What are the responsibilities and job description for the NAGPRA Collections Steward position at The University of Tulsa?
Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
NAGPRA Collections Steward
Job Description
Job Summary:
Gilcrease Museum seeks a qualified individual to serve as the NAGPRA Collections Steward to assist with the care and documentation of NAGPRA and culturally sensitive materials as we work with Indigenous communities towards repatriation. Gilcrease Museum’s anthropological and archaeological collection includes approximately 150,000 items from North and South America. Many of these are subject to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). A successful candidate must be culturally aware, have demonstrated knowledge and experience with ethical stewardship practices and archaeological material, be highly organized with attention to detail and accuracy, and communicate clearly and respectfully. The candidate would join a team of professionals who seek to promote transparency, thoughtfully dismantle traditional gate-keeping museum practices, prioritize reparative practices, and center diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in their work. This person will assist with rehousing and packing needs in compliance with Duty of Care and in preparation for repatriation.
The NAGPRA Collections Steward joins the NAGPRA Department at Gilcrease Museum during a significant period as it prepares to move into a new building, due for completion in the Fall of 2025 and opening to the public in early 2027. This person will assist with the coordination and physical movement of NAGPRA collections into the new facility, including communicating and collaborating with tribal representatives.
Essential Functions (Responsibilities):
- Maintain proper documentation of the NAGPRA collections, including deaccessioning, inventorying, and cataloging, including in The Museum Systems (TMS) database.
- Rehouse NAGPRA material with consent and as needed, following Duty of Care.
- Prepares items as instructed by tribes for repatriation, including packing for transport.
- Maintains environment of collections spaces to ensure proper care and safety of collections by following procedures set out by Conservation, including those for integrated pest management.
- Documents and tracks the locations of items.
- Works with other repatriation staff to prepare and make available items and information to share with consulting parties and for consultations and repatriations.
- Researches and documents provenance and contexts of collections.
- Coordinates with collections staff for the management of the anthropology collections and assists when required.
- Works with the repatriation staff to ensure the following of cultural protocols and care instructions.
- Participates in consultations and community visits as required.
- Performs additional tasks or accepts other responsibilities as required.
Required Qualifications
Knowledge/Skill/Ability
- Experience with museum cataloging databases, ideally The Museum Systems (TMS) software.
- General background North American archaeology and ethical practices. Specialized
- knowledge preferred.
- Demonstrated familiarity with NAGPRA and Duty of Care.
- Knowledge of museum best practices and standards for collections care, especially the
- observance of cultural protocols.
- Ability and willingness to respectfully physically handle ancestral remains and cultural items
- when necessary and with tribal consent for inventory, rehousing, and repatriation purposes.
- Familiarity with working with community representatives.
- Strong time management and teamwork skills.
- Highly organized and detail oriented.
- Proficient in PC software applications, including Microsoft Office.
Equivalent Education/Experience
- Master’s Degree in anthropology, archaeology, or museum studies or commensurate experience required.
- Must have at least 2 years’ experience of working with collections.
Note: The essential job functions and associated qualifications contained in this document describe the general nature and level of the work performed. They are not intended to represent an exhaustive listing or be inclusive of all aspects of the job. The tasks and procedures involved in the performance of the essential job functions may vary from day-to-day. Major changes in areas of responsibility may occur, as directed by management, and will require revision of this job description.
Preferred Qualifications
None
Physical Demands
Special Job Dimensions:
Dexterity enough to use a keyboard and telephone; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds; may be subject to extended periods of walking, standing, sitting, reaching, balancing, bending, kneeling, handling, feeling, climbing, and twisting; and vision, speech, and hearing sufficient to perform the essential tasks.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S1022P
Open Date
04/17/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Advertising Summary
EEO Statement
EEO Statement
Eeo Statement Summary
The University of Tulsa seeks to recruit and retain talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Tulsa is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply. The University does not discriminate on the basis of personal status or group characteristic including, but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or marital status. The University of Tulsa is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/ Veteran.
