"Alerted.org

Posting Detail Information

Working TitleArchaeological Collections Management Specialist - 29 Palms, CA

Position Location29 Palms, CA

Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person

Research Professional PositionNo

Posting Number202501547AP

Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional

Classification TitleProf/Indiv Contrib II

Number of Vacancies

Work Hours/Week40

Proposed Annual Salary Range$69,000-$78,000, commensurate with experience

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

+ Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)

+ Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

+ For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

+ Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on11/03/2025

Description of Work Unit

CEMML is a research, education and service unit within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University ( CSU ). CEMML’s mission is to contribute, through service, research, and education, to the conservation and sustainable management of natural and cultural resources entrusted to public land management agencies. We provide technical support, conduct applied research, and offer career development and learning opportunities to support resource stewardship. We collaborate with our sponsors and within CSU to resolve complex environmental issues, leaving a legacy of science-based decisions that sustain our resources for future generations.

To learn more about CEMML’s contributions to land management, our mission, vision, and values, visithttp://www.cemml.colostate.edu/.

Position Summary

An Archaeological Collections Management Specialist position is being advertised with the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands ( CEMML ) to provide technical expertise and on-site project management to oversee and execute specified tasks related to artifact accessioning, cataloguing, curation, exhibit planning, interpretation, and other public outreach activities. The duty station for this position is the Archaeology and Paleontology Curation Center at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center ( MCAGCC ) in 29 Palms, CA. Position is contingent on funding.

The Archaeological Collections Management Specialist will provide necessary technical expertise and on-site support in artifact accessioning, cataloguing, curation, exhibit planning, interpretation, and other public outreach activities, and ensure compliance with 36 CFR §79. The Collections Management Specialist will provide daily staffing for the Curation Center, manage the artifact collections and associated artifacts, maintain/update collection database(s), and provide technical support regarding artifact analysis and classification. The Collections Specialist will set monthly goals for backlog cataloging and artifact processing. The Collections Management Specialist will work with MCAGCC personnel to ensure proper and consistent data management, and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including standards for data entry and reporting, weekly facility inspections, pest management, and other light housekeeping duties, etc.

The MCAGCC collection includes artifacts found on and representing the archaeological prehistory and history of MCAGCC and other Marine Corps installations in the region. The collection currently houses over 480,000 artifacts including chipped and ground stone, fire affected rock, floatation samples, soil samples, and shell; as well as 400 archival quality reports, thousands of paper records, field notes, maps, and print and digital photographs (and negatives).

Required Job Qualifications

+ Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Anthropology, Archaeology, or Museum Studies, or in an applicable subject-matter field, such as archaeological collections management, anthropological curator, etc.

+ Possesses a minimum of 3 years’ experience curating an archaeological collection and associated records in accordance with Federal laws and regulations, including 36 CFR §79.

+ An in-depth knowledge of collections management practices and procedures is required. Must demonstrate knowledge of, and experience in, the management of museum or archaeological collections and applying museum or archaeological curatorial methods and techniques in acquiring, cataloging, storing, and displaying archaeological collections.

+ Must have, or be able to obtain, a Department of Defense Common Access Card ( CAC ), and must be able to pass a Defense Agency background check.

+ Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.

+ The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; CEMML will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Preferred Job Qualifications

+ Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in Anthropology, Archaeology, or Museum Studies, or in an applicable subject-matter field, such as archaeological collections management, anthropological curator, etc.

+ At least 1-year professional experience working with archaeological collections in the southwest, preferably the Mojave Desert of California, is highly desirable.

+ The most highly qualified candidates will possess expert knowledge of Microsoft Access and Excel, and demonstrated experience working with museum collection management databases, especially PastPerfect. Please provide specific examples of past work experience in cataloging artifact collections using a collections management database.

+ Documented hands-on experience with object handling, cataloging, photography, packing, and storage is desirable.

+ Prior experience with military collections.

+ Experienced in the design, creation, and installation of museum exhibits and interpretive archaeological displays

+ Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work to a deadline

+ Highly qualified candidates will be familiar with current industry standards

Essential Duties

Job Duty CategoryCollections Management

Duty/Responsibility

+ Conduct processing, cataloging, photographing, and housing/rehousing artifacts within the MCAGCC Archaeology and Paleontology Curation Center. This collection contains approx. 500,000 objects. The cataloging process includes not only provenance documentation and research, but also condition assessment, cleaning, numbering, and housing artifacts.

+ The incumbent shall conduct, and oversee inventory and cataloging of this collection in accordance with 36 CFR Part 79, MCAGCC policies and procedures, and applicable regulations.

+ Update and develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

+ Perform routine duties associated with weekly facility inspections, climate management, exhibit maintenance, pest management, light housekeeping, and garden maintenance.

Percentage Of Time45

Job Duty CategoryData Management, Data Entry, and Data Validation

Duty/Responsibility

+ The incumbent will improve management of collections and archives to professional and technical standards.

+ Collections Management Specialist will ensure all collections management data is verified and updated, and that designated data fields are populated with accurate up-to-date information based on available provenance information for each artifact or groups of artifacts.

Percentage Of Time25

Job Duty CategoryCommunication, exhibits, and outreach

Duty/Responsibility

+ Regularly and routinely communicate with CEMML , MCAGCC personnel, volunteers, and independent researchers via in-person meetings, teleconferences, and email to provide technical expertise and guidance regarding all aspects of operations and management of the Curation Center and archaeological collections.

+ Enhance and improve exhibits and interpretive materials, design new exhibits for the exhibit room and garden center.

+ Prepare outreach and educational materials and participate in school-age and public outreach events and activities.

Percentage Of Time20

Job Duty CategoryReporting

Duty/Responsibility

+ The Collections Management Specialist will also be responsible for preparing monthly cataloguing goals and reporting progress.

Percentage Of Time5

Job Duty CategoryOther Duties as Assigned

Duty/Responsibility

+ Perform other associated duties as assigned

Percentage Of Time5

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications in the announcement to be considered for hire. Apply no later than November 3, 2025, for full consideration. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.

Upload each of the items below individually as a Word Document (.doc), PDF (.pdf), or Rich Text Format (.rtf). Please note that incomplete applications cannot be considered. Please remove social security numbers and birth dates from application materials. A complete application consists of:

+ Statement of Qualifications (one-page letter addressing each qualification described in the announcement) uploaded in the ‘Cover Letter’ slot.

+ Resume

+ Contact information for 3 professional references.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License, Special Requirements/Other - Must be able to comply with all applicable regulations to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC). Furthermore, candidates are required at a minimum to complete a NACI/SF85 and successfully pass a federal background check to remain eligible for employment.

Search ContactJessica Horvath ([email protected])

EEO

Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested

References Requested

Minimum Requested3

Maximum Requested3

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

+ Cover Letter

+ Resume

Optional Documents