Archaeology Collections Associate - University of New Mexico

Requisition ID

req31045

Working Title

Archaeology Collections Associate

Position Grade

11

Position Summary

The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology (MMA) at the University of New Mexico (UNM) seeks an Archaeology Collections Associate to assist the Sr. Collections Manager for Archaeology in all aspects of archaeological collections care. 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.

Under supervision of the Sr. Collections Manager for Archaeology, the Archaeology Collections Associate will assist in the management of all aspects of archaeological collections care, including processing boxes of excavated materials, cataloguing, inventorying, and preventative conservation. Tasks also include reviewing museum records and archival materials on file in the Museum; updating database records; and assisting with compiling information to respond to collection queries. The assistant will help prepare collections for loan, research, exhibit, and educational/community visits, and assist in the supervision of university students and community volunteers working with collections. This is a full-time, 5-year term position, with possibility for renewal.

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. Completion of an archaeological field school and/or experience in archaeological lab work.

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.

• Assist the Sr. Collections Manager for Archaeology in inventorying, processing, cataloguing, photographing, and preventative conservation of existing and new museum collections at the museum and its offsite storage facilities.
  Perform database updates, develop metadata and digitize the collection. Prepare lists and database reports for museum staff, researchers, faculty, students, and community members.
• Assist with lab management activities including monitoring and ordering supplies and preparing spaces for workers and researchers.
• Assist with preparing collections materials for loan, research, exhibit, and educational purposes.
• Supervise the work of volunteers and students engaged in collection management related activities.
• Complete collection management tasks for the respectful care and curation of Native American cultural collections, according to consultation with Tribal representatives, and assist with NAGPRA duties as required.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of and experience working with archaeological collections, particularly the material culture of Native American groups in the U.S. Southwest.
• Knowledge of museum and/or lab collection policies, practices, and procedures. Familiar with archaeological excavation methods and documentation.
• Demonstrated training and experience with collections care best practices when working with archaeology collections, records, and archives.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports. Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including experience utilizing museum collections databases, Microsoft Suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and scanning software.
• Experience multitasking a variety of tasks, meeting deadlines, and working collaboratively as part of a team of museum professionals.
• Demonstrated attention to detail while working on complex projects.
• Familiarity with the ethical and legal requirements of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

Additional Requirements

Campus

Main - Albuquerque, NM

Department

Maxwell Museum (937B)

Employment Type

Staff

Staff Type

Term - Full-Time

Term End Date

One year from date of hire (may be renewed)

Status

Exempt

Pay

Monthly: $3,657.33 - $3,750.00 (depending on experience)

Benefits Eligible

This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.

ERB Statement

As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Background Check Required

Yes

For Best Consideration Date

10/11/2024

Eligible for Remote Work

No

Eligible for Remote Work Statement

Application Instructions

Only applications submitted throughthe official UNMJobs site will be accepted.If you are viewing this jobadvertisement on a 3rd party site, pleasevisit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Please include a cover letter explaining why you want to work for the Maxwell Museum, a resume/CV,UNMJobs application, and 3 supervisory references.

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.