Archaeological Collections Management Specialist

Full job description and application instructions link:  https://jobs.colostate.edu/postings/168247 

Apply by full consideration date: 11/03/2025

Salary Range:    $69,000-$78,000, commensurate with experience

Position Summary (include Description of Work Unit and 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).

Minimum Requirements:

• 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.
• 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

Employee Benefits:
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. To learn more, please visit:

• https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf
• https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/
• https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/
• https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.