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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.

Summer Block Party, 2022

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.

Exhibition Production Assistant

The Museum Services department is seeking a full-time, non-exempt Exhibition Production Assistant to begin in Spring 2025. Reporting to the Exhibition Production Manager, this position plays a vital role in supporting the planning, production, and maintenance of museum exhibitions. The Exhibition Production Assistant works closely with the Exhibition Production Manager to help realize exhibition designs, prepare galleries, and ensure that installations are executed with care and precision.

In addition to exhibition production tasks, the Exhibition Production Assistant contributes to the stewardship of the museum’s collections by assisting with the care, storage, movement, and exhibition of artworks and artifacts. This includes handling objects according to best practices, supporting the safe transportation of items within the museum, and maintaining orderly and secure storage environments.

The successful candidate will be a detail-oriented and reliable team member who brings a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach to work. This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the presentation and preservation of exhibitions while working as part of a collaborative and dedicated museum services team.

To apply send resume and cover letter to Terry Harley at [email protected]. Questions? Call 307-578-4089.

View the Exhibition Production Assistant Position

Gallery Guard

The Center is seeking a Gallery Guard to join our Security team. This position plays an essential role in both protecting the collection and ensuring an outstanding visitor experience. Gallery Guards provide a visible and welcoming presence in the galleries, greeting and assisting guests while monitoring assigned areas to safeguard artwork and uphold Center policies.

Successful candidates will be observant, professional, and approachable, with the ability to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure. They will actively engage with visitors, answer questions, give directions, and serve as an important link between the public and the Center’s operations. Gallery Guards are also expected to maintain clear radio communication with security staff, report incidents promptly, and be prepared to implement emergency procedures if needed.

This position requires strong communication skills, a team-oriented attitude, and a genuine enjoyment of working with the public. A high school diploma is required, and two or more years of visitor service or customer service experience are preferred.

Apply Here for Gallery Guard Position
What's it like to work at the Center of the West? Current staff members share their experiences:
I started at the Center of the West in December 2022. From the start it has been an exceptional place to work. The Center has worked with my schedule so I was able to keep my health care from my previous employer until the health care from the Center took effect. There are an abundance of wonderful people working here. The Center has so many benefits and programs that really make me feel like they do care about not only the work to be done but each of us as individuals. Flex scheduling, Wellness committee, Cultural Advisory Group, and the Green team to name a few, are there for the Center and its employees to build relationships between departments and people to improve our morale and interactions. As in any new job, there is so much to learn, and in my experience, there were so many people willing to share their time and knowledge in order to get a grasp on all the details that go in to my position.
Headshot of Jennette Lewis, Accounting Assistant - Accounts Payable
~Jennette Lewis
Accounting Assistant - Accounts Payable
My name is Levi Haugen and I’ve been working at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West for almost 21 years. I initially started working in IT and Security, but later moved into Security only. I love working with people, and this job has given me the opportunity to work directly with patrons and guests from literally all across the globe. I have truly enjoyed getting to know my co-workers and have made many lifelong friendships. The museum hired me shortly after I attended one year of college in 2002. I was born with cerebral palsy and am wheelchair-bound, so I was looking for a job that would be able to accommodate my disability. The museum has gone above and beyond to ensure that I can complete my assigned tasks. They make sure I have a safe and friendly working environment. After so many years of employment, I honestly feel that many of my co-workers are like family to me. I will always be grateful for the opportunities the museum has given me, and hope to still be here in another 21 years!
Headshot of Levi Haugen, Gallery Guard
~Levi Haugen
Gallery Guard
Some of my best days in the past eight years have been days at work. I feel very blessed to be able to say that. I work in the IT department, so I work closely with nearly everyone in the building. The best part of working at Center of the West is the people. I look forward to coming to work because I am surrounded by such a great group of people. I enjoy helping people and figuring out ways to make things better, so every day I get to do what I love.
Headshot of Jeff Donham, IT Technician
~Jeff Donham
IT Technician

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.

Visit Internship Page

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.

Visit Fellowships Page