Collections Associate for the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory

University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

22h • $47,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Collections Associate supports the Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL) with ongoing rehabilitation projects and curatorial services throughout the facility. Reporting to the Head of Collections, they will assist with daily tasks of artifact collections management: researching (including records organization and rehabilitation), cataloging, accessing, preserving, as well as evaluating collections and determining priority of needs. They will help to supervise Collections staff and volunteers, and may provide assistance to researchers and visitors seeking access. They may perform other job duties as assigned. This is a fixed term position for two years from the start date.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Anthropology (with focus on archeology) or Archeological Studies with two years of experience in the archeological field/laboratory OR Master's degree in Anthropology (with focus on archeology) or Archeological Studies.
• Working knowledge of collections management systems (CMS software).
• Knowledgeable in the ethics, legal issues, and best practices governing archeological collections and a working knowledge of 36CFR79 and NAGPRA regulations as well as State and Federal cultural resources laws.
• Proficiency in archeology of Texas and adjacent states of US and Mexico.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows software including Excel, Word, and Access.
• Excellent verbal/written skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team, proven ability to communicate effectively with broad and varied audience.
• Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

• Master's Degree in Anthropology (with focus on archeology), Archeological Studies, Museum Science or Museum Studies, with strong archeological background.
• Demonstrated familiarity with archeology or ancestral material culture of the Texas region, including ceramic typology.
• More than three years' experience in a curatorial/collections position focused on archeological collections (preference given to persons with experience in museum-type collections environment rather than field preparation of collections).
• Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making regarding archeological collections stewardship.
• Familiarity with interior climate control systems.
• Working knowledge of digital camera and Photoshop.
• Knowledge of integrated pest management for collections.
• Demonstrated experience managing collection management systems (CMS software).
• Demonstrated experience working with student interns.
• Working knowledge of Texas Antiquities Code, Section 106, NAGPRA and other relevant legislation.
• Ability to interface with visiting researchers, students, and governmental entities in a diplomatic manner.
• Experience with outreach activities.
• Excellent verbal/written skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team, proven ability to communicate effectively with broad and varied audience.

Responsibilities

• Conducts collections and records inventory, rehabilitation and rehousing projects (research, reconciliation, cleaning, sorting, repackaging, re-inventorying) as needed.
• Processes incoming curation materials and collections with other TARL departments; provides curatorial services to external agencies to bring submissions to TARL standards.
• Works in tandem with TARL departments to update the repository database system (preparing and entering data, tracking movement of artifacts, revising information and discrepancies)
• Aides the Head of Collections in supervising and training temporary staff, students and volunteers; assists researchers as needed
• Other job duties as needed

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level