Collections Assistant

Collections AssistantThe Collections Assistant will oversee the digitization of two legacy 17th-century archaeological collections from the John and Joseph Howland Sites. The candidate will be responsible for cataloging archaeological material, developing finding aids, and creating exhibits and programs for public outreach. Additionally, the Collections Assistant will assist with database management and provide day-to-day support to staff in the Collections Department.This position requires knowledge of archaeological methods and techniques, 17th-century colonial and Indigenous material culture, and basic collections management practices. The Collections Assistant is expected to provide the archaeological expertise required when studying field records (photographs, slides, and paper records) while also helping to catalog and rehouse the archaeological materials.This position is a full-time, IMLS grant-funded position until August 31, 2028 that is based in Plymouth, Massachusetts at the Research Library at Plimoth Patuxet Museums.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Collections Assistant is directly responsible for completing various grant-funded project tasks including:Inventorying, cataloging, and rehousing archaeological assemblages from the John and Joseph Howland SitesPhotographing objects and processing images for publication on PastPerfect web-edition databaseStandardizing the artifact catalog for the Howland sites in the Plimoth Patuxet Museums' online database, PastPerfect Web-EditionScanning and/or organizing archival material pertaining to the sites' excavations and research, including original field notes, site plans, site reports, etc.Assisting in developing content for a public-oriented, online exhibitParticipating in guest-facing activities and events about these sites and other components of the Museum's archaeological collectionsAssisting Collections staff in making the data accessible through the Museum's public collections databaseLeading data clean-up efforts in PastPerfect before online publication of collectionWriting finding aids, collection summaries, and curatorial histories, creating external and internal guides to the collectionsRequired SkillsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Applicants must be familiar with Indigenous and Colonial material culture from New England and best practices in archaeological cataloging and collections management.PastPerfect experience a plus.Must have experience with project management, able to stay organized and communicate professionally with staff, stakeholders, and museum visitors.Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated, to work independently, and to work in a collaborative environment.Excellent written and verbal skills.Museum experience a plus.Education and ExperienceApplicants must have a Bachelor's degree in archaeology, anthropology, Native American studies, museum studies, or related field;Master's degree is preferred.Physical RequirementsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Duties may include:Work sitting or standing, sometimes for extended periods of time.Capable of lifting and moving objects up to 25 pounds.Work EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.Work is generally sedentary in nature, but may require standing and/or walking for up to 20% of the time.Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment.Some of the work involves being outside in the Museum's historical exhibits where there are animals, dust, and smoke from hearth fires.The working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc.Additional RequirementsThe Museum is open 7 days a week April through the end of November. You must be available for some holidays, including Thanksgiving Day. Typical hours during the Museum's Open Season (March-November) are 9:00am - 5:00pm, five days a week through the end of November, and 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday – Friday from December through March. Flexibility in work hours and days off is required. Depending on the season, this position may include working additional night/weekend hours or days as needed.Position Type and SalaryFull-time, year-round$23.00 - $25.00/hourCore CommitmentWhether part-time or full-time, year-round or seasonal, all staff and volunteers at Plimoth Patuxet advance the Museum's educational mission and strategic goals. They uphold the Museum's core values and principles in their work and in all of their interactions with the public and with coworkers. This commitment helps to ensure that Plimoth Patuxet's reputation for excellence is maintained and that, as stewards of the Museum, we are helping to create a relevant and sustainable future for Plimoth Patuxet Museums. The core principles that guide us in our work are:Safety and ComfortCompassionate Customer EngagementProfessional ExcellencePersonal AccountabilityAdvance a Culture of PhilanthropyTeamwork