What are the responsibilities and job description for the Collections Associate position at unm?
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
- 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.
- Assist the Sr. Collections Manager for Archaeology in the review and research of museum collection records to support the museum’s compliance with NAGPRA.
- Compile information from museum records, previous NAGPRA summaries, archival documentation, and other sources to create lists and reports to be shared with Native communities.
- Update records in the Museum’s CollectiveAccess database based on documentation and consultation.
- Complete collection management tasks for the respectful care and curation of Native American cultural collections, according to consultation with Tribal representatives.
- Assist the Museum’s NAGPRA Coordinator with tasks related to consultation, communication, documentation, and other relevant activities.
- Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
