Ethnographic Collections Assistant (Student)

Indiana University Bloomington; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition subsidy for employees and IU-1

Paid holidays

Job summary

Indiana University Bloomington is seeking motivated and detail-oriented students to join the ethnography collections team as Collection Assistants. Training is provided; no prior museum experience is required.

You will assist with inventory, cataloging, object handling, IPM duties, and documentation for exhibitions and research. The role involves working with diverse materials, maintaining accurate records, and using collections databases like FileMaker Pro.

Qualifications

• Currently IU undergraduate or graduate student in Anthropology, Folklore and Ethnomusicology, Curatorship, Art History, Arts Administration, Archaeology, History, Information and Library Science or a related field.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in data entry, recordkeeping, and documentation.
• Ability to handle museum collections and cultural materials with care and professionalism.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to follow established procedures, conservation standards, and object-handling guidelines.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain clear, accurate, and detailed records.
• Ability to learn and use collections management databases and other technology platforms.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Provides on-the-job training and hands-on experience in museum collections management, conservation, and documentation, following best practices established in combination with community led stewardship and culturally sensitive protocols.
• Assists with inventory and cataloging objects using the museum's collections database (FileMaker Pro).
• Learns proper object handling techniques and follow conservation standards when working with sensitive materials.
• Performs basic preventive conservation tasks, such as condition checks, cleaning, and rehousing with archival materials.
• Photographs objects and update digital records for access, research, and exhibits.
• Supports ongoing collections-based projects, including exhibitions, research requests, and NAGPRA-related documentation.
• Participates in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and environmental monitoring.
• Maintains clear, accurate notes and workspace organization in a team environment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Data entry

Documentation

Object handling

Organizational skills

Time management

Procedural compliance

Written communication

Collaboration

Record maintenance

Research skills

Education

Undergraduate/Graduate student in Anthropology or related field

Tools

FileMaker Pro

Job description

Indiana University Bloomington is seeking motivated and detail-oriented students to join the ethnography collections team as Collection Assistants. Training is provided; no prior museum experience is required.

You will assist with inventory, cataloging, object handling, IPM duties, and documentation for exhibitions and research. The role involves working with diverse materials, maintaining accurate records, and using collections databases like FileMaker Pro.