NAGPRA Collections Assistant

Job Title

NAGPRA Collections Assistant

252703

Okla Museum of Natural History

Part‑time; onsite. Work schedule varies with museum operating hours, events, evenings, holidays, weekends, and includes all OU holiday breaks. Availability required during these periods.

Targeted salary $16.71/hr, based on experience.

No benefits provided.

Resume, Cover Letter.

The Sam Noble Museum Archaeology Department seeks a part‑time Collections Assistant to aid in cataloging information into spreadsheets and the archaeology collections database, inventorying the collection against the catalog, and rehousing archaeological material, as needed. This role will support the NAGPRA Program Coordinator and NAGPRA Collections Assistant, and may also contribute to the identification and bioarchaeological documentation of Tribal ancestral remains under the supervision of the NAGPRA Bioarchaeologist.

The Collections Assistant can expect to learn or further develop skills in collections management, archival management, preventive conservation, collections rehabilitation, NAGPRA compliance, human osteology, and the identification of associated funerary objects. Primary duties include data entry, filing records and documents, inventorying collections, and rehousing materials. Opportunities may arise for participation in tribal consultations, preparation of documents for Tribal review, and assistance in writing NAGPRA notices for publication in the Federal Register.

• Inventorying and rehousing archaeological collections.
• Working with sensitive NAGPRA collections.
• Participating in consultations.
• Creating catalog records in a database management system for archaeological collections and associated documentation.
• Assisting with project management, writing reports, and maintaining records.
• Assisting with supervision of students, interns, and volunteers.
• Assisting with day‑to‑day activities of the Archaeology Department.

Required

Education:

Bachelor's degree.

Equivalency and Substitution: Accept 48 months of museum‑related work experience in lieu of the Bachelor's degree.

Skills:

• Exhibit cultural sensitivity and work respectfully with tribal representatives/organizations.
• Detail oriented; able to manage multiple complex projects at once.
• Experience with data entry and management.
• Experience with an archaeological collection at a museum or other cultural institution.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn human osteology.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn Plains/Southeast/Southwest archaeology.
• Familiarity with the federal Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) legislation.
• Communicate well and build rapport quickly with students, faculty and staff.
• Good presentation skills (verbal and written).
• Demonstrated knowledge of acceptable museum practices and standards for collection care, collection management, documentation, conservation, and registration methods.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Use established occupational health and safety practices.

Certifications: None

Advertised

Physical Requirements:

Mobile, agile, able to bend, stoop, squat, climb, lift 15–44 pounds and carry; repetitive motions; read handwritten documents.

Environmental: Frequent exposure to safety hazards from chemicals and strong odors.

Departmental Preferences:

• Bachelor degree in Anthropology with emphasis on archaeology or physical anthropology.
• Archaeological experience in the field, museum, or lab setting.
• Museum experience, especially with archaeological collections.
• Working knowledge of NAGPRA legislation and interest in deepening this knowledge.
• General knowledge of the pre‑contact and historical archaeology of the Plains or Southeast U.S.

Special Instructions: If selected, you will be subject to the University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. Policy is available at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.

Hiring contingent upon a Background Check. Hiring contingent upon police records check.