Collections Associate

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.

Position Summary

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. 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.
2. Perform database updates, develop metadata and digitize the collection. Prepare lists and database reports for museum staff, researchers, faculty, students, and community members.
3. Assist with lab management activities including monitoring and ordering supplies and preparing spaces for workers and researchers.
4. Assist with preparing collections materials for loan, research, exhibit, and educational purposes.
5. Supervise the work of volunteers and students engaged in collection management related activities.
6. 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.
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.
* Knowledge of archaeological museum and/or lab collection policies, practices, and procedures.
* 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 working collaboratively 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.
* Familiarity with the ethical and legal requirements of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

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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.