Collections Assistant/NAGPRA at Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology/Harvard University

Job Title: Collections Assistant/NAGPRA

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Salary: $52,000

Description

The Collections Assistant (NAGPRA) supports the management, cataloging, organization, rehousing, handling, and movement of archaeological and ethnographic collections during the three-year Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Disposition Project at the Peabody Museum. This project expedites implementation of new policies at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, forwarding disposition of Native American ancestors and identified associated funerary belongings under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. This is a three-year term benefited position reporting to the Senior Collections Manager.  To apply, go to https://hr.harvard.edu/search-jobs 59982BR.

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Requirements

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assist with all aspects of collections management of the Peabody Museum’s collections subject to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
  • Undertake the cataloging of NAGPRA collections using The Museum System (TMS) in preparation for consultation.
  • Assess, properly handle, and appropriately house objects of Indigenous culture.
  • Complete physical inventories of NAGPRA collections.
  • Performs photographic documentation of collections.
  • Lends collections management assistance to the registration and conservation departments with the movement and packing of NAGPRA collections. May assist the osteology/paleoanthropology department with NAGPRA-related collection movement.
  • Provides collections management assistance to NAGPRA department staff during on-site and remote consultations.
  • Performs other duties as required.

Position Requirements:

  • A. in archaeology, anthropology, or museum studies preferred.
  • Familiarity with museum cataloging procedures, inventory methods, object handling required, and knowledge of NAGPRA processes preferred.
  • Experience working with Indigenous communities preferred.
  • Ability to maintain consistent descriptive standards of anthropological collections required.
  • Ability to handle fragile and culturally sensitive collections in keeping with museum standards and best practices.
  • Knowledge of and working experience with materials for display and storage of museum collections beneficial.
  • Accuracy, attention to detail, flexibility, and initiative required.
  • Excellent computer skills and familiarity with collections management databases.
  • Ability to work well on independent and team projects and to work under deadline pressure.
  • Some evening or weekend work may be required.

Basic Qualification:

  • Two years of museum collection management or registration experience required.

The Peabody Museum

The Peabody Museum is situated on the ancestral and traditional land of the Massachusett people. It cares for over 1.2 million items from across the world, including cultural, archaeological, and osteological collections as well as extensive photographic and archival materials. The Museum is committed to the ethical stewardship of its collections through implementation of collaborative and culturally responsive care, interpretation, and engagement. We strive for a diverse, inclusive and equitable working environment and to act in ways that address the global challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability.