Collection Manager, Archaeology

University of Oklahoma; Norman (OK); On-site; USD 17,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits Eligible

Job summary

University of Oklahoma's SNOMNH Collection of Archaeology seeks a permanent staff member to manage daily curatorial operations, maintain the collection, databases, image library and metadata, and support research, education and exhibition programs.

You will assist in obtaining permits, help with fieldwork, supervise students and volunteers, prepare presentations and coordinate outreach activities, reporting to the Curator of Archaeology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Will accept 48 months of museum-related work experience in lieu of the Bachelor's degree.
• Graduate degree (M.S. or PhD) in a discipline relevant to natural history collections is preferred.
• 36-48 months of collection-related experience in natural history museum collections, including curation, collection and database management, registration, digitization and preparation of objects, or related academic experience.
• Knowledge and experience with NAGPRA (Native American Graves and Repatriation Act) compliance.
• Experience in using photographic/digital/multi-media for collections work.
• Experience with training and/or overseeing personnel such as students, interns or volunteers.
• Experience with education and outreach activities for K-12 students and the general public, including science communication.
• Knowledge of museum collections ethics and decolonial practices in collection management.

Responsibilities

• Manages and maintains collections following standards of collection stewardship.
• Provides care of the collections, data and records management.
• Identifies, prepares, labels, and catalogs objects for new and existing collections.
• Meets with visitors to the collection, filling patron requests remotely and in person and giving tours to the public.
• Assists in grant proposal preparation.
• Maintains centralized records of collections.
• Assists with supervision of assistants, interns and volunteers.
• Assists with exhibitions through collection-related activities.
• Provides curatorial care for loans.
• Conducts collection-related research as directed.
• Handles special projects such as exhibit content preparation and catalog improvements.
• Coordinates outreach programs and participants in educational activities; may give division tours or lectures.

Skills

Curatorial operations

Databases management

Image library management

Metadata management

Public tours

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Pay Range: Targeted hourly pay up to $19.37, depending on experience.

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (may include some weekends)

Travel: May be required

For Best Consideration Date: 8/1/2026

Position Introduction

Responsible for the daily curatorial operations and management of the SNOMNH Collection of Archaeology in assistance to the Curator of Archaeology. Develop and maintain the collection, databases, image library, and associated metadata. Support research staff and education and exhibition programs and provide content for the website. Ensure proper permits, including state, national and international permits, and documentation for field collections, accessions, loans, and exchange of museum specimens. Assist the Curator of Archaeology in field work and obtaining and preparing objects for their research. Assist faculty, scholars, visiting researchers, and students in use of the collection. Assist in organizing and preparing presentations and programs highlighting collection materials and research activities. Assist the Curator of Archaeology in training and supervising students, interns, and volunteers. This permanent staff position reports to the Curator Archaeology.

View full job description

Essential Job Duties

• Manages and maintains collections incorporating practices, standards, philosophy and theory of collection stewardship.
• Provides care of the collections, date and records management.
• Identifies, prepares, labels, and catalogs objects for new and existing collections
• Meets with visitors to the collection, filling patron requests remotely and in person and giving tours to the public.
• Assists in grant proposal preparation.
• Maintains centralized computer and/or manual records of collections.
• Assists with the supervision of assistants, interns and volunteers.
• Assists with exhibitions through collection-related activities.
• Provides curatorial care for collections including incoming and outgoing loans.
• Assists in and conducts collection-related research as directed.
• Handles special projects such as exhibit content preparation, storage and catalog improvements.
• Coordinates outreach programs and participants in educational activities as appropriate. May give division tours, present lectures or assist with collection-related topics.
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree

Equivalency/Substitution

Will accept 48 months of museum-related work experience in lieu of the Bachelor's degree.

Department Preferences

• Graduate degree (M.S. or PhD) in a discipline relevant to natural history collections, such as anthropology, Archaeology, Museum Studies or a related field
• 36-48 months of collection-related experience in natural history museum collections, including some to all of the following: curation, collection and database management, registration, digitization and preparation of objects, or academic experience working with collections in a museum, educational or similar public institution.
• Knowledge and experience with NAGPRA (Native American Graves and Repatriation Act) compliance
• Experience in using photographic/digital/multi-media for collections work
• Experience with training and/or overseeing personnel such as students, interns or volunteers
• Experience with education and outreach activities for K-12 students and the general public, including experience presenting to communities and organizations, STEM education (arts with science, technology, engineering and math) and science communication
• Knowledge of museum collections ethics and decolonial practices in collection management

Hiring Contingent Upon a Background Check

Yes