CURATOR/ARCHIVIST I at University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma

Job Description:

The Molly Shi Boren Ethnology Collection at the Sam Noble Museum, University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus, is seeking a full-time Collection Manager to be responsible for the daily operations and management of the museum's ethnology, classical archaeology and Native American and natural history fine art collections.  The Collection Manager also supports the research and exhibition program of the Curator of Ethnology and is responsible for interfacing with the public, supervising and training students, interns and volunteers and helping visitors make use of the collections.

Essential Duties:

• Provides care of the collections, date and records management


• Identifies, prepares, tags and catalogs specimens 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/or 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 dues as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position


• Performing databasing and image and records management, including processing existing accessions (reformatting, metadata, data management, writing finding aids, etc.)


• Preparing new collections for accessioning, including providing institutional metadata, securing permissions and working with the museum registrar to complete accession paperwork


• Assisting and supporting the research program of the Curator of Ethnology


• Assisting with development and implementation of exhibitions based on Ethnology collection


• Training and supervising student, volunteers and interns in collection management tasks


• Working with external tribal and non-tribal entities regarding objects, records, loans/acquisitions, exhibitions, etc.


• Assisting the Exhibit Department with installation/strike/maintenance and condition reporting of temporary and permanent exhibitions


• Supporting public service programs and educational and outreach activities as appropriate

Required Education: Bachelor's degree

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


• Knowledge of best practices for the preservation and exhibition of physical objects and their data (e.g., metadata standards, data management, etc.)


• Familiarity with and adherence to ethical conduct with respect to Native peoples and materials


• Interpersonal skills commensurate with representing the collection in one-on-one and group settings.


• Excellent skills in organization

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


• Ability to move archival boxes between shelves and collection areas (up to ~15lbs each)

Departmental Preferences:

• M.A./M.S. degree in anthropology, folklore, museum studies, art history, conservation or related field


• Prior supervisory and photographic/multi-media experience


• Bachelor Degree in anthropology, folklore, museum studies, art history, conservation or related field AND: 0-24 months of collection-related experience

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.

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