Archaeological Collections Manager

The Wesleyan University Archaeology and Anthropology Collections (WUAAC) contain over 30,000 archaeological and ethnographic objects from around the world. These objects are used in the hands-on teaching of archaeology and biological anthropology. They consist of three distinct collections.

Reporting to the University Librarian, the Archaeological Collections Manager is responsible for collections management and services for both the Wesleyan University Archaeology and Anthropology Collections (WUAAC) and the College of East Asian Studies Art and Archival Collections (CEAS) including working directly with faculty and students to facilitate their use of the collections.

This position also serves as the University’s Repatriation Coordinator, maintaining Wesleyan’s compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

Responsibilities include:

ARCHAEOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS

Research and document collection objects to determine provenance and supplementary context.

Continue on-going development, management and maintenance of collections databases including digital images. Maintain and update collections website and social media accounts.

Supervise all access to all collections storage areas in accordance with the Wesleyan University Archaeology and Anthropology Collection (WUAAC) Management Policy, tracking objects and maintaining activity logs, register and accession ledgers.

POSITION DETAILS

Respond to outside inquiries about the collections and provide access and assistance to outside scholars.

Support course laboratory sessions and assist faculty in the preparation and development of labs for new courses.

Hire, train, and supervise student workers.

Develop and provide credit-bearing seminars and independent study that highlight the collections.

Give tours of collections and train users as needed in the proper handling of collections and use of equipment.

Monitor condition of objects. Coordinate conservation efforts.

REPATRIATION/NAGPRA

Serve as repatriation coordinator implementing NAGPRA regulations, including the development and maintenance of inventories, summaries, notices and supporting documentation.

Develop and maintain relationships with Tribal representatives regarding NAGPRA sensitive collections, conduct formal consultations.

Maintain culturally appropriate guidelines for handling and curation of human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony. Facilitate Tribal visits and transfers of human remains and objects.

Manage communications with National NAGPRA Office and other institutions.

Perform similar duties as necessary.

Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Classical Studies, Museum Studies or related field and demonstrated experience in archaeological collections management or an equivalent combination of education training and experience.

Excellent computer and database management skills.

Effective communication skills

High degree of integrity.

Demonstrated ability to work independently.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Must be able to meet the physical demands of the position on a continual basis with or without reasonable accommodations including climbing ladders, lifting heavy objects, pushing and pulling heavily loaded carts.

Must be able to work on occasion, at evening, weekend, and holiday events as needed

Must be willing to travel occasionally

Demonstrated commitment to work within a diverse environment and interact openly with individuals of different backgrounds.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Classical Studies, Museum Studies or related field.

Background in North American Native history/archaeology.

Experience with digital photography.

Experience with formal consultation and implementation of NAGPRA, including inventory of human remains and artifact collections, cataloging, collections documentation, and determinations of cultural affiliations.

Familiarity with EmbARK Collections Manager software.

Record of successful teaching.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Any and all offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.

Apply at: https://careers.wesleyan.edu/postings/6746