March 5, 2019

Archaeological Collections Manager – The Wesleyan University Archaeology and Anthropology Collections

Position Information
Job Posting Number       S00665
Position Title      Archaeological Collections Manager
Department       Office of Academic Affairs-1033
Job Category      Staff Posting
Position Type     Full-Time

Position Details The Wesleyan University Archaeology and Anthropology Collections (WUAAC) contain over 30,000 archaeological and ethnographic objects from around the world. These objects are used in the hands-on teaching of archaeology and biological anthropology. They consist of three distinct collections.

Reporting to the University Librarian, the Archaeological Collections Manager is responsible for collections management and services for both the Wesleyan University Archaeology and Anthropology Collections (WUAAC) and the College of East Asian Studies Art and Archival Collections (CEAS) including working directly with faculty and students to facilitate their use of the collections.

This position also serves as the University’s Repatriation Coordinator, maintaining Wesleyan’s compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

Responsibilities include:

ARCHAEOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS

  • Research and document collection objects to determine provenance and supplementary context.
  • Continue on-going development, management and maintenance of collections databases including digital images. Maintain and update collections website and social media accounts.
  • Supervise all access to all collections storage areas in accordance with the Wesleyan University Archaeology and Anthropology Collection (WUAAC) Management Policy, tracking objects and maintaining activity logs, register and accession ledgers.
  • Respond to outside inquiries about the collections and provide access and assistance to outside scholars.
  • Support course laboratory sessions and assist faculty in the preparation and development of labs for new courses.
  • Hire, train, and supervise student workers.
  • Develop and provide credit-bearing seminars and independent study that highlight the collections.
  • Give tours of collections and train users as needed in the proper handling of collections and use of equipment.
  • Monitor condition of objects. Coordinate conservation efforts.

REPATRIATION/NAGPRA

  • Serve as repatriation coordinator implementing NAGPRA regulations, including the development and maintenance of inventories, summaries, notices and supporting documentation.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with Tribal representatives regarding NAGPRAsensitive collections, conduct formal consultations.
  • Maintain culturally appropriate guidelines for handling and curation of human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony. Facilitate Tribal visits and transfers of human remains and objects.
  • Manage communications with National NAGPRA Office and other institutions.
  • Perform similar duties as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications – Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Classical Studies, Museum Studies or related field and demonstrated experience in archaeological collections management or an equivalent combination of education training and experience.

  • Excellent computer and database management skills.
  • Effective communication skills
  • High degree of integrity.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently.
  • Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position on a continual basis with or without reasonable accommodations including climbing ladders, lifting heavy objects, pushing and pulling heavily loaded carts.
  • Must be able to work on occasion, at evening, weekend, and holiday events as needed
  • Must be willing to travel occasionally
  • Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications – Master’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Classical Studies, Museum Studies or related field.

  • Background in North American Native history/archaeology.
  • Experience with digital photography.
  • Experience with formal consultation and implementation of NAGPRA, including inventory of human remains and artifact collections, cataloging, collections documentation, and determinations of cultural affiliations.
  • Familiarity with EmbARK Collections Manager software.
  • Record of successful teaching.
  • Management Competencies      Not Applicable

Competencies   Customer focus, Integrity and trust, Project management, Respects diversity, Teamwork/collaboration, Commitment to sustainability

Special Instructions to Applicants

Additional Information  Any and all offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.

Quick Link            http://careers.wesleyan.edu/postings/6722

Categories: Job Postings