Employment
Career Opportunities at the Center of the West
The story of the American West is rich and colorful, one that you could be part of at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Together, our wide-ranging expertise, comprehensive collections, and engaging programs allow visitors to discover and experience that story for themselves. Join our staff and help us connect people to the American West.
And what better way to experience the American West yourself than by living in the beautiful Cody area. With a population of 10,000, we’re small-town family friendly, and welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. You’ll find abundant outdoor recreational opportunities here, a regional airport, western culture like the nightly rodeo all summer long, and of course the Center of the West with the history, culture, art, and natural science showcased in our five museums. And we’re just an hour from the amazing Yellowstone National Park. Click here to find out more about living in Cody.
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Successful candidates must pass a criminal and employment background check.
Year-round Positions
To apply for year-round positions, send resume and cover letter to Human Resource Director Terry Harley at [email protected]. Questions? Call 307-578-4089.
Director of Operations
Title: Director of Operations
Department: Operations
Position Reports To: COO
Status: Exempt
Summary:
The Director of Operations leads all aspects of the Operations Division to ensure the Center is operated, maintained, and protected at the highest standards. This includes oversight and organization of custodial, maintenance, grounds, and security departments as well as major facility-related functions and projects.
Essential Functions:
The Director of Operations is responsible for the installation, operation, performance, and maintenance of all Center-owned property, grounds, mechanical and electrical systems, fire detection, security systems, lighting systems, and all other physical plant equipment. This position supervises the division’s operations and staff, ensuring effective staff scheduling to meet the operational requirements of the Center. The Director ensures that Center property is protected according to best practices and in compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. They oversee safety compliance for the Center, prepare the annual budget, and maintain finance records as required, highlighting significant variances. The role also oversees department purchasing, receiving, stocking, and disposal of supplies, materials, and equipment.
In addition, the Director of Operations plans and executes complex projects with internal and external resources in collaboration with Center divisions and departments. They secure bids for projects requiring outside contractors and determine, subject to the approval of the executive director, the awarding of contracts. The Director manages contractor work, inspecting for quality and compliance. They ensure the Center’s smooth operations in terms of cost, efficiency, safety, and sustainability, and participate in providing information for grants and fundraising, as well as strategic planning, and work with Board committees.
Competencies:
The Director of Operations demonstrates leadership, supervisory, and mentorship skills with multiple departments and employees. They exhibit excellent collaborative and communication skills with staff and external partners and contractors, and excel in project planning, bidding, and contract review including budget management. The role requires the ability to prioritize with strong organizational skills, along with good verbal and written skills. The Director must be able to read and understand engineering and architectural plans and schematics, and must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, and Outlook to maintain reports, records, and budgets.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
The Director supervises Facilities, Custodial, Grounds, and Security Supervisors.
Required Education and Experience:
A bachelor’s degree or certification in a related field or a combination of education and experience comparable to a four-year degree is required, while a four-year degree is desired. Five years of applicable facilities management experience is necessary, to include knowledge of construction, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, fire suppression, landscaping, and security. A minimum of three years supervisory experience of multiple employees and schedules is required, as well as demonstrated oversight of complex projects.
EEO Statement:
Buffalo Bill Center of the West provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
To apply send resume and cover letter to Human Resource Director Terry Harley at [email protected]. Questions? Call 307-578-4089.
Part-Time Security Officer
Security Officer – Part-Time
Department: Facilities
Reports to: Security Supervisor
Status: Non-Exempt
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West seeks a part-time Security Officer to help protect employees, visitors, and collections while ensuring a safe and welcoming environment. This role enforces security policies, safeguards artifacts and art, and provides excellent customer service to guests. The Security Officer may also act as Supervisory Security Officer in the absence of the Security Manager.
Key Responsibilities:
- Enforce Center security rules, policies, and procedures.
- Safeguard collections, facilities, and staff.
- Represent the Center professionally with the public.
- Perform gallery and entrance security duties.
- Supervise security staff when required.
Qualifications:
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Calm under pressure with excellent leadership abilities.
- Outstanding customer service skills.
- Flexibility to work occasional overnight shifts and during September’s Board Week.
If you’re a dependable leader with a passion for safety and service, we invite you to apply and join our team at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
To apply send resume and cover letter to Human Resource Director Terry Harley at [email protected]. Questions? Call 307-578-4089.
What's it like to work at the Center of the West? Current staff members share their experiences:
Internships
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West offers several internships for college students each summer! Available internships typically include everything from curation, to marketing, to tour guiding, to caring for and presenting programs about raptors. Internships are 10 weeks, pay $12.50 per hour, and include a $750 housing stipend. Click the button below for details.
Resident Fellowships
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West offers a limited number of resident fellowships each year for scholars doing original research that advance knowledge, understanding, and passion about the extraordinary cultural and natural heritage of the American West and its timeless and global relevance. The Center is currently between cycles for Resident Fellowships.