Collections Assistant

Plimoth Patuxet Museums, Inc.; Plymouth, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Plimoth Patuxet Museums, Inc. seeks a Collections Assistant to digitize two legacy 17th-century archaeological collections, catalog materials, and develop finding aids for public outreach.

The role supports database management and staff in the Collections Department, based in Plymouth, MA. The position requires knowledge of 17th-century material culture and basic collections practices, with an emphasis on field records and rehousing efforts.

Qualifications

• Familiar with Indigenous and Colonial material culture from New England.
• Experience with archaeological cataloging and collections management.
• Able to stay organized and communicate professionally with staff and visitors.
• Strong written and verbal skills.

Responsibilities

• Inventory, catalog, and rehousing archaeological assemblages.
• Photograph objects and publish images in PastPerfect Web-Edition.
• Standardize artifact catalog in online database.
• Scan and organize archival material from excavations and research.
• Develop content for online exhibits for public outreach.
• Participate in guest-facing activities and events.
• Make data accessible through public collections database.
• Lead data cleanup before online publication.
• Write finding aids, collection summaries, and curatorial histories.

Skills

Archaeology knowledge

Project management

Independent worker

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Plimoth Patuxet Museums is a living history museum of the 17th-century that provides engaging and experiential outdoor and indoor learning environments on its main campus, and at Mayflower II on Plymouth’s waterfront, and at the Plimoth Grist Mill. Our permanent exhibits tell the complex and interwoven stories of two distinct cultures - English and Wampanoag.

Operating on a remarkable property overlooking Cape Cod Bay, Plimoth Patuxet brings the story of the United States’ early foundation to life for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year since its founding in 1947. The main exhibits are enhanced with an exciting array of special events, public programs and workshops that offer a rich and diverse exploration of the 17th-century.

Plimoth Patuxet Museums Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.

Position Summary

The Collections Assistant will oversee the digitization of two legacy 17th-century archaeological collections from the John and Joseph Howland Sites. The candidate will be responsible for cataloging archaeological material, developing finding aids, and creating exhibits and programs for public outreach. Additionally, the Collections Assistant will assist with database management and provide day-to-day support to staff in the Collections Department.

This position requires knowledge of archaeological methods and techniques, 17th-century colonial and Indigenous material culture, and basic collections management practices. The Collections Assistant is expected to provide the archaeological expertise required when studying field records (photographs, slides, and paper records) while also helping to catalog and rehouse the archaeological materials.

This position is a full-time, IMLS grant-funded position until August 31, 2028 that is based in Plymouth, Massachusetts at the Research Library at Plimoth Patuxet Museums.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Collections Assistant is directly responsible for completing various grant-funded project tasks including:

• Inventorying, cataloging, and rehousing archaeological assemblages from the John and Joseph Howland Sites
• Photographing objects and processing images for publication on PastPerfect web-edition database
• Standardizing the artifact catalog for the Howland sites in the Plimoth Patuxet Museums’ online database, PastPerfect Web-Edition
• Scanning and/or organizing archival material pertaining to the sites’ excavations and research, including original field notes, site plans, site reports, etc.
• Assisting in developing content for a public-oriented, online exhibit
• Participating in guest-facing activities and events about these sites and other components of the Museum’s archaeological collections
• Assisting Collections staff in making the data accessible through the Museum’s public collections database
• Leading data clean-up efforts in PastPerfect before online publication of collection
• Writing finding aids, collection summaries, and curatorial histories, creating external and internal guides to the collections

This description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of key responsibilities of the job as it is at present, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. This job description may be reviewed by management at any time either to ensure that it relates to the job currently being performed, or to incorporate changes. Management reserves the right to change a job description; and if/when doing so will discuss with the employee so that any changes are understood by the employee.

Required Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Applicants must be familiar with Indigenous and Colonial material culture from New England and best practices in archaeological cataloging and collections management.
• Must have experience with project management, able to stay organized and communicate professionally with staff, stakeholders, and museum visitors.
• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated, to work independently, and to work in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.

Education and Experience

• Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, Native American studies, museum studies, or related field;
• Master’s degree is preferred.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Duties may include:

• Work sitting or standing, sometimes for extended periods of time.
• Capable of lifting and moving objects up to 25 pounds.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require standing and/or walking for up to 20% of the time.
• Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment.
• Some of the work involves being outside in the Museum’s historical exhibits where there are animals, dust, and smoke from hearth fires.
• The working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc.

Additional Requirements

The Museum is open 7 days a week April through the end of November. You must be available for some holidays, including Thanksgiving Day.Typical hours during the Museum’s Open Season (March-November) are 9:00am - 5:00pm, five days a week through the end of November, and 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday from December through March. Flexibility in work hours and days off is required. Depending on the season, this position may include working additional night/weekend hours or days as needed.

Position Type and Salary

• Full-time, year-round
• $23.00 - $25.00/hour

Core Commitment

Whether part-time or full-time, year-round or seasonal, all staff and volunteers at Plimoth Patuxet advance the Museum’s educational mission and strategic goals. They uphold the Museum’s core values and principles in their work and in all of their interactions with the public and with coworkers. This commitment helps to ensure that Plimoth Patuxet’s reputation for excellence is maintained and that, as stewards of the Museum, we are helping to create a relevant and sustainable future for Plimoth Patuxet Museums. The core principles that guide us in our work are:

• Safety and Comfort
• Professional Excellence
• Personal Accountability
• Advance a Culture of Philanthropy
• Teamwork

Plimoth Patuxet Museums
Attn: Human Resources
137 Warren Avenue
Plymouth, MA 02360