Join Our Team

Department: Living Collections         
Full-time/Part-time: Full-time    
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-exempt
Reports to: Assistant Curator of Living Collections
Staff reporting to this position: N/A
Location: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

NMRMA maintains a wide variety of animals, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, and invertebrates. The Aquarists are responsible for the husbandry of the animals owned by or entrusted to the River Museum, ensuring the upkeep of live animal exhibits and enclosures, maintaining life support systems, and other tasks related to the animal collection. Aquarists help to maintain written records, participate in continued learning about the animals, plants, and artifacts in the collection, and engage in activities related to enrichment, training, quarantine, animal welfare, nutrition, and preventative maintenance. Aquarists are expected to be able to cover all animal areas and to support team members as needed. Aquarists will be appointed to level 1, 2, or 3 as dictated by their individual experience and skill level, with 1 being entry level and 3 being highly skilled/experienced. For this role, experience with aquatic invertebrates (jellies, corals, freshwater mussels, etc.) is desired.

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

• Act as primary caretaker for assigned exhibits, systems, and animals
  • Provide daily cleaning and care for animals and life support systems
  • Make daily observations of animals for health assessment
  • Feed animals according to established schedules and recommend changes as necessary
  • Keep all husbandry areas clean, organized, and hazard free
  • Perform minor maintenance tasks
  • Work safely with and around potentially hazardous chemicals and dangerous animals
  • Monitor and manage water quality in assigned exhibits and holding tanks
  • Maintain lighting as appropriate for the species.
  • Ensure alarms and monitoring systems are set appropriately and functional
• Maintain written records in accordance with established industry and organizational practice and policy
  • Ensure daily and weekly check sheets are current
  • Update animal information in a database
• Participate in the construction and care of exhibit life support systems, including routine preventative maintenance on equipment
• Dive at least 12 times per year to remain an active member of the dive team

Additional duties

• Assist with the training and direction of interns, volunteers, and Aquarist Aides
• Represent the organization at regional, national, and/or international levels through participation in professional organizations and conferences
• Follow and update both Living Collections and institutional policies to keep them current
• Engage in continued learning about animals, plants, and artifacts in institutional collection.
• Serve on organizational committees
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications – Level 1

• A Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in biology or related field is preferred
• Professional exposure to aquariums and/or zoos and a background related to working with living organisms
• A basic understanding of the operation of the equipment necessary to maintain living exhibits (especially aquatic life support systems) and the basic analysis of critical water quality parameters
• Experience with, understanding of, and aptitude for maintaining a diverse range of animals
• Be physically capable, with or without reasonable accommodations, of standing, walking, kneeling, bending, climbing, and heavy lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Demonstrate the ability to adapt quickly, show flexibility, and possess good problem-solving skills
• Demonstrate an interest in developing oneself and the animal care industry
• Be capable of dealing with emergency situations calmly and effectively
• Must be comfortable in and around water and working indoors and outdoors in any weather conditions
• Must possess or be capable of holding certification in First Aid and CPR
• Must possess a valid driver’s license within 3 months of hire
• Must possess or be able to obtain SCUBA certification within 6 months of hire
• Must possess or be able to acquire a valid Iowa, Wisconsin or Illinois driver’s license within 3 months of hire.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language
• Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, either with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check

Qualifications – Level 2

• A superior understanding of the operation of the equipment necessary to maintain life exhibits (especially aquatic life support systems) and the basic analysis of critical water quality parameters
• Ability to troubleshoot most common mechanical and biological problems without assistance
• Active in professional organizations at the regional or national level
• Competent with most responsibilities within the Living Collections department

Qualifications – Level 3

• An exemplary understanding of the operation of the equipment necessary to maintain life exhibits (especially aquatic life support systems) and the basic analysis of critical water quality parameters
• Ability to troubleshoot any mechanical and biological problems without assistance
• Active in the leadership of professional organizations at the regional or national level
• Competent with all responsibilities within the Living Collections department

How to apply
 

To learn more, visit www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team.  Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, salary requirements and references to apply@rivermuseum.org or by delivering them in person to 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA 52001.

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.

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.
 

Department: Sales & Guest Services         
Full-time/Part-time: Part-time, occasional evenings and weekends required    
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Museum Store Manager 
Staff reporting to this position: Museum Store Associates
Location:  National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

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 River Works Discovery.

The Assistant Retail Manager is part of a team that is responsible for the daily management of all store staff and coordination of resources for the store. Duties include but are not limited to:  overseeing the point of sale system, inventory management, and creating merchandise displays. The Assistant Retail Manager is a guest service-based and forward facing position that also helps serve as a periodic Manager on Duty (MOD) for the museum and is regularly visible and available to visitors. An ideal candidate will have the opportunity to manage a work schedule that allows for work/life balance while achieving the goals set for the work required.

This is a part time (approximately 30 hours per week but may vary), permanent position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include an optional 403b retirement plan.

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.

Primary duties

• Provide daily management of store staff and operations, including overseeing point of sale (POS) transactions, restocking, customer service, and creating merchandise displays
• Collaborate with the Museum Store Manager to conduct staff hiring, onboarding, training, and management
• Assist in coordination of all necessary inventories for special exhibitions and museum events
• Advise on inventory management and ordering decisions
• Conduct tasks such as tagging, stocking and display
• Ensure proper receiving practices, including unpacking and checking against purchase orders and packing lists
• Maintain store’s physical condition and appearance and organize storage areas
• Lead as a Manager on Duty (MOD) to coordinate the successful daily operations of the Museum & Aquarium
  • Tasks include opening and closing the campus, preparing cash deposits and balancing drawers, and supporting associates in delivering a quality guest experience

Qualifications 

• Associate’s degree or relevant work experience preferred
• Previous experience in a supervisory or management role preferred, but not required
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong communication and organizational abilities
• Knowledgeable with technology and database management
• Exceptional written & verbal communication skills
• Outstanding external and internal customer service skills
• Effective personnel management and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize, focus, and manage time effectively
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language
• Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, including lifting up to 30lbs, either with or without reasonable accommodation
• Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check

How To Apply

To learn more, visit www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team.  Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, and references to apply@rivermuseum.org. Apply in person at 350 E. Third St., Dubuque, IA 52001.

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.

Research suggests that many often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. 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.
 

Department:  Education     
Full-time/Part-time:  Seasonal with the possibility of Part Time after the season    
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-exempt
Reports to:  Director of Education
Staff reporting to this position: N/A
Location: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

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. Its mission is to inspire stewardship through educational experiences where history and rivers come alive.

Educators are primarily responsible for the presentation of engaging and inclusive educational programs. On-site and off-site programs highlight connections to the Mississippi River through history, conservation, and STEM topics, utilizing dynamic resources of the NMRMA campus to forge meaningful connections with all audiences. Some of these programs involve the use of live ambassador animals, requiring a degree of comfort around animals. In addition to regular interpretation on the floor, staff will assist with tours, youth camps, overnights, special events, birthday parties, school groups, outreach, and other areas. The specific assignments for each Educator on any given day will vary and are scheduled in advance whenever possible.

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.

Primary duties

• Present and create exceptional and dynamic guest experiences in formal and informal settings.
  • Develop and implement education programs, events, and activities for diverse audiences of all ages, including classes, camps, overnights, volunteer programs, tours, etc.
  • Incorporate small and medium sized live animals, biological specimens, and/or historical artifacts and replicas whenever possible.
  • Perform educational programs that include options such as: arts and crafts, live animals, games, activities, artifacts, props, etc.
• Perform variable daily roles as assigned, including, but not limited to: MakerSpace, Rivers of Innovation, Delta, Tidepool, W.M. Black dredge boat, camps, overnights, outreach, and tours

Additional duties

• Follow all protocols, procedures, and uphold the Education Department Code of Conduct
• Remain comfortable, competent, and invested in history, conservation, and STEM topics to ensure redundancy and cross-training are in place
• Attend mandatory, prescheduled training sessions
• Maintain written records in accordance with established practice and policy
• Keep all education areas clean, organized and hazard free, report maintenance needs, and perform minor maintenance tasks
• Engage in continued learning about machinery, animals, plants, and artifacts in institutional collection

Qualifications 

• Relevant college course work, a Bachelor’s degree, or relevant experience with an emphasis on STEM fields including but not limited to engineering, computer science, graphic design, mathematics, biology, environmental science, ecology, history, anthropology, education, or a related field is encouraged but not required
• Prior exposure to informal learning processes, preferably in an aquarium, zoo, nature center, historic site, or museum setting is beneficial
• A personal email account and phone number are required for information exchange
• Must be comfortable around the water, and indoors and outdoors in any weather
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language
• Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, either with or without reasonable accommodation
• Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check

How to apply

To learn more, visit www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team.  Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, and references to apply@rivermuseum.org or by delivering them in person to 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA 52001.

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.

Department: Environmental Conservation
Full-time/Part-time: Full-time    
Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Reports to:  VP of Living Collections
Staff reporting to this position: Volunteers & Interns as assigned
Location: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

The Exhibit & Conservation Specialist promotes DCHS’s mission and vision by creating and maintaining exhibitions while supporting the needs of our conservation programs. This Specialist advances strategic initiatives by facilitating collaborative projects to assist in the daily maintenance and development of permanent and temporary exhibitions. Essential responsibilities include installation of exhibitions, troubleshooting and repair of exhibit components, 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

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

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.

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.
 

Department: Sales & Guest Services         
Full-time/Part-time: Part-time    
Exempt/Non-Exempt:  Non-exempt
Reports to: Café Supervisor 
Staff reporting to this position: N/A
Location: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

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.

Join us in a fun, fast-paced environment by enhancing the museum guest experience through providing a meal or a snack. An ideal candidate is someone with exceptional customer service skills, enjoys working on a team, and positively portrays the organization. This position offers a flexible work schedule with weekday hours and some weekend and holiday hours (no evenings after 4 p.m. required).

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.

Primary duties

• Take food orders using an electronic point-of-sale system and be comfortable with cash handling
• Ensure the cleanliness of the dining area and kitchen
• Follow all food preparation safety laws and rules
• Interact with guests in a positive, friendly manner

Qualifications 

• Highly qualified candidates will have previous experience in food service and/or cash handling.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language.
• Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, either with or without reasonable accommodation. These demands may include periods of standing, reaching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, carrying, lifting, or moving objects 25 lbs. or less.
• Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check.

How To Apply

To learn more, visit www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team.  Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, and references to apply@rivermuseum.org. Apply in person at 350 E. Third St., Dubuque, IA 52001.

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.

Blacksmith volunteers work in either the boat shop or the blacksmith shop to help with electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, building, and repair projects for the Museum & Aquarium. Volunteer blacksmiths also conduct demonstrations for guests during certain special events throughout the year. Those interested in this position do not need to have previous blacksmithing experience, but must be interested in learning skill work to demonstrate for visitors. Basic equipment knowledge is preferred but training will be provided upon starting in the position.

 Must be 18+ to volunteer for this position.

Conservation volunteers work alongside our Curator of Conservation Programs on daily, weekly, and monthly projects in the community, including habitat restoration, campus habitat care, greenhouse tending, mussel survey work, prairie, forest, and woodland restoration days, river cleanups, seed harvesting, and more. Those interested will be scheduled and contacted about opportunities as they arise. 

Volunteers will assist Development staff with matching pre-scanned documents to donation records in our database, Altru. The scanned document would then be attached to the file associated to that record. Training is provided and once understood the volunteer can work independently.

Applicants should possess:

• A comfortability in working with computers
• Attention to detail

Note: An NDA must be signed by Development volunteers as files and documents may contain sensitive donor information

The Dubuque County Historical Society (DCHS) seeks volunteers for the role of Gallery Attendant. This position is exclusive to traveling exhibitions hosted at its National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium main campus. These traveling exhibitions frequently occur in the spring, summer, and fall/winter. Please check the museum website for upcoming exhibitions https://www.rivermuseum.org/ or reach out to our Tourism and Volunteer Manager, Melissa Wersinger for more information. (mwersinger@rivermuseum.org)

This volunteer position may be seated but may also roam around the exhibition gallery to engage with the visitors.

Responsibilities

Gallery Attendants are primarily responsible for:

• Sharing stories of the exhibit
• Answering visitor questions
• Counting visitors to the gallery
• Informing staff of any problems within the exhibition, such as non-functioning screens
• Conducting visitor surveys, if part of the exhibition

Time Commitment 

It is requested to commit to a time in at least 1-hour increments.

Training:

Gallery Attendant Volunteers will:

• Receive an exhibition-specific training packet.
• Receive an opportunity to attend a tour led by staff 

Immediate Need:

Narwhal: Revealing An Arctic Legend  (March 14 – October 4, 2026)
The elusive narwhal with its magnificent spiral tooth has inspired art, legend, and cultural practices for centuries. Today, Inuit knowledge coupled with scientific research help us better understand narwhals-and the changing Arctic. The exhibition features a full-scale narwhal model and engaging interactives that will appeal to all.

• Shifts Available: Monday-Sunday

If interested, please reach out to mwersinger@rivermuseum.org

The volunteer greeter is one of the first individuals that the guests of the Museum & Aquarium interact with. Greeters welcome each visitor to our campus, provide them with a map, and direct them to the various features and exhibits of the Museum & Aquarium. This includes explaining the different buildings and areas, highlighting certain animals, and going over the daily activities being offered.

Basic training is provided prior to starting in this position.

At the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, the MakerSpace volunteer will assist the educator in overseeing the space.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Welcome guests to the space.
• Assist with describing what activities are available to the guests and helping them with the activity, as needed.
• Clean up areas, as needed.
• Good communication skills. Comfortable approaching guests and initiating conversation.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Living Collections volunteers will help to provide daily care of various animals at the Museum &  Aquarium. This may include daily feedings and enclosure cleaning, making and documenting observations related to animal health and well-being, maintaining written and electronic records, testing water quality, and following other Living Collections procedures.

A typical Living Collections volunteer will possess a high school diploma, a background or experience relating to animal husbandry, and be able to commit to a minimum of 8 hours a week with the team.

Extensive training is provided upon starting this position.

The volunteer receptionist is stationed in the administration office of the Mississippi River Center. Receptionists answer all incoming calls during normal business hours and direct them accordingly. They will also greet, welcome, and direct all in-person guests who arrive for meetings and other business. Various mailings and other administrative and office-related tasks also fall under this position.

Basic training is provided upon starting this position.

The Rivers of Innovation (ROI) Assistant helps to provide a positive experience for visitors to the Rivers of Innovation area focusing on the topographic map and water table area.
Volunteers will perform the following tasks:

• Welcome and interact with visitors in the exhibit
• Mopping up any water on the floor from the water table
• Sweep up topographic map pieces
• Interpreting the various elements of the ROI exhibit from the Machine Shop to the Boat Shop
• Direct guests to locations around campus as needed such as the bathroom, comfort room, and the second salt water building.

Special events volunteers assist with the Museum & Aquarium's events throughout the year, ranging from small to large scale. Typical tasks may include set up and tear down, helping facilitate crafts, games, and experiments, food preparation, ticketing, historical demonstrations, dressing up in character, and more. Those interested will be contacted about opportunities as they arise. 

Down in the Delta volunteers work alongside a museum educator to interpret and inform guests who visit the Delta touch tank about the various rays and skates on exhibit. Volunteers are also responsible for helping to maintain the safety of both the animals and guests, such as instructing guests to rinse their hands before touching the animals, explaining the proper technique to touch and feed the animals, and providing basic facts about the rays and skates to enrich guests’ experience.

Basic training is provided prior to starting in this position.

The William M. Black dredge boat volunteer provides a positive experience for visitors that come aboard the 1934 vessel. The dredge boat is open seasonally and weather dependent. The volunteer will assist the William M. Black Educator by welcoming them and directing them to tour specific areas of the boat. 

Volunteers will perform the following tasks:

• Welcome and interact with visitors as they board the vessel
• Hand out brochures with facts about the William M. Black 
• Mopping up any water on the deck
• Sweep or dust visible areas near the entry of the boat 
• Interpreting the various elements of the William M. Black including the history and the function of different portions of the dredge boat.
• Direct guests to locations around campus as needed such as the bathroom, comfort room, café and the second building.

Are you interested in getting hands-on, outside of the classroom experience in the environmental field and becoming a member of the next generation of conservation heroes?  The Conservation Programs internship allows for the opportunity to understand the role of action-oriented conservation campaigns and participate in networking opportunities with and learn from conservation professionals.

Primary Duties

• Facilitate in-situ community-based conservation action programming with area conservation partners targeting family audiences. Programming may include but is no limited to:
  • Freshwater Mussel Propagation for Restoration
  • Invasive Species Removal
  • Trash Clean-ups
  • Bottomland Forest Restoration
  • Wildlife Surveys
  • Water Quality Monitoring
• Assist in the facilitation of Teen Stewardship Team work sessions and in-situ conservation action programming 
• Explore the elements that go into an aquarium-based conservation organization including:
  • Conservation Education
  • Development and Funding
  • Marketing
  • Graphics
  • Public Relations
• Enhance teamwork, leadership and communication skills.
• Work with others towards the goal of saving wildlife and stewarding rivers

Application
Please send application, resume, and cover letter materials to Kristen Leffler at kleffler@rivermuseum.org. Details and information can be found on www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team.

The Curatorial intern will provide support for the Curatorial Services (Historical Collections) department at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site. This includes the research and development of current and upcoming exhibits, and the organization, preservation, and interpretation of historical records and artifacts.

Primary duties

• Assist collections management staff with object handling, documentation, exhibit installation/deinstallation
• Help prepare for exhibit creation and curation
• Verify, update, and catalog information on collection items in the organization’s database
• Correlate items with the correct paper and database files
• Digitally photograph or scan each item and adds images to the database
• Research items in the collection
• Assist with proper storage and housing of collection items

Application

Please send application, resume, and cover letter to Kristen Leffler at kleffler@rivermuseum.com. Details and information can be found on www.rivermuseum.com/join-our-team.

Spring semester: Apply by November 1 for priority consideration
Summer semester: Apply by February 15 for priority consideration
Fall semester: Apply by June 15 for priority consideration

The Development Database Intern will assist the Development Department with ongoing fundraising activities that support our mission. This role provides hands-on experience in nonprofit development, including donor relations, database management, and fundraising research. The intern will collaborate with staff to update donor and member information, analyze data in Power BI, build and modify queries in Blackbaud Altru, research matching gift opportunities, and help transition donor gift records into a more sustainable digital system.

This is a unique opportunity to build valuable skills in nonprofit fundraising, strengthen our donor database, and contribute to meaningful community engagement with local organizations and prospective supporters.

Primary Duties

• Gain and maintain working knowledge of our donor and member database system (Blackbaud Altru)
• Build, modify, and utilize queries within Altru to support accurate reporting and donor segmentation
• Maintain a calendar/database of funders and grant deadlines
• Assist with prospect research and cultivation of current and potential donors, major gifts, and matching gift
• Research potential sponsors aligned with the Museum & Aquarium’s vision, mission, and educational activities
• Track and report community event sponsors
• Update and flag important identifying information within the donor database to ensure accurate records
• Assist with creating and interpreting data reports and dashboards in Power BI to support fundraising strategy
• Support planning and execution of upcoming Museum & Aquarium events

Application

Please send application, resume, and cover letter materials to Kristen Leffler at kleffler@rivermuseum.org. Details and information can be found on www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team.

The Exhibits internship will give a well-rounded experience, and likely encompass the installation of new exhibits, deinstallation of retired exhibits, designing and building interactive pieces to enhance the visitor experience, and cleaning and maintaining museum displays. Interns will work alongside Exhibit staff as they interact with all other departments in the museum organization to create and maintain our campus.

Primary Duties

• Follow blueprints and other guides to install new traveling exhibits
• Collaborate with Curatorial and Marketing departments on new exhibit designs
• Build and paint walls, cases, and new displays
• Maintenance and cleaning of existing displays
• Restoration work on existing buildings and boats
• Production and installation of in-house signage
• Basic construction such as painting, sawing, measuring, etc.

Application

Please send application, resume, and cover letter materials to Kristen Leffler at kleffler@rivermuseum.org. Details and information can be found on www.rivermuseum.com/join-our-team.
 

The Living Collections internship provides a unique opportunity for students to gain hands on experience, develop transferable job skills, and learn about a variety of different topics related directly to the zoo and aquarium industry.  Interns will learn about a variety of aspects concerning animals in human care across multiple taxonomic groups such as freshwater fish, saltwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, invertebrates, and mammals.  Interns will work directly with the Living Collections team and, over the course of the internship, gain a working knowledge of various concepts in the subjects of animal husbandry, water quality, and life support systems.  Additionally, students will be given the opportunity to complete a project of their choice that aligns with their personal goals as well as the goals of the organization and present their outcomes to the team.

Preference will be given to highly motivated 3rd and 4th year college/university students majoring in biology, zoology, or a related field with career goals specifically related to this field of study.  

The minimum hours requirement for fall and spring is 12 hours weekly (1–8-hour day and 1 half day), and in the summer is 16 hours per week (2 full 8-hour days).  Interns are welcome to work more hours per their availability.

Primary duties

• Preparation of animal diets
• Enclosure cleaning and servicing
• Basic water quality testing
• Lead public feedings
• Provide excellent customer service to guests
• Other duties as assigned.

Application

Please send application, resume, and cover letter materials to Kristen Leffler at kleffler@rivermuseum.org. Details and information can be found on www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team.

The Marketing & Communications team at the organization is responsible for public representation through branding, advertising, media relations, social media, sales, and public events. The Marketing & Communications intern will work closely with the Director of Marketing & Design, Digital Media & Graphic Design Coordinator, and other departments to collect, develop, organize, and disseminate engaging content for social media, press releases, e-newsletters, promotional pieces, advertising, and the website.

Primary Duties

• Collaborate to serve as a primary “voice” of the River Museum’s social media channels, developing strategy, providing creativity, and producing engaging content while managing day-to-day social media responsibilities and amplifying our brand and mission
• Interact with our social media audience as necessary and assist in responding to inquiries and posts on our platforms
• Work closely with the Director of Marketing & Design and others to develop strategy, content, placement, and success of digital media efforts and to keep the website updated and maintained
• Take quality photographs and videos for use on social media and the organization’s website as well as take photographs, as needed, of events, programs, and activities for use in marketing publications
• Produce short form video for social media platforms as well as in-depth and longer educational content for grant and programming purposes
• Maintain the organization’s website, including organizing and updating webpages
• Assist with content development as needed for website, social media, and digital creative
• Actively seek ideas and keep apprised of trends and best practices in social media, marketing, communications, design, and the industry
• Provide recommendations to strengthen and improve marketing and communications efforts

Application
Please send application, resume, and cover letter materials to Kristen Leffler at kleffler@rivermuseum.org. Details and information can be found on www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team.

The River Museum's Living Collections team offers job shadows typically to high schoolers or early college/university students looking to explore what a job in this field could look like. Due to scheduling, job shadows must be scheduled 2+ weeks in advance. This opportunity is for students only (no parents, etc. unless there is need for special accommodation) and are offered from 8AM-12PM Tuesday-Thursday.

During the job shadow experience, students shadow two of our full-time aquarists as they go through their daily responsibilities which would include things like diet preparation, exhibit cleaning, husbandry tasks, animal feeding, animal training, et al.  As the aquarists go through this routine, they provide some educational dialogue and information to help the student understand what we are doing and why it is important.  The student can ask questions in a one-on-one setting for the duration and may have some limited opportunities for hands-on activities.  If there are any specific interests of the student, we will do our best to accommodate.  

To schedule a Living Collections job shadow, please contact Audra Roseland at aroseland@rivermuseum.org.