Collections Associate

The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology (MMA) at the University of New Mexico (UNM) seeks an NAGPRA Collections Associate to assist the Sr. Collections Manager for Archaeology in all aspects of NAGPRA documentation and compliance for archaeological collections. We seek an enthusiastic professional with knowledge or education in the field of archaeology and familiarity with the material culture of the U.S. Southwest.

We seek an experienced, forward-thinking, collegial museum professional to work collaboratively to serve the Museum's mission of "working towards greater understandings of the fullness of human experiences in the Southwest and the world," and vision of "restoring voices, reconciling injustices and realizing community." Founded in 1932, the Maxwell Museum holds large anthropological collections in four collecting divisions (archaeology, ethnology, osteology and archives), with particular strengths in scholarship and research in the US Southwest. The successful candidate will be a member of the Museum's collection staff and will join a dedicated team of museum professionals in collections, archives, education, exhibitions, public programs and administration.

Position Summary

Under supervision of the Sr. Collections Manager for Archaeology, the NAGPRA Collections Associate's primary duties will include activities to document and prepare Archaeology collections and records for consultation with Native American communities. Applicants should be aware that this position requires handling and interacting with culturally sensitive objects. Responsibilities will include inventory and catalog of archaeological collections; reviewing records and archival materials on file in the Museum; compiling lists and reports on cultural items in the collection; updating database catalog records with additional information; rehousing cultural items (and other collections care activities) as directed by tribes through consultations; and tracking and maintaining records of project activities. In addition to the primary work to support the NAGPRA efforts for Archaeology collections, the NAGPRA Collection Associate's will assist in general collections management tasks. This is a full-time, 4-year term position, with possibility for renewal.

Minimum
Qualifications:

Bachelor's
degree in Anthropology, Museum Studies, or Native American Studies. At least 3
years of documented experience directly related to the duties and
responsibilities specified.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assist the Sr. Collections Manager for Archaeology in inventorying, processing, cataloguing, photographing, and preventative conservation of collections at the museum and its offsite storage facilities.
2. Assist the Sr. Collections Manager for Archaeology in the review and research of museum collection records to support the museum's compliance with NAGPRA.
3. Compile information from museum records, previous NAGPRA summaries, archival documentation, and other sources to create lists and reports to be shared with Native communities.
4. Update records in the Museum's CollectiveAccess database based on documentation and consultation.
5. Complete collection management tasks for the respectful care and curation of Native American cultural collections, according to consultation with Tribal representatives.
6. Assist the Museum's NAGPRA Coordinator with tasks related to consultation, communication, documentation, and other relevant activities.
7. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

• Knowledge of and experience working with archaeological collections, particularly the material culture of Native American groups in the U.S. Southwest.
• Familiar with archaeological excavation methods and documentation. Completion of an archaeological field school.
• Knowledge of archaeological museum and/or lab collection policies, practices, and procedures.
• Familiarity with the ethical and legal requirements of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports. Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to navigate highly sensitive and confidential issues and to act with a high degree of cultural sensitivity.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including experience utilizing museum collections databases, Microsoft Suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and scanning software.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse colleagues and community members as part of a team of professionals.
• Experience working on a variety of tasks, meeting deadlines, and demonstrated attention to detail while working on complex projects.

Only applications submitted through
the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job
advertisement on a 3rd party site, please
visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.