NAGPRA Collections Assistant – 

Job Number:

250602 

Organization

: Okla Museum of Natural History

Job Location

: Oklahoma-Norman-Norman Campus

Schedule

: Full-time

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm

Work Type: Onsite

Salary Range: Targeted salary up to $19.23/hour depending on experience

Benefits Provided: Yes 

Required Attachments: Resume, Cover Letter 

Job Description

The Sam Noble Museum Archaeology Department seeks a full-time Collections Assistant to inventory, catalog, digitize, and process archaeological collections for repatriation in compliance with NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act). This includes working with sensitive materials, including the remains of Native American ancestors and funerary objects. In addition, the Collections Assistant will provide general support to the Archaeology Collections Manager/NAGPRA Coordinator and Curator of Archaeology.

Essential Duties:

• Manages and maintains collections incorporating practices, standards, philosophy, and theory of collection stewardship.
• Provides care of the collections, date and records management.
• Identifies, prepares, labels, and catalogs objects for new and existing collections.
• Meets with visitors to the collection, filling patron requests remotely and in-person and giving tours to the public.
• Assists in grant proposal preparation.
• Maintains centralized computer and manual records of collections.
• Assists with the supervision of assistants, interns and volunteers.
• Assists with exhibitions through collection-related activities.
• Provides curatorial care for collections including incoming and outgoing loans.
• Assists in and conducts collection-related research as directed.
• Handles special projects, such as exhibit content preparation, storage and catalog improvements.
• Coordinates outreach programs and participants in educational activities as appropriate. May give division tours, present lectures, or assist with collection-related topics.
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Job Requirements

Required Education: Bachelors degree

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 48 months of museum-related work experience in lieu of the Bachelor degree.

Skills:

• Able to communicate well and build rapport quickly with students, faculty and staff.
• Good presentation skills (verbal and written).
• Demonstrated knowledge of acceptable museum practices and standards for collection care, collection management, documentation, conservation, and registration methods for collections.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Must use established occupational health and safety practices.
• Inventorying and rehousing archaeological collections.
• Working with sensitive NAGPRA collections.
• Participating in consultations.
• Creating catalog records in a database management system for archaeological collections and associated documentation.
• Assisting with project management, writing reports, and maintaining records.
• Assisting with the supervision of students, interns, and volunteers.
• Assisting with the day-to-day activities of the Archaeology Department. 

Required Working Conditions: 

• Required to be mobile, agile, bend, stoop, squat, climb, lift (15-44 pounds) and carry.
• Ability to engage in repetitive motions.
• Able to read handwritten documents.
• Frequent exposure to safety hazards from chemicals and onerous odors.

Departmental Preferences:

• Bachelors degree in Anthropology with an emphasis on archaeology or physical anthropology.
• Archaeological experience in the field, museum, or lab setting.
• Museum experience, especially working with archaeological collections.
• Working knowledge of NAGPRA legislation and an interest in deepening this knowledge.
• General knowledge of the pre-contact and historical archaeology of the Plains or Southeast US.

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.

Hiring contingent upon a Background Check?: Yes

Special Indications: None 

Job Posting

: Mar 17, 2025

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