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Collections Associate
Requisition ID
req37314
Working Title
NAGPRA Collections Associate, Archives
Position Grade
11
Position Summary
The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology (MMA) at the University of New Mexico (UNM) seeks a NAGPRA Collections Associate to support the work of the Museum in NAGPRA documentation and compliance for archaeological collections. We seek an enthusiastic professional with knowledge or education in the field of archaeology, familiarity with the material culture of the U.S. Southwest, and experience in archival research and processing.
We are looking for an experienced, forward-thinking, collegial museum professional to work collaboratively to serve the Museum's mission of "working towards greater understandings of the fullness of human experiences in the Southwest and the world," and vision of "restoring voices, reconciling injustices and realizing community." Founded in 1932, the Maxwell Museum holds large anthropological collections in four collecting divisions (archaeology, ethnology, osteology, and archives), with particular strengths in scholarship and research in the U.S. Southwest. The successful candidate will be a member of the Museum's collection staff and will join a dedicated team of museum professionals in collections, archives, education, exhibitions, public programs and administration.
Position Summary:
Under supervision of the Archivist and the Collections Manager for Archaeology, the NAGPRA Collections Associate's primary duties will include activities to document and prepare archival collections and records to support the Museum's NAGPRA work. Responsibilities will include inventory and cataloging of records and archival materials on file in the Museum; updating database catalog records with additional information; rehousing archival materials (and other collections care activities); and tracking and maintaining records of project activities. In addition to the primary work to support the NAGPRA efforts for archival collections, the NAGPRA Collection Associate's will assist in general collections management tasks. This is a full-time, 3.5 year term position[CS1] , with possibility for renewal.
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the Archivist and Collections Manager for Archaeology in inventorying, processing, cataloguing, and preventative conservation of archival collections at the museum.
• Assist the Collections Manager for Archaeology in the review of museum collection records to support the museum's compliance with NAGPRA.
• Compile information from archival records and documentation.
• Update records in the Museum's CollectiveAccess database based on documentation and consultation.
• Assist the Museum's NAGPRA Coordinator with tasks related to consultation, communication, documentation, and other relevant activities.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

See the Position Description for additional information.
Conditions of Employment
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience working with archival collections, particularly those that deal with the cultures and history of Native American groups in the U.S. Southwest.
• Demonstrated familiarity with archaeological field and laboratory methods and documentation and how excavation and other archaeological research documentation is created.
• Knowledge of museum and/or lab collection policies, practices, and procedures, with preferred experience working with anthropological/archaeological and archival collections.
• Familiarity with the ethical and legal requirements of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports. Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to navigate highly sensitive and confidential issues and to act with a high degree of cultural sensitivity.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including experience utilizing museum collections databases, Microsoft Suite, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and scanning software.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse colleagues and community members as part of a team of professionals.
• Experience working on a variety of tasks, meeting deadlines, and demonstrated attention to detail while working on complex projects.

Additional Requirements
Working Conditions and Physical Effort:• Work may be performed in an office, lab, or museum environment in areas that are dusty and lack climate controls.• Requires lifting boxes up to 50 lbs., standing and/or walking an average of four (4) hours per day, climbing ladders, using an electric lift, and organizing archives and collections spaces, including moving heavy boxes.
Campus
Main - Albuquerque, NM
Department
Maxwell Museum (937B)
Employment Type
Staff
Staff Type
Term - Full-Time
Term End Date
This is a Term position with one-year Term appointments renewable for up to a total for 3.5 years
Status
Exempt
Pay
Monthly: 3841.07 - 5148.00 (Depending on Experience)
Benefits Eligible
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required
Yes
For Best Consideration Date
8/17/2026
Eligible for Hiring Incentive
Eligible for Remote Work
No
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
No Remote Work
Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Cover Letter, Resume/CV, UNMJobs application and 3 professional references.
Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.