SunWatch Technician

Job Title: SunWatch Technician
Department: SunWatch and Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
Reports To: Curator of Anthropology & Exhibitions
FLSA Status: Salary, Non-Exempt – $35,000/yr

Summary

This position is divided between archaeological reconstruction efforts at SunWatch Village and compliance-related work under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) for the Dayton Society of Natural History (DSNH). To succeed in this role, the candidate must be capable of performing all essential duties effectively, demonstrating strong organizational abilities and the capacity to work independently as well as collaboratively. Meeting project deadlines is essential.

The individual will lead reconstruction and experimental archaeology initiatives at SunWatch Village. Responsibilities include overseeing hands-on reconstruction activities, supporting volunteer recruitment and management, and conducting guided tours. Please note, this role involves significant physical labor. The individual will support the DSNH’s NAGPRA program through collections management, archival tasks, and artifact processing. This role may involve handling or working in proximity to human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Oversee the maintenance and construction of outdoor reconstructions and exhibits at SunWatch Village, including the coordination of natural material harvesting for use in reconstruction projects.
• Support the care of native prairie landscapes and outdoor garden spaces.
• Conduct guided tours of SunWatch Village, ensure site security during hours of operation, and manage proper opening and closing procedures.
• Develop and produce educational materials, including reproduction tools, animal hides, and decorative elements that enhance visitor engagement and learning; burn weekly fires in the reconstructed houses.
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers participating in SunWatch activities and programming.
• Assist in the organization, documentation, and inventory of the SunWatch collection with the objective of updating and maintaining all relevant NAGPRA databases.
• Provide support for cataloging and inventory efforts at the Boonshoft Museum as needed.
• Digitize historical NAGPRA records and organize ongoing correspondence and documentation related to NAGPRA compliance.
• Contribute to the preparation of human remains (HR) inventories and cultural summaries specific to the SunWatch collection.
• Participate in consultation efforts with Tribal Nations, assist with the planning and coordination of on-site visits, and uphold professional standards related to NAGPRA procedures.
• Attend biweekly staff meetings and regular one-on-one meetings with the direct supervisor to ensure alignment on goals and responsibilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Manages SunWatch Volunteers and Seasonal Reconstruction Workers. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Coordinates with other departments at the DSNH as well as outside contractors.

Education and/or Experience

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or related field with preferred experience in working with Native American cultural materials. Strong understanding of NAGPRA and Experimental Archaeology preferred.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The applicant must be comfortable performing the duties associated with this job under various conditions. The employee may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; use ladders for high, precarious places; and outside weather conditions. The employee is required to comply with all safety equipment provided for the work conducted, including ear and eye protection, chainsaw chaps, leather aprons for the use of draw knives, gloves, and in some cases closed-toe shoes. The employee may also be regularly exposed to the sun, poison ivy, and insects (bees, wasps, flies, and others).

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Organization provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, or any other protected factor in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, employee development, transfer, promotion, compensation, and corrective action.

Interested candidates should forward a resume and cover letter to: HR@boonshoftmuseum.org.