Collections Assistant
Seminole Tribe of Florida, Tribal Historic Preservation Office


NATURE OF WORK

The incumbent in this position is responsible for assisting the staff assigned to the Seminole Tribe of Florida Tribal Historic Preservation Office’s (THPO) Collections Section with all aspects of collection management including cataloging, research, and preservation-related duties.  The individual assists the Collections Manager in processing archaeological artifacts received at the laboratory; washes, catalogs, and prepares artifacts for analysis and curation; provides support to the senior staff and consulting analysts in regards to collection needs; assists staff members with project needs and provides assistant and support to meet the general needs of the THPO. This position reports to the THPO Collections Manager and is a non-exempt position. 

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS 

The listed duties are only illustrative and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed by this position. The omission of specific statements does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed, if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.


•	Assists the Collections Manager and staff with all aspects of collection management including cataloging, research, and preservation-related duties. Maintains and organizes all incoming collections and projects based on the needs of the THPO.

•	Assists with processing of artifacts, ecofacts, and records in accordance with sound principles of conservation, project quality, and economy of labor and time, which includes immediate reception of field collections (re-bagging, re-labeling, and documentation checks as needed), judicious cleaning, sorting, artifact identification, accessioning and cataloging, tracking of location and processing stage, and preparations for long-term curation and storage.

•	Accommodates objects in appropriate acid-free storage materials for proper storage, in accordance with the THPO’s collection policies and procedures. 

•	Assists with the standardization and maintenance of catalog record information in the THPO’s Past Perfect collection management database.

•	Performs research and analysis on prehistoric and historic artifacts from the STOF’s areas of interest.

•	Undertakes administrative duties related to collections management projects, as assigned.

•	Presents group and individual research and findings to the Tribal Community and public in forums such as site tours, school visits, public talks, etc. in addition to professional audiences in the form of scientific papers at conferences and publications, as appropriate.

•	Provides on-going project support to the Collections Staff and the THPO Office.

•	Attends and contributes to staff meetings, workshops and related training.

•	Performs other duties as assigned. 


KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

•	Knowledge of the cultural history of the STOF
•	Knowledge of the organizational structure of the STOF. 
•	Knowledge of the general theory and methods of archaeology and archaeological laboratory procedures.
•	Knowledge of, or interest in and ability to learn, Florida and Southeastern U.S. archaeology and history; environmental sciences—climatology, biology, geology, soils, etc.—applicable to Florida and Southeastern U.S.
•	Familiarity with the guidelines and best-practices of museum collections management.
•	Demonstrate ability to safe handling and care for archaeological materials. 
•	Demonstrate excellent organizational and writing skills. 
•	Proficiency in current technologies, including desktop publishing, spreadsheets, and database management.  
•	Ability to handle multiple projects and of seeing projects to a point of completion.
•	Ability to serve the Tribal community, the public, and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
•	Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the STOF tribal community, general public, co-workers, elected and appointed officials.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree in museum studies, anthropology, archaeology, or a related discipline is required. A minimum of one (1) year of experience in the care of archaeological collections in an archaeological laboratory or museum, is required. Prior relevant experience in the study of archaeological materials including, but not limited to human osteology, forensic science, faunal analysis, is preferred. Demonstrates interest in the preservation of archaeological collections is required. Demonstrate proficiency in current technologies, including desktop publishing, spreadsheets, and database management is required. Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrate excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to travel to all reservations and work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays. 


PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typically, the incumbent will be required to use standard computer input (keyboard) and output (desktop monitor) devices. Occasional archaeological field work may be required, which involves long periods of strenuous exertion as well as heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 pounds. The incumbent must be able to stand for extended periods of time.


WORKING CONDITIONS	

Most of the work will be in a laboratory environment, although occasional participation in fieldwork may be necessary.  If so, expect heavy physical labor outside under typical southern Florida conditions including extreme heat, rain, humidity, and other conditions prevalent in the swampy lands of the region. The field work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.


To apply to this position, please send a cover letter and resume to Kate Macuen, [log in to unmask]



Kate Macuen
Collections Manager
 
Seminole Tribe of Florida
Tribal Historic Preservation Office
phone: 863.983.6549 x12278 
cell: 863.228.0302  fax: 863.902.1117 
email: [log in to unmask]
 
Visit us at www.stofthpo.com

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).