Assistant Museum Specialist

ASM serves the State of Arizona as its official archaeological repository and as the permitting authority for archaeological activity on state land. In addition to 40,000 cubic feet of archaeological research materials, ASM curates millions of archaeological, ethnographic, and modern objects created by the Indigenous peoples of the region. It holds the world's largest and most comprehensive collection of Native North American basketry, composed of 35,000 specimens of woven fiber, dating back some 7,000 years. ASM also holds the world's largest, most comprehensive, and best documented collection of Southwest Indigenous pottery, with 24,000 whole-vessel specimens dating back more than 2,000 years. Its photographic and library/archive collections are similarly unparalleled. Its conservation laboratory and preservation program are world-renowned.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties and
Responsibilities:
State Mandated
Programs and Archaeological Repository Collections Processing

• Assists in the
  physical transfer of archaeological collections from cultural resource
  management contractors to the ASM including physical inspection of delivered
  materials and data entry into appropriate collections management databases.
• Participates in the
  inspection and detailed check-in of newly deposited project material.
• Participates in data
  entry into appropriate collections management databases.
• Participates in the
  ASM's State Mandated Programs time tracking systems.
• Catalogs and
  prepares artifacts for storage.
• Labels and
  photo-documents artifacts.
• Assists in
  maintaining electronic inventories and digital workflows of project materials
  in process.
• Participates in
  annual archaeological collections inventory and shelf checks for accreditation.

In-perpetuity
Curation of Archaeological Repository Collections and Associated Records

• Participates in the
  regular evaluation and documentation of Archaeological Repository collections
  conditions.
• Participates in
  upgrading the condition of Archaeological Repository collections and associated
  records to meet current professional standards.
• Participates in
  generating and maintaining administrative and collections management records.

Repository Policy,
Procedures, and Standards

• Participates in the
  implementation of policies and procedures that are consistent with state and
  federal laws and curation regulations, as well as Arizona Board of Regents
  (ABOR) rules.
• Provides general
  assistance (e.g., access to collections storage areas, answer questions related
  to repository policy and procedure) to student interns, and volunteers.
• Participates in the
  retrieval of requested materials for researchers, assists with research loan
  records, verifies returned collections and their condition prior to re-shelving
  in Archaeological Repository.

Repatriation and
Collection Transfers

• Participates in the
  archival research required to identify objects as being subject to repatriation
  under federal and state burial laws.
• Participates in
  locating and organizing objects identified as being subject to repatriation
  under federal and state burial laws.
• Assists with the
  documentation of funerary objects to be repatriated.
• Participates as
  needed in carrying out repatriation procedures.
• Ability to
  occasionally lift and carry up to 40 lbs. and climb ladders and stairs.
• Additional duties
  may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills
and Abilities:

• Specialized
  knowledge in an area of material culture.
• Ability to read and
  interpret data on site locations and mapping (e.g., 7.5-minute USGS Quadrangle
  maps, PLSS location systems, ArcGIS, UTM, etc.).
• Knowledge of
  archaeology repository best practices and standards, including storage and
  inventory control.
• Knowledge of general
  anthropology, archaeology, and Cultural Resources Management.
• Knowledge of major
  classes of prehistoric and historic material culture.
• Knowledge of
  archaeological principles, methods, practices, and vocabulary.
• Good verbal and
  written communication skills, and attention to detail.
• Exceptional team
  building, multi-tasking, interpersonal, and organizational skills, and the
  ability to create personal relationships and communicate well with diverse
  groups.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience and 1 year of relevant work experience required.

• Three months of archaeological field experience.
• Six months of archaeological laboratory or analysis experience.
• Experience with US Southwest archaeology and field methods and lab practices.