Collections Lab Manager | Austin, TX

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Overtime Status

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Description

JOB OBJECTIVE:  Under the direction of the Archeological Collections Manager, this position performs moderately complex curatorial and project management work focused on the processing and oversight of the archeological collections and related records for the 42 state historic sites managed by the Historic Sites Division (HSD) of the Texas Historical Commission (THC) at the Curation Facility for Artifact Research (CFAR).  Work involves collaborating with the Archeological Collections Manager to accomplish the established goals for archeological collections, such as tracking object locations and conditions within the facility; maintaining the database and inventory of the archeological collections; assisting in training and supervising technicians, interns, students, and volunteers working with the archeological collections; and the cleaning, repackaging, storage, and inventorying of archeological collections. In addition to the Archeological Collections Manager, the Collections Lab Manager will work closely with the Chief Curator, the Curatorial Field Manager, the Regional Curators, and regional and site archeologists on projects, research, and issues involving archeological collections. This position works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1.       Assisting in the oversight of laboratory operations at CFAR, including artifact intake, labeling, processing, cataloging, and storage to ensure quality control and compliance with agency procedures.

2.       Supporting the supervision and appropriate training of volunteers and interns.

3.       Maintaining registration, cataloging, and recordkeeping systems used to manage archeological collections, acquisitions, and exhibitions.

4.       Responsible for accuracy, legibility, and completeness of all laboratory documentation, including records of artifacts, samples, and associated provenience data.

5.       Conducting research related to collections, exhibits, and historic sites. Prepares materials for archeological publications, files, and records.

6.       Photographing artifacts for inventory, database, exhibits, and publication purposes.

7.       Coordinating and communicating with agency staff, contractors, researchers, and subject-matter experts, as needed, to ensure accurate and appropriate documentation.

8.       Assisting with updating the laboratory, cataloging, and other process and procedure manuals.

9.       Maintaining a clean and safe laboratory in accordance with applicable laws and safety standards.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS (The application must specifically state how each of the following qualifications are met):

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology or History with a concentration in archeology or museum science or a closely related field;
• Minimum two years work experience in archeological curation of prehistoric and historic materials;
• Proficiency with Collections Management Software systems including Re: Discovery, Access, PastPerfect;
• Work experience coordinating the workflow of projects; 
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure;
• Valid Texas driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and ability to drive a state vehicle; and
• May travel up to 20% of the work period.
  
  

PREFER:

• Master’s degree in Anthropology with a concentration in archeology, museum science, or closely related field; and
• Artifact conservation and stabilization experience.
  
  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge and demonstrable competence in the identification of cultural materials such as lithics, fauna, ceramics, glass, metal, and construction materials;
• Knowledge of professional museum practices as they relate to archeological artifact collections;
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of cultural resource management;
• Proficiency with cataloguing within computerized database applications;
• Knowledge of basic artifact conservation and stabilization experience;
• Effective verbal and written communication, human relations and organizational skills;
• Effective critical thinking skills;
• Skill in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers;
• Skill in operating a personal computer with word processing, database and spreadsheet software;
• Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and recommend effective solutions;
• Ability to process information in a logical manner and to assess validity;
• Ability to work in a setting requiring self-motivation/cooperative decision-making and to work effectively with diverse groups of people;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail;
• Ability to work in partnership with an outside organization;
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to adapt successfully and quickly to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner;
• Ability to plan, organize and work independently, as well as within a team environment;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

Learn More & Apply: https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/808/jobdetail.ftl?job=00056349&tz=GMT-06%3A00&tzname=America%2FChicago