ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Msu Museum Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Montana State University

NAGPRA Program Lead

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$80K/yr

Develop and implement a detailed MSU NAGPRA policy, in coordination with the MSU NAGPRA team (team includes representatives from the Museum of the Rockies, the academic departments of Native American ...

LocumTenens

Notable destinations include the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (The MAX), the Mississippi Children's Museum, and performing arts venues such as the MSU Riley Center and Temple Theater.

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMsu Museum Jobs

Msu Museum information

See salary details

$31.5K

$44.2K

$56K

How much do msu museum jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for msu museum in the United States is $44,195.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $48,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do museum curators get paid well?

Museum curators typically earn a moderate salary that varies based on experience, location, and the size of the institution. According to industry data, the median annual wage for curators is around $60,000, with some earning over $100,000 in larger or more prominent museums. Salary can also be influenced by advanced degrees and specialized skills in collections management or conservation.

What is the MSU Museum?

The MSU Museum is the Michigan State University Museum, a science and culture museum located on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. It serves as a center for research and education, featuring exhibits on natural science, history, and culture. The museum is open to the public and offers a variety of programs, exhibitions, and collections that support learning and community engagement. Visitors can explore permanent and rotating exhibits, attend special events, and participate in educational programs for all ages.

What is the highest paying job at a museum?

The highest paying job at a museum is typically the museum director or executive director, who oversees operations, budgets, and strategic planning. These roles often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong leadership skills, with salaries varying based on the institution's size and location.

What types of projects and collaborations can staff expect when working at the MSU Museum?

Staff at the MSU Museum often engage in a variety of projects ranging from curating exhibitions to developing educational programming and digital content. Collaboration is a key aspect, as team members frequently work alongside educators, researchers, community partners, and campus departments to create interdisciplinary experiences. This environment offers opportunities to contribute to innovative initiatives, such as public outreach events or research-based exhibits, and to develop new skills through cross-functional teamwork. The collaborative culture not only enriches daily work but also supports career growth within the museum and the broader field.

What is the difference between Msu Museum vs Msu Archivist?

AspectMsu MuseumMsu Archivist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Museum Studies, History, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Library Science, Archival Studies, or related field
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, cultural institutionsArchives, libraries, historical repositories
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, museums, cultural organizationsLibraries, archives, research institutions
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles in cultural preservation and public educationCompared for roles in preserving historical records and documents

The Msu Museum and Msu Archivist roles both involve preserving and presenting historical or cultural materials. The museum role focuses on exhibitions and public engagement, while the archivist specializes in managing and preserving archival records. Both positions require related educational backgrounds and are found within educational and cultural institutions, but they serve different functions within the preservation field.

What qualifications do I need to work at a museum?

To work at a museum, candidates typically need relevant education such as a bachelor's degree in history, art, archaeology, or a related field. Experience with collections management, research, or customer service is often required, along with skills in communication and organization. Some roles may require specialized certifications or training depending on the position.

Is it hard to get hired at a museum?

Getting hired at a museum can be competitive, often requiring relevant education, experience, or specialized skills such as knowledge of art, history, or conservation. Entry-level positions may be easier to obtain, but higher-level roles typically demand a strong background and sometimes certifications or advanced degrees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Museum Professional at MSU Museum, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Museum Professional at MSU Museum, you typically need a background in museum studies, art history, anthropology, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with collection management systems, exhibit design software, and digital archiving tools is important for day-to-day operations. Strong communication, organizational abilities, and a passion for education help professionals engage diverse audiences and work collaboratively. These skills are crucial for preserving collections, creating meaningful exhibits, and fostering public engagement with the museum.
More about Msu Museum jobs
What job categories do people searching Msu Museum jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Msu Museum jobs are:
Msu Museum jobs near you
Infographic showing various Msu Museum job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 95% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,195 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
NAGPRA Program Lead

NAGPRA Program Lead

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT • On-site

$80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Montana State University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

358th of 544 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number
STAFF - VA - 26406
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Alison Harmon
harmon@montana.edu
406-994-5053
Classification Title
Program/Project Lead
Working Title
NAGPRA Program Lead
Brief Position Overview
The NAGPRA Program Leadcoordinates compliance, consultations, repatriations, and other activities associated with ensuring MSU's compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) federal regulation by coordinating inventory and curation of Native American artifacts and remains. This position will work to strengthen MSU's NAGPRA program and will report directly to the Associate Vice President of Research Compliance.
Position Number
4C0105
Department
Research Integrity and Compliance
Division
Office of Research and Economic Development
Appointment Type
Professional
Contract Term
Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA
Exempt
Union Affiliation
Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE
1.0
Benefits Eligible
Eligible
Salary
Salary starting at $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type
LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type
Open
Position Details
General Statement
The Office of Research Compliance (ORC) oversees University programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations for research. ORC creates and supports an environment that furthers the ethical and responsible conduct of research.
Duties and Responsibilities
Primary duties and responsibilities include:
  • Develop and implement a detailed MSU NAGPRA policy, in coordination with the MSU NAGPRA team (team includes representatives from the Museum of the Rockies, the academic departments of Native American Studies, Sociology and Anthropology, History and Philosophy, Earth Sciences, and other units as appropriate), Legal Counsel, and Administration, ensuring compliance with NAGPRA and all applicable laws and policies.
  • Update and manage inventories of ancestral human remains and NAGPRA-eligible objects in MSU collections, compile cultural affiliation documents, and prepare Federal notices and communications.
  • Work closely with Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPO) and/or their designees to coordinate tribal access to, as well as repatriation and disposition of, human remains and cultural items and archaeological collections in MSU's custody.
  • Represent MSU as lead NAGPRA staff at regular meetings with tribal government officials and representatives to coordinate compliance, address tribal concerns, and when possible, negotiate culturally sensitive resolutions.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all NAGPRA inquiries seeking information about Native American remains and objects falling under NAGPRA regulations.
  • Advance MSU's NAGPRA standing through attendance at conferences and workshops, service on advisory panels, and holding office or performing relevant committee assignments in professional organizations.
  • Participate in promoting and coordinating outreach activities for research and education.
  • Collaborate and consult closely with the MSU NAGPRA team representatives in matters of compliance and procedure.
  • Develop and submit grant proposals and funding requests to support NAGPRA activities.
  • Administer NAGPRA-related budgets and purchase all necessary materials and supplies.
  • Establish work priorities and supervise all employees assigned to them in support of these tasks.
  • Work with MSU's Legal Counsel on MOUs for non-NAGPRA repatriation.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  1. Master's degree in Indigenous Studies, Museum Studies, or related field that provided experience with cultural collections management and collaborating with tribal nations on repatriation plans; or three years equivalent experience working with American Indian tribes to repatriate NAGPRA related or other items of cultural significance, or working with descent communities and caring for culturally significant objects; and/or equivalent training, education or experience with traditional Tribal Elders, Tribal Cultural Departments and Historians, or Tribal Historic Preservation Officers.
  2. At least one year of experience working with institutions on collections-related ethical and legal commitments, including but not limited to NAGPRA and 36 C.F.R. § 79, "Curation of Federally-Owned and Administered Archeological Collections."
  3. Experience working with archaeological methods, archaeological collections, and culturally sensitive artifacts, including experience handling ancestral remains, funerary objects and other cultural objects.
  4. Knowledgeable about the Indigenous communities of Montana, especially with tribes affiliated with different geographical categories i.e. coastal, plains, northern plains, basin, etc.
  5. Knowledge of the principles of government-to-government consultation.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  1. Doctoral degree in Indigenous Studies, Museum Studies, or related field with specialized practice involving relationships and substantive consultation with Tribal Historic Preservation Officers.
  2. Demonstrated understanding of, and direct experience with: (a) tribal consultation practices and processes, b) building and initiating positive working relationships with tribes and tribal citizens; and © NAGPRA.
  3. Experience working with collections management (or other related cultural heritage field) on projects that are informed and/or designed by Indigenous perspectives.
  4. Experience with writing summary and cultural affiliation reports and "Notices of Inventory Completion" and "Notices of Intent to Repatriate" for compliance with NAGPRA.
  5. Experience with programmatic agreements.
  6. Knowledge of North American Indigenous History, Archaeology, and related 'Curation Crisis' History.

The Successful Candidate Will
  • Tactful and diplomatic verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational management skills.
  • Ability to create inventories and adhere to different tribal requests regarding the care and storage of specific artifacts.
  • Strong skills in program and project management, facilitation and collaboration. Ability to effectively represent and coordinate organizational strategy and administrative initiatives with campus senior level management and external contacts.
  • Demonstrated ability in providing leadership in and contributions to committees and workgroups where problems have to be solved efficiently.
  • Strong ability to build and maintain positive and productive relationships with a broad range of staff, co-workers, tribal citizens and campus stakeholders.
  • Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential issues that require independent judgment, strict discretion, and confidentiality.
  • Ability to evaluate and synthesize various types of information and perspectives.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Must possess a valid driver's license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver's license, must obtain a valid Montana driver's license within 60 days of hire.)
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on May 28, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

What Montana State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply