Museum Ethnography Collections Assistant (Student)

Indiana University; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits (see IU)

Tuition subsidy

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology seeks motivated undergraduate or graduate students to join the ethnography collections team as Collection Assistants. Training is provided, and no prior museum experience is necessary.

The role involves hands-on collection care, inventory, documentation, and collaboration with a diverse team on exhibitions and research requests. Position is part-time at Bloomington, IN, with flexible 10–18 hours per week and a pay rate of $15.00 per hour.

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 follow established procedures and conservation standards.

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

Data entry

Recordkeeping

Object handling

Time management

Communication

Teamwork

Research

Databases

Problem solving

Diversity awareness

Confidentiality

Multitasking

Education

Undergrad/grad student in Anthropology or related

Tools

FileMaker Pro

Job description

Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology seeks motivated undergraduate or graduate students to join the ethnography collections team as Collection Assistants. Training is provided, and no prior museum experience is necessary.

The role involves hands-on collection care, inventory, documentation, and collaboration with a diverse team on exhibitions and research requests. Position is part-time at Bloomington, IN, with flexible 10–18 hours per week and a pay rate of $15.00 per hour.