position is $60,000 annually, adjusted commensurate with and reflecting listed
qualifications and experiences.

Health Insurance – A Health Savings Account will be fully funded annually for this position if the
employee meets federal guidelines for HSA eligibility.

How to Apply
To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and references (2 professional and 2 character) to:
[email protected]

The position is open as of June 3, 2025 and will remain open until filled.

For more information about the Washington County, Nebraska, Museum, please visit the
museum’s public website: www.wcnemuseum.org.

Please direct any and all questions to the application site: [email protected]

Posted 5/29/2025

To post a Nebraska Museum job contact [email protected]. All posting require salary transparency.