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The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center

Collections Associate

The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States, 87101

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Overview

Collections Associate Requisition ID req34622. Maxwell Museum of Anthropology (MMA) at the University of New Mexico (UNM) seeks an NAGPRA Collections Associate to assist the Sr. Collections Manager for Archaeology in all aspects of NAGPRA documentation and compliance for archaeological collections. We seek an enthusiastic professional with knowledge or education in archaeology and familiarity with the material culture of the U.S. Southwest. The position is full-time, 4-year term with possibility for renewal. We seek an experienced, forward-thinking, collegial museum professional to work collaboratively to serve the Museum’s mission of “working towards greater understandings of the fullness of human experiences in the Southwest and the world,” and vision of “restoring voices, reconciling injustices and realizing community.” Founded in 1932, the Maxwell Museum holds large anthropological collections in four collecting divisions (archaeology, ethnology, osteology and archives), with particular strengths in scholarship and research in the US Southwest. The successful candidate will be a member of the Museum’s collection staff and will join a dedicated team of museum professionals in collections, archives, education, exhibitions, public programs and administration. Position Summary

Under supervision of the Sr. Collections Manager for Archaeology, the NAGPRA Collections Associate’s primary duties will include activities to document and prepare Archaeology collections and records for consultation with Native American communities. This position requires handling and interacting with culturally sensitive objects. Responsibilities include inventory and cataloging of archaeological collections; reviewing records and archival materials on file in the Museum; compiling lists and reports on cultural items in the collection; updating database catalog records with additional information; rehousing cultural items and other collections care activities as directed by tribes through consultations; and tracking and maintaining records of project activities. In addition to NAGPRA support for Archaeology collections, the Associate will assist in general collections management tasks. This is a full-time, 4-year term position, with possibility for renewal. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Museum Studies, or Native American Studies. At least 3 years of documented experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Duties and Responsibilities Assist the Sr. Collections Manager for Archaeology in inventorying, processing, cataloguing, photographing, and preventative conservation of collections at the museum and its offsite storage facilities. Assist the Sr. Collections Manager for Archaeology in the review and research of museum collection records to support the museum’s compliance with NAGPRA. Compile information from museum records, previous NAGPRA summaries, archival documentation, and other sources to create lists and reports to be shared with Native communities. Update records in the Museum’s CollectiveAccess database based on documentation and consultation. Complete collection management tasks for the respectful care and curation of Native American cultural collections, according to consultation with Tribal representatives. Assist the Museum’s NAGPRA Coordinator with tasks related to consultation, communication, documentation, and other relevant activities. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned. See the Position Description for additional information. Conditions of Employment

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis. Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of and experience working with archaeological collections, particularly the material culture of Native American groups in the U.S. Southwest. Familiar with archaeological excavation methods and documentation. Completion of an archaeological field school. Knowledge of archaeological museum and/or lab collection policies, practices, and procedures. Familiarity with the ethical and legal requirements of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports. Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills. Proven ability to navigate highly sensitive and confidential issues and to act with a high degree of cultural sensitivity. Demonstrated computer proficiency, including experience utilizing museum collections databases, Microsoft Suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and scanning software. Strong interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse colleagues and community members as part of a team of professionals. Experience working on a variety of tasks, meeting deadlines, and demonstrated attention to detail while working on complex projects. Additional Information

Campus: Main - Albuquerque, NM; Department: Maxwell Museum (937B); Employment Type: Staff; Staff Type: Term - Full-Time; Term End Date: One-Year from Date of Hire; Status: Exempt; Pay: $3802.93 - $5097.73 (DOE); Benefits Eligible. See the Benefits home page for more information. ERB Statement: As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid. Background Check Required: Yes. For Best Consideration Date: 10/10/2025. Eligible for Remote Work: No. Application Instructions: Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If viewing on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application. Attach a cover letter, resume/UNMJobs and 3 references. Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for details. The University of New Mexico is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a diverse workforce and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any protected class. The University requires all regular staff positions to pass a pre-employment background check, which may include criminal history checks, fingerprint screenings, and verification of education credentials and prior employment. For more information, see UNM policy pages.

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