Archaeology Curator

Salary: $74,193.60 – $ annually

Location:

Orange County, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

The Archaeology Curator is responsible for day‑to‑day management of Orange County’s archaeological collections, which include artifacts from at least 7,800 years ago to the historic period 50 years ago.

• Manage the archaeology collection under the direction of the Archaeology/Paleontology Manager.
• Implement best practices for preparation, curation, storage, and handling of collections.
• Ensure proper accessioning, loaning, and deaccessioning of all artifacts and maintain the collections database.
• Identify material culture from Southern California and ensure compliance with NAGPRA, CalNAGPRA, and other federal and state requirements.
• Collaborate with Indigenous communities, tribes, educational partners, and volunteer organizations.
• Develop and deliver public programs, exhibits, and educational materials for schools and the general public.
• Manage contracts with service providers, including procurement and performance reviews.
• Prepare routine reports, assist with policy development, budgeting, grant proposals, and supervision of staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in Anthropology, Archaeology, History, Museum Studies, or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of professional curation experience in archaeology or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws affecting Native American communities and familiar with NAGPRA guidelines.
• Experience with accessioning, loaning, deaccessioning, and database management of collections.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver public outreach and educational programs.

Desirable

Qualifications:

• Registered Professional Archaeologist designation.
• Experience with contractor and vendor management and risk mitigation.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including presentations and social media engagement.
• Proficiency in research, documentation, and analytical skills for interpreting archaeological data.
• Organizational and planning skills to manage multiple simultaneous projects.

County employees receive health plans, annual leave, paid holidays, a Health Care Reimbursement Account, a 457 Defined Contribution Plan, annual education and professional reimbursement, and a retirement plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System.

Orange County is an equal employment opportunity employer that encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.