Job No. 156761
- Job Title:
- Archaeological Collections Management Specialist - 29 Palms, CA
- Employer:
-
Colorado State University
- Location:
-
Fort Collins , CO
- Posting Date:
- 16-Oct-2025
- Description:
-
Description of Work Unit
CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University (CSU). CEMML’s mission is to contribute, through service, research, and education, to the conservation and sustainable management of natural and cultural resources entrusted to public land management agencies. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship. We collaborate with our sponsors and within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations.
To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, visit http://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.
Position Summary
An Archaeological Collections Management Specialist position is being advertised with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) to provide technical expertise and on-site project management to oversee and execute specified tasks related to artifact accessioning, cataloguing, curation, exhibit planning, interpretation, and other public outreach activities. The duty station for this position is the Archaeology and Paleontology Curation Center at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) in 29 Palms, CA. Position is contingent on funding.
The Archaeological Collections Management Specialist will provide necessary technical expertise and on-site support in artifact accessioning, cataloguing, curation, exhibit planning, interpretation, and other public outreach activities, and ensure compliance with 36 CFR §79. The Collections Management Specialist will provide daily staffing for the Curation Center, manage the artifact collections and associated artifacts, maintain/update collection database(s), and provide technical support regarding artifact analysis and classification. The Collections Specialist will set monthly goals for backlog cataloging and artifact processing. The Collections Management Specialist will work with MCAGCC personnel to ensure proper and consistent data management, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including standards for data entry and reporting, weekly facility inspections, pest management, and other light housekeeping duties, etc.
The MCAGCC collection includes artifacts found on and representing the archaeological prehistory and history of MCAGCC and other Marine Corps installations in the region. The collection currently houses over 480,000 artifacts including chipped and ground stone, fire affected rock, floatation samples, soil samples, and shell; as well as 400 archival quality reports, thousands of paper records, field notes, maps, and print and digital photographs (and negatives).
Required Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Anthropology, Archaeology, or Museum Studies, or in an applicable subject-matter field, such as archaeological collections management, anthropological curator, etc.
Possesses a minimum of 3 years’ experience curating an archaeological collection and associated records in accordance with Federal laws and regulations, including 36 CFR §79.
An in-depth knowledge of collections management practices and procedures is required. Must demonstrate knowledge of, and experience in, the management of museum or archaeological collections and applying museum or archaeological curatorial methods and techniques in acquiring, cataloging, storing, and displaying archaeological collections.
Must have, or be able to obtain, a Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC), and must be able to pass a Defense Agency background check.
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in Anthropology, Archaeology, or Museum Studies, or in an applicable subject-matter field, such as archaeological collections management, anthropological curator, etc.
At least 1-year professional experience working with archaeological collections in the southwest, preferably the Mojave Desert of California, is highly desirable.
The most highly qualified candidates will possess expert knowledge of Microsoft Access and Excel, and demonstrated experience working with museum collection management databases, especially PastPerfect. Please provide specific examples of past work experience in cataloging artifact collections using a collections management database.
Documented hands-on experience with object handling, cataloging, photography, packing, and storage is desirable.
Prior experience with military collections.
Experienced in the design, creation, and installation of museum exhibits and interpretive archaeological displays
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work to a deadline
Highly qualified candidates will be familiar with current industry standards
Essential Duties
Job Duty Category Collections Management
Duty/Responsibility
Conduct processing, cataloging, photographing, and housing/rehousing artifacts within the MCAGCC Archaeology and Paleontology Curation Center. This collection contains approx. 500,000 objects. The cataloging process includes not only provenance documentation and research, but also condition assessment, cleaning, numbering, and housing artifacts.
The incumbent shall conduct, and oversee inventory and cataloging of this collection in accordance with 36 CFR Part 79, MCAGCC policies and procedures, and applicable regulations.
Update and develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Perform routine duties associated with weekly facility inspections, climate management, exhibit maintenance, pest management, light housekeeping, and garden maintenance.
Percentage Of Time 45
Job Duty Category Data Management, Data Entry, and Data Validation
Duty/Responsibility
The incumbent will improve management of collections and archives to professional and technical standards.
Collections Management Specialist will ensure all collections management data is verified and updated, and that designated data fields are populated with accurate up-to-date information based on available provenance information for each artifact or groups of artifacts.
Percentage Of Time 25
Job Duty Category Communication, exhibits, and outreach
Duty/Responsibility
Regularly and routinely communicate with CEMML, MCAGCC personnel, volunteers, and independent researchers via in-person meetings, teleconferences, and email to provide technical expertise and guidance regarding all aspects of operations and management of the Curation Center and archaeological collections.
Enhance and improve exhibits and interpretive materials, design new exhibits for the exhibit room and garden center.
Prepare outreach and educational materials and participate in school-age and public outreach events and activities.
- Contact information:
- Colorado State University
- Fort Collins, CO 80523
- United States
- Employer's Website:
-
Visit Employer's website