Curatorial Assistant III

12-Oct-2023

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

63524BR

Job Summary

The Collections Assistant manages assigned Peabody Museum collections storage rooms and assists in the management, cataloging, organization, rehousing, handling, and movement of Peabody Museum collections. Reports to the Senior Collections Manager.

Position Description

• Assist with all aspects of collections management of the Peabody Museum’s archaeological and ethnographic collections as assigned, with a particular focus on implementing integrated pest management and supporting conservation activities.
• Assess, properly handle, and appropriately house collections including Indigenous cultural items.
• Organize and maintain specified storage spaces in the Museum.
• Reorganize collections in storage, including any necessary rehousing.
• Catalog and physically inventory of collections using The Museum System (TMS).
• Performs photographic documentation of collections.
• Assists with registration, conservation, documentation, and exhibition of the collections as assigned.
• May work with interns and students on selected projects.
• Performs other duties as required.

Basic Qualifications

·         Two years of museum collection management or registration experience required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

·         B.A. in archaeology, anthropology, or museum studies preferred.

·         Two years of museum collection management or registration experience required.

·         Familiarity with museum cataloging procedures, inventory methods, object handling, photography, and digital image processing.

·         Ability to maintain consistent descriptive standards of anthropological collections required.

·         Ability to handle fragile and culturally sensitive collections in keeping with museum standards and best practices.

·         Knowledge of and working experience with materials for display and storage of museum collections beneficial.

·         Accuracy, attention to detail, flexibility, and initiative required.

·         Excellent computer skills and familiarity with collections management databases, knowledge of The Museum System (TMS) preferred.

·         Ability to work well on independent and team projects and to work under deadline pressure.

·         Understanding of and commitment to the ethical stewardship of museum collections in partnership with communities.

·         Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.

Additional Information

The Peabody Museum is situated on the ancestral and traditional land of the Massachusett people. It cares for over 1.2 million items from across the world, including cultural, archaeological, and osteological collections as well as extensive photographic and archival materials. The Museum is committed to the ethical stewardship of its collections through implementation of collaborative and culturally responsive care, interpretation, and engagement. We strive for a diverse, inclusive and equitable working environment and to act in ways that address the global challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability.

We regret that we will not be able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403082 Curatorial Assistant III

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.