Archaeology Collections Assistant

Position Overview

The University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute is hiring a Collections Assistant position to assist the Archaeology Collections Manager with duties related to collections care and compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). This position will be responsible for performing collections management tasks such as inventorying and rehousing collections. The successful candidate will join a dedicated team of museum professionals working to document and care for collections, build collaborations with source and descendent communities, and support an active program of NAGPRA compliance.

Limited term of one (1) year with possibility of extension based upon additional funding being obtained.

Job Description

60% - Collections

• Handle, move, house, organize, inventory, photograph, and catalog objects within the Anthropology Collections.
• Maintain and improve the Anthropology Collection's storage conditions utilizing preventive conservation and/or traditional care methods.
• Work with museum staff to review all collections to ensure all NAGPRA-relevant materials are included in final inventories.
• Update the Biodiversity Institute’s electronic database.
• Upon request from tribes, photograph collections using DSLR camera and process photos using Photoshop or Lightroom.
• Assist the Archaeology Collections Manager with packing and transporting collections between off-site storage and the KU Lawrence campus for consultation.
  
  
  

20% - Documentation

• Review and scan pertinent accession records, reports, archival records and documentation to share with tribal collaborators.
• Assist with supervising student employees involved in supporting NAGPRA activities.
• Research archaeological sites and museum archival records to enhance documentation of NAGPRA collections.
• Work with Biodiversity Institute staff in the development, refinement, and implementation of NAGPRA policies and procedures.
  
  
  

20% - Collaboration with Descendent Communities

• Assist with collections visits from descendant community members. May assist with repatriation efforts.
• Track responses to collection queries and requests for information from Tribal representatives in the Biodiversity Institute’s electronic database.
• Work with curators and collection staff in preparing for repatriation/disposition and site visits.
  
  
  

Position Requirements

• Able to lift packages of 30 lbs with or without accommodation.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Limited term of one (1) year with possibility of extension based upon additional funding being obtained.
  
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, museum studies, Native American and Indigenous studies, or other related field.
• One (1) year of hands-on experience in collections management or repatriation.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, with emphasis on Excel proficiency as evidenced in application materials.
• Literate in contemporary NAGPRA regulations and best practices as shown in application materials.
• Previous work experience that required excellent organizational skills as demonstrated in application materials.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with photo editing software such as Photoshop or Lightroom as evidenced in application materials.
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, museum studies, Native American and Indigenous studies, or other related field.
• Experience with NAGPRA compliance and repatriation as shown in application materials.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency with museum collections management databases as demonstrated in application materials.
  
  
  

Additional Candidate Instructions

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

• Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
• Resume.
• List of three (3) professional references.
  
  
  

Only complete applications will be considered.

Application review begins Monday, January 6, 2025 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.

Contact Information to Applicants

Kara Kelly - 785-864-0158 or kara_kelly@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Range

45,000-47,500 Commensurate with experience

Work Schedule

M-F 8a-5p

Application Review Begins

Monday January 6, 2025

Anticipated Start Date

Sunday March 16, 2025