Archaeology Collections Manager

Archaeology Collections Manager

Location:

25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS

$43,509.31 - $50,035.70 Annually

Job Number: HDS

Opening Date: 02/13/2026

Closing Date: 2/27/2026 at 11:59 PM Central Time (US & Canada)

Agency:
State of Mississippi

Department:
Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH)

Agency contact:
Laura Rawson, Personnel Manager,
lrawson.gov

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, established in 1902, collects, preserves, and provides access to the state's archival resources. Today, this mission continues through the efforts of the department's five divisions. Our mission is to preserve Mississippi's diverse historic resources and share them with people worldwide, inspiring the discovery of stories that connect our lives and shape our future.

The MDAH is seeking an Archaeology Collections Manager to serve in the Historic Preservation Division. This position is responsible for the assignment, management, and tracking of archaeological collections from private, public, and state-owned lands throughout Mississippi. The Archaeology Collections Manager will serve as the primary point of contact for external partners regarding curation agreements, donations, transfers, and research requests. The role plays a key part in the repatriation of materials under NAGPRA, working in close collaboration with the NAGPRA Coordinator and Senior Bioarchaeologist.

The position also contributes to the planning and execution of public outreach initiatives and events, including consultations with federally recognized tribal descendant communities, and oversees the cataloging, cleaning, documentation, and rehousing of materials in accordance with 36 CFR 79. The Collections Manager reports to the Chief Archaeologist within the Archaeology Section and may perform additional duties as assigned.

The Archaeology Collections Manager leads the daily stewardship and care of archaeological collections by creating and maintaining detailed physical and digital object records following professional best practices. The Manager ensures that all objects are properly housed and maintained in compliance with NAGPRA duty-of-care documentation and 36 CFR 79 standards. Key responsibilities include managing artifact acquisitions and transfers, overseeing receipt, accessioning, condition reporting, invoicing, and cataloging of collection objects.

The Manager is also responsible for the care and organization of collection storage spaces, ensuring the secure handling and long-term preservation of artifacts through environmental monitoring, security oversight, disaster preparedness, and facility maintenance. In collaboration with Archaeology leadership, the Collections Manager develops and maintains collections management procedures, workflows, and cataloging standards to ensure full compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including NAGPRA.

Additional responsibilities include coordinating discoveries of human remains with bioarchaeology staff, preparing grant and federal progress reports, producing biweekly collections updates for Archaeology leadership, and developing and maintaining a research database of state-owned collections to be made available upon completion of the NAGPRA inventory.

Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, proven experience in collections management, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 4-7 years of experience. Agency

Preferred Qualifications:

A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in archaeology, anthropology, history, or a closely related field (with archaeology or anthropology preferred), successful completion of an archaeological field school, and a minimum of four (4) years of experience in curation and collections management. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in the laboratory analysis and conservation of archaeological materials, artifacts, and ecofacts from the southeastern United States.

210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201