Archival Collections Assistant (Museum Tech & Conservator O)
Closing Date: October 31, 2024
Pay Rate: $28/hour, contract not to exceed $56,000 annually
Work Schedule: Full time or part-time possible. Flexible schedule within a Monday-Friday work week.
Benefits: This is a non-benefitted position funded for up to two years by a National Archives and Records Administration Grant.
Summary
The Archives of the Laboratory of Anthropology contains institutional documents and images produced by staff, students, and volunteers as well as private individuals, such as Dorothy Dunn and Mable Morrow. Very few of the archival collections are digitized. This project will contribute to a large-scale digitization project, as well as a range of archives tasks to prepare collections for digitization, for research access, and to ensure Tribal collections are made accessible while also protecting culturally sensitive information and documents. One project focuses on Bertha Dutton, a prominent archaeologist, who donated approximately 100 boxes of material to the Lab Archives. Included in the collections are correspondence, daily files, reports, photos, negatives, slides, maps, postcards, literature, certificates, object descriptions, speeches, diaries, and awards and other interesting bits of information about the lives and careers of individuals, clubs, groups, and organizations.
Training will be provided to properly handle, describe and preserve historical documents and photos. Archival processing and arrangement and description will be taught. Archival material will be rehoused in acid free folders, sleeves and boxes. Finding aids for each collection will be produced to improve control and access. Training on equipment and software will be provided.
Key responsibilities
Support MIAC’s Archives work through a wide range of tasks for processing materials, digitizing records, and supporting Tribal consultation. This includes:
- Prepare archival reference material for use by researchers: photocopy slips, info sheets
- Inventory boxes and prepare box lists for separate collections.
- Rehouse photos and papers in appropriate folders, sleeves and boxes.
- Record data in preparation for data entry; complete data entry in archives database using a range of specialized softwares
- Assist with Archival collections moves and reorganization (move material, shelves, etc.)
- Assist with the preservation of oversize drawings and plans. A plan will be developed to humidify, flatten, and encapsulate oversize records.
- Locate and re-file material.
- Monitor for and notify archivist of any preservation issues.
- Photocopy fragile newspaper articles (1915 – 1950). Requires hand placing and photocopying torn, brittle correspondence and other papers and photos. Label each photocopied item with Lab. Archives file folder number or photo catalog number.
- Prepare forms in Word as needed by archivist and researchers (photocopying, invoices)
- Using the archive database, find location of photos, pull and refile photos. Prepare photo contracts and invoices. Assist in identification of photos (size, site, subject matter.)
Who is the job done for?
The customers are researchers, Tribal community members and leaders, Museum staff, and the public with an interest in the history and research at the Lab of Anthropology and MIAC.
Preferred experience and education
- Bachelors or Masters degree in anthropology, archaeology, museum studies, Native American studies, or a related field
- Experience working with archival collections in a museum setting
- Proficiency in database management or the ability to learn new software and databases
- Experience implementing best practices and professional standards for museum collections care, including integrated pest management, storage, photography, access restrictions and facilitation.
General job requirements and environment
- Ability to lift 35 pounds
- Mostly in an office environment but that will require some bending, stooping and lifting
- Computer based work but also object work and object handling, exposure to dust
- Work is done on-site at the Lab of Anthropology, located in Santa Fe
Application Procedures:
Submit a resume and cover letter that addresses all aspects of the position, to Diane Bird, diane.bird@dca.nm.gov and Elisabeth Stone, elisabeth.stone@dca.nm.gov, by closing date of October 31. Include succinct summary of time spent in archives, museum work, and tribal consultation. For questions about the position, contact Diane Bird, Archivist, at diane.bird@dca.nm.gov or (505) 476-1255.