Curator of Ethnography

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center•Santa Barbara, CA

7d•$72,384 - $81,120

About The Position

The Curator of Ethnography administers the Department of Anthropology’s ethnographic collections, facilities, and related activities. The role advances acquisitions, research, exhibitions, publications, and public programs in alignment with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History’s mission. The Curator reports to the Head of the Department of Anthropology and is classified as full-time, exempt.

Requirements

Ph.D. in anthropology or related study, with expertise in ethnography.
Experience in museum techniques specific to scientific research and collections management.
Demonstrated ability to build respectful, collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities.
Experience conducting original scientific research and communicating results through publications.
Working knowledge of federal NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA repatriation frameworks.
Experience supervising and training paid and volunteer staff.
Strong interpersonal communication and writing skills.
Strong working knowledge of computer software, including database software and Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

Experience with basketry, textiles, and other objects from Western North America, particularly Chumash and California materials, is highly desirable.
Direct experience with NAGPRA compliance is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

Assume responsibility for department operations and attend committee meetings in the Department Head’s absence.
Maintain records of collection receipts, exchanges, and loans; help formulate department policies and long-range plans; contribute to annual reports and budgets; and identify, develop, and manage grant proposals and awards.
Provide information about department activities, collections, and facilities to the Department Head, Director of Collections and Research, and others as appropriate.
Schedule, train, and supervise department volunteers, interns, and temporary staff; maintain personnel records and time logs; and assist the Department Head with training and supervising regular staff.
Maintain a clean and safe work area and equipment inventory; collaborate with the Department Head to acquire and maintain equipment; and work with appropriate staff on environmental monitoring, integrated pest management, emergency procedures, conservation, hazard mitigation, security, and safety equipment.
Evaluate proposed acquisitions through provenance research, legal and ethical review, cultural sensitivity, institutional capacity, and consultation needs; recommend acquisition, decline, transfer, deaccession, or voluntary return consistent with Museum policy and applicable law.
Oversee documentation, inventory, storage, handling, security, access, loans, and exhibitions of ethnographic collections according to current professional and culturally appropriate museum standards.
Conduct condition assessments and develop and maintain schedules for routine collections housekeeping and preventive care.
Maintain accurate accession, catalog, loan, transfer, deaccession, and related collections records, including responsible management of digital images and culturally sensitive data.
Coordinate with designated NAGPRA staff on consultation, care, access, research, exhibition, and repatriation matters.
Provide reference information and instructional services to Indigenous visitors, researchers, staff, docents, and the public in accordance with appropriate access protocols.
Serve as a resource to other departments and contribute to collaborative, community-based exhibitions, educational programs, publications, and public outreach.
Serve on Museum committees and represent the Museum at community and professional events as requested; build respectful relationships with Indigenous communities and advance culturally appropriate stewardship.
Conduct research consistent with Museum priorities and applicable consultation, consent, access, and care requirements, and publish results in scholarly and popular formats.
Attend professional meetings, present research, and remain current with museum ethics, Indigenous collections stewardship, relevant laws, and professional practice.
Maintain clean, safe, and organized workspaces; follow opening and closing procedures and safety and emergency protocols; and support the Museum’s diversity, equity, and inclusion commitment.
Foster teamwork and collaboration, support colleagues, share knowledge, and contribute to a positive work culture.
Contribute to a positive guest experience by greeting guests and addressing questions at the Museum and Sea Center.
Assist with other Museum educational and special events as needed and approved by the supervisor, and perform other duties as assigned.