Anthropology Collections Steward
Job Description
Job Summary: Gilcrease Museum seeks a qualified individual to serve as the Anthropology Collections Steward to lead the care, management, and accessibility of the anthropological and archaeological collections. This individual will work specifically with the collections not subject to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act ( NAGPRA ) and will work closely with the NAGPRA Department as determinations are made and to provide access for broader collections reviews with tribal representatives. Gilcrease Museum's anthropological and archaeological collection includes approximately 150,000 items from North and South America. A successful candidate must be culturally aware, have demonstrated knowledge and experience with ethical stewardship practices, be highly organized with attention to detail and accuracy, have demonstrated leadership skills, and communicate clearly and respectfully. The candidate would join a team of professionals who seek to promote transparency, thoughtfully dismantle traditional gate-keeping museum practices, prioritize reparative practices, and center diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in their work. The Anthropology Collections Steward joins the Collections Department at Gilcrease Museum during a significant period as it prepares to move into a new building, due for completion at the end of 2024 and opening to the public in 2026. This person will lead a team in the coordination and physical movement of anthropological collections into the new facility. Essential Functions (Responsibilities): Maintain proper documentation of the Anthropology collections, including accessioning and deaccessioning, inventorying, and cataloging, including in The Museum Systems ( TMS ) database. Rehouse collection items and associated documentation as needed for reorganization and improved care. Maintains collections spaces to ensure proper care and safety of collections by following procedures set out by Conservation, including those for integrated pest management. Works with the NAGPRA staff to ensure the following of cultural protocols and care instructions. Collaborates with the Director of Repatriation to determine any Tribal consultation needs and prepare for collections reviews with Tribal representatives. Makes items available for internal and external needs and provide related information, as needed and appropriate. Interfaces with the public for outreach and inquiries related to the collection, including responding to research and access requests. Collaborates with the Director of Repatriation to determine needs and steps for Tribal input. Documents and tracks outgoing and incoming items as it relates to their relocation, housing, conservation, digitization, loaning, and exhibition. Researches and documents provenance and contexts of collections. In conjunction with the Registrar, processes new acquisitions and assists in the packing and receiving of collection items as requested. Facilitates internal and external researchers and visitors in the anthropology collection and lab areas. Prepares and provides items and their documentation for internal and external exhibitions. Assists with exhibition installations as needed. Supervises Anthropology collections staff, interns, volunteers, and special projects staff. Coordinates with NAGPRA staff for the management of NAGPRA collections and assists when required. Performs additional tasks or accepts other responsibilities as required.
Physical Demands
Dexterity enough to use a keyboard and telephone; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds; may be subject to extended periods of walking, standing, sitting, reaching, balancing, bending, kneeling, handling, feeling, climbing, and twisting; and vision, speech, and hearing sufficient to perform the essential tasks.
Required Qualifications
Required Qualifications: Equivalent Education/Experience Master's Degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, or museum studies or commensurate experience required. Must have at least 4-5 years' experience stewarding collections. Must have at least 2 years of supervisory experience. Knowledge/Skill/Ability Experience with museum cataloging databases, ideally The Museum Systems ( TMS ) software. Background in Indigenous material culture and/or archaeology. Knowledge of museum best practices and standards for collections care, including a familiarity with observing cultural protocols. Understanding and respect of ethical museum practices. Experience working with communities and interfacing with the public. Ability to speak effectively to large and small groups of people. Strong time management and teamwork skills. Highly organized and detail oriented. Proficient in PC software applications, including Microsoft Office.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications:
Job Summary: Gilcrease Museum seeks a qualified individual to serve as the Anthropology Collections Steward to lead the care, management, and accessibility of the anthropological and archaeological collections. This individual will work specifically with the collections not subject to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act ( NAGPRA ) and will work closely with the NAGPRA Department as determinations are made and to provide access for broader collections reviews with tribal representatives. Gilcrease Museum's anthropological and archaeological collection includes approximately 150,000 items from North and South America. A successful candidate must be culturally aware, have demonstrated knowledge and experience with ethical stewardship practices, be highly organized with attention to detail and accuracy, have demonstrated leadership skills, and communicate clearly and respectfully. The candidate would join a team of professionals who seek to promote transparency, thoughtfully dismantle traditional gate-keeping museum practices, prioritize reparative practices, and center diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in their work. The Anthropology Collections Steward joins the Collections Department at Gilcrease Museum during a significant period as it prepares to move into a new building, due for completion at the end of 2024 and opening to the public in 2026. This person will lead a team in the coordination and physical movement of anthropological collections into the new facility. Essential Functions (Responsibilities): Maintain proper documentation of the Anthropology collections, including accessioning and deaccessioning, inventorying, and cataloging, including in The Museum Systems ( TMS ) database. Rehouse collection items and associated documentation as needed for reorganization and improved care. Maintains collections spaces to ensure proper care and safety of collections by following procedures set out by Conservation, including those for integrated pest management. Works with the NAGPRA staff to ensure the following of cultural protocols and care instructions. Collaborates with the Director of Repatriation to determine any Tribal consultation needs and prepare for collections reviews with Tribal representatives. Makes items available for internal and external needs and provide related information, as needed and appropriate. Interfaces with the public for outreach and inquiries related to the collection, including responding to research and access requests. Collaborates with the Director of Repatriation to determine needs and steps for Tribal input. Documents and tracks outgoing and incoming items as it relates to their relocation, housing, conservation, digitization, loaning, and exhibition. Researches and documents provenance and contexts of collections. In conjunction with the Registrar, processes new acquisitions and assists in the packing and receiving of collection items as requested. Facilitates internal and external researchers and visitors in the anthropology collection and lab areas. Prepares and provides items and their documentation for internal and external exhibitions. Assists with exhibition installations as needed. Supervises Anthropology collections staff, interns, volunteers, and special projects staff. Coordinates with NAGPRA staff for the management of NAGPRA collections and assists when required. Performs additional tasks or accepts other responsibilities as required.
Physical Demands
Dexterity enough to use a keyboard and telephone; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds; may be subject to extended periods of walking, standing, sitting, reaching, balancing, bending, kneeling, handling, feeling, climbing, and twisting; and vision, speech, and hearing sufficient to perform the essential tasks.
Required Qualifications
Required Qualifications: Equivalent Education/Experience Master's Degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, or museum studies or commensurate experience required. Must have at least 4-5 years' experience stewarding collections. Must have at least 2 years of supervisory experience. Knowledge/Skill/Ability Experience with museum cataloging databases, ideally The Museum Systems ( TMS ) software. Background in Indigenous material culture and/or archaeology. Knowledge of museum best practices and standards for collections care, including a familiarity with observing cultural protocols. Understanding and respect of ethical museum practices. Experience working with communities and interfacing with the public. Ability to speak effectively to large and small groups of people. Strong time management and teamwork skills. Highly organized and detail oriented. Proficient in PC software applications, including Microsoft Office.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications:
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