Archaeology Curatorial Research Assistant II

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking a dedicated Archaeology Curatorial Research Assistant II to support curatorial tasks for the Laboratory of Archaeology. In this role, you will coordinate collections work, ensuring compliance with heritage regulations and community guidelines. Your organizational skills will be key as you manage tasks both independently and with student assistants. This position offers an opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives and contribute to meaningful projects in a collaborative environment. If you are passionate about archaeology and community engagement, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of related experience or equivalent education.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Plan daily curatorial work and create schedules for student assistants.
• Ensure concerns of originating communities are respected.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Judgment and Discretion

Education

High School Graduation

Additional Training in Related Field

Tools

Digital Catalogues

Spreadsheets

Archaeology Collections Databases

Job description

Archaeology Curatorial Research Assistant II

Join to apply for the Archaeology Curatorial Research Assistant II role at The University of British Columbia

Job Category: CUPE 116

Job Profile: CUPE 116 Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title: Archaeology Curatorial Research Assistant II

Department: Administration Support | Department of Anthropology

Compensation Range: $27.24 - $29.82 CAD Hourly

Posting End Date: May 9, 2025

Job End Date: May 14, 2026

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff, and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

The primary responsibility of the Archaeology Curatorial Research Assistant / Tech 2 is to perform moderately complex tasks and curatorial tasks for the Laboratory of Archaeology (LOA) Repository collections. This position requires good knowledge gained through experience of procedures of the LOA and protocols provided to LOA by First Nation partners, and good knowledge of the heritage inspection and investigation permits issued by the province under the BC Heritage Conservation Act (HCA). The incumbent takes direction from the LOA Manager and plans, performs and troubleshoots collections work utilizing varied procedures and incorporating guiding principles and voices including First Nations, provincial regulations, the unit and department. Tasks are assigned and discussed regularly with the LOA Manager, however, the incumbent plans and schedules their own work. The incumbent requires good organizational skills to coordinate and complete assigned projects whether working alone or with a team of subordinates. The nature of the work demands planning the sequence of duties and work methods in consultation with the LOA Manager. The Archaeology Curatorial Research Assistant must exercise judgement based on a thorough knowledge of procedures, guidelines, protocols, and regulations in making decisions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Plan daily curatorial work to accomplish tasks assigned by LOA Manager and create schedules including student assistants as needed.
2. Ensure that the concerns of originating communities are respected in procedures for storage and use of archaeology collections.
3. Provide appropriate access to information about collections to First Nation communities, faculty and students, researchers, and members of the public, following established guidelines.
4. Rehouse collections and update database(s) as required.
5. May oversee and direct the work of one or two student Work Learn assistants.
6. Ensure the implementation and enforcement of lab safety rules and procedures.
7. Present a verbal or written report on task and project progress to LOA Manager.
8. Carry out any other related duties as required in keeping with training and experience.

Qualifications

• High school graduation, some additional training in a related field, and a minimum of two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge related to archaeology collections, analysis, fieldwork, and working with archaeology collections databases.
• Experience working with British Columbia’s Heritage Conservation Act and its implications for the Laboratory of Archaeology repository.
• Experience with community consultation, especially with First Nations, and awareness of related issues.

Skills and Knowledge

• Experience with collections, artifact types, databases, and curation.
• Proficiency with digital catalogues and spreadsheets.
• Effective analytical and report-writing skills.
• Discretion, judgment, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and in teams, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.