Collections Technician - Archaeology

at  The Manitoba Museum

DESCRIPTION:

1. General
   Reporting to the Curator of Archaeology, the incumbent will be responsible for updating the cataloguing manual for the Archaeology collections of the Department of Human History, in the Division of Research, Collections and Exhibitions, following established Museum Collection policies, procedures, and guidelines. They will also assess an archaeological collection intended for future cataloguing by determining the scope and nature of the donation and its supporting documentation. The successful applicant will work with the Curator of Archaeology and the Collections Technician (Human History), and liaise with outside agencies as needed.
   Criminal record and child abuse registry checks will be required of the successful candidate.
2. Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
   A. Priority 1: Update Cataloguing Manual
   To update the Archaeology department’s cataloguing manual, making it relevant to and consistent with the new Argus collections database. This is an internal document that provides guidance for cataloguers and volunteers. The manual will be produced in electronic and print formats.
   i. Review the contents of the present manual.
   ii. Work with the Collections Technician (Human History) to identify where the manual must reflect changes to the database.
   iii. Revise the manual’s content where explanatory text and supporting material require updates.
   B. Priority 2: Collection Assessment and Processing
   To facilitate the preparation of future cataloguing of a large donation consisting of approximately 10,000 objects.
   i. Perform donor research and material culture research for future identification and context.
   ii. Conduct a preliminary assessment of the scope and scale of the collection and its associated documents.
   iii. Time permitting, an initial sort of the collection may be made to prepare it for cataloguing.
   iv. Assess the curatorial needs of the anticipated cataloguing of the collection and documentation.
   v. Other administrative and related curatorial duties as reasonably assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Skills, Abilities and Knowledge
   i. Working knowledge of collections management procedures.
   ii. Advanced working knowledge of word processing software (collections database, digital imaging, scanning).
   iii. Familiarity with specimen care, handling, scientific identification and research.
   iv. Excellent writing and numeracy skills.
   v. Strong focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
   vi. Good communication skills, including ability to interact effectively with staff and volunteers.
2. Education, Training and Experience
   i. Bachelors degree in an appropriate discipline Archaeology or Anthropology, and
   ii. Two (2) years’ museum experience in collections management, including data entry using an automated collections management system, or
   iii. Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Please refer the Job description for details