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

Job Title: Curatorial Assistant/NAGPRA

Job Status: full-time

Location: Cambridge, MA

Salary:  $52,000

Description

The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at Harvard University seeks an individual for the position of Curatorial Assistant to support the Peabody’s implementation of NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act).  This individual’s responsibilities help to further the Peabody’s institutional goals of ethical stewardship, including fostering relationship building, collaborative dialogue, and diverse perspectives. This position reports to the Director of NAGPRA.  There are two positions posted and both are three year benefited positions.  To apply go to https://hr.harvard.edu/search-jobs positions 59980BR and 59981BR.  

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Requirements

  • Works with sensitive collections and content which requires attentiveness to university and cultural protocols and discretion/interpersonal skills.
  • Supports consultation, inventory research, and Federal Register notice production for designatedgeographic regions.
  • Supports use of the collection for NAGPRA implementation and responds to inquiries about the collection in writing, by telephone, video meeting, or during visits according to established procedures.
  • Compiles and updates data on NAGPRA implementation, including documenting consultations and correspondence records and outcomes.
  • Assists with aboriginal land research in government documents required under 10.11 (e.g. the final judgment of the Indian Claims Commission or the United States Court of Claims, or by a treaty, Act of Congress, or Executive Order g. compiles references for review, begins initial evaluation of suitability
  • Performs other duties as required.

Basic Qualifications

Two years experience in a museum, anthropological, archaeological, and/or indigenous heritage program or research center.
 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

  • BA in a relevant discipline such as anthropology, archaeology, history, Indigenous or American studies
  • Strong writing and research skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to meet project timetables.
  • Ability to work independently as well as within a team environment.
  • Strong ties to North American Indigenous communities preferred. 
  • Knowledge of The Museum System (TMS) or other museum collections management systems and museum cataloguing procedures and descriptive standards preferred.
  • Some previous experience with NAGPRA implementation (consultation and inventory/report production) preferred.

About 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.