Head of Archaeology, Minnesota Historical Society

JOB TITLE: #1315 Head of Archaeology
OPEN TO: This job is open to all applicants.
LOCATION: Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St Paul, MN 55102-1906
SALARY: $5,565.00 monthly minimum; commensurate with experience.
STATUS & HOURS: Full-time, regular (2,088 annual hours) position.  
BENEFITS: Eligible to participate in State Employee Group Insurance Program & Retirement program with employer contribution.
CLASSIFICATION: 23K Supervisory
HIRING MANAGER: Deputy Director, Preservation & Outreach
POSTING DATE: November 8, 2019
DEADLINE DATE: December 3, 2019
TO APPLY: Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a resume and cover letter by the application deadline date.

DESCRIPTION: The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) is seeking an experienced Head of Archaeology who is skilled at overseeing large excavation and preservation projects with a collaborative approach at stewarding project resources and working with community partners. The incumbent coordinates archaeological field crews and project schedules, implements policies and procedures for archaeological field work, develops project budgets, schedules, and proposals which detail research goals, and field and laboratory methods and techniques.  

The Head of Archaeology works closely with MNHS leadership to oversee the planning, prioritization, and management of all excavation projects including the major preservation needs of historic sites and museums and the stewardship of resources. The Head of Archaeology also oversees archaeology program for the Department of Natural Resources through a contract with MNHS. Success in this role will require the skills to develop effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders across the state of Minnesota. The incumbent will have a collaborative style and be able to lead through innovation and respect. The Incumbent will provide broad expertise from a strategic perspective and help establish and implement operational objectives that are aligned with MNHS mission.

We offer a generous benefits package including medical, dental, life and disability insurance coverage through the State of Minnesota, medical/dental, dependent care and transit expense pre-tax benefit accounts, two employer-contribution retirement plan options, supplemental retirement savings plans and paid holidays, vacation and sick leave.

Founded in 1849 and headquartered in St. Paul, MNHS is the nation’s largest state historical society with an annual budget of nearly $60 million (61% from public funding, 26% earned revenue and 13% contributed income), approximately 350 full-time and 270 part-time employees and more than 2,200 volunteers. MNHS plays a key role in the state’s historic preservation, education and tourism activities, and provides the public with award-winning programs, exhibitions and events.  Including its flagship facility, the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, MNHS preserves and manages a network of 31 historic sites.  MNHS preserves and makes available a collection of a wide range of materials chronicling Minnesota’s history and culture, including about 250,000 objects and 500,000 printed works.  In addition, MNHS operates a library and research center, and publishes award-winning books, and a quarterly magazine. A multi-million dollar grants program for local historical societies and other organizations, extensive educational programs, innovative exhibitions, and Minnesota’s National History Day are among its other major responsibilities.

SUMMARY OF WORK: 1) oversee the operations of the Archaeology unit; 2) analyze archaeological data and write reports to meet professional standards and comply with federal guidelines requiring preservation of archaeological resources; 3) represent MNHS as a member of professional organizations and as a spokesperson, and contribute to the advancement of the fields of archaeology and preservation; 4) provide technical expertise to MNHS departments and community partners; 5) develop scope of work or research designs and oversee or conduct scientifically controlled excavation and survey of archaeological resources to insure the protection of non-renewable resources at MNHS historic sites and other locations as assigned; 6) manage program fiscal activity, monitors expenditures, analyzes project proposals, and performs cost/benefit analysis.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, or a closely related field plus eight years program experience or equivalent.
• Familiarity with the principles of cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, geography, geomorphology, geology, soil science, biology, zoology, botany, paleo-ecological, chemistry, and statistics.
• Ability to meet the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for both prehistoric and historic archaeology.
• Proficiency in technical skills such as photography, technical writing, land surveying and drafting.
• Experience working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Ability to remain current in both methodological and theoretical developments in the discipline in order to provide an efficient program as well as generating significant data.
• Experience and ability in personnel management and supervision.
• Management experience, and leadership qualities in formulating objectives, setting priorities, and planning.
• Demonstrated ability to budget and exercise fiscal responsibility.
• Requires communication skills that can clearly explain the needs for preservation to individuals with a broad spectrum of concerns and priorities.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills to negotiate, mediate and collaborate with a wide variety of people with a diverse range of knowledge and skills and diverse backgrounds, education and interests.
• Demonstrated experience consulting with local Tribal Historic Preservation Offices and the Indian Affairs Intertribal Council (MIAC).
• Demonstrated ability to work on a team and lead others toward a common goal.
• Demonstrated ability to think imaginatively and problem solve.
• Demonstrated positive customer service skills.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask, work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines, prioritize and adapt to changing priorities.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends.
  

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Extensive knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations relating to historic preservation and the larger cultural resource review process within which these laws function.
• Knowledge of Minnesota history and/or prehistory.

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer. Should you have questions with the application process, email humanresources@mnhs.org or call MNHS Job Line at 651-259-3181.