Job Description

The Field Museum seeks an experienced Collections Manager to implement and direct collections management activities for Anthropology collections from Asia, Europe, the Near East, and ancient Africa. The individual in this full-time, regular position will handle, store, house, organize, inventory, and photograph objects in the Anthropology collections. She or he will also work with the Repatriation Director to assist with inventorying, individuating, and housing human remains with priority given to remains from North America. She or he will coordinate access to the collections and maintenance of collections facilities. She or he may supervise collections assistants, interns, and volunteers.

Job Requirements

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Upgrades and maintains storage conditions for the Anthropology collections utilizing preventive conservation methods. Houses, organizes, inventories, moves, tracks, stores, documents and photographs the Anthropology collections as appropriate.
  • Monitors movement of objects and human remains at all stages and is responsible for keeping the inventory database up-to-date. Consults with the Head Registrar regarding the database and the accuracy of its information. Solves cataloging problems in order to improve the veracity of data in the collections records and database.
  • Fields and responds to information inquiries, including destructive analysis requests as well as requests from researchers, community heritage groups, institutions, and the public.
  • Connects scholars, descendant communities, and members of the public to the collections by hosting research and cultural heritage visits, coordinating and providing tours, and assisting with special events.
  • Assists with heritage management and community engagement efforts, which may occur offsite and during non-regular work hours.
  • Travel may be required acting as object courier.
  • Supervises other collections staff, volunteers, interns, and visitors as required.
  • Performs other collections-related activities as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Graduate degree in Anthropology with emphasis on Biological Anthropology. Degree or certification in Museum Studies highly desirable.
  • At least five years of handling and caring for museum collections and human remains.
  • Community engagement experience highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated superb organizational skills, impeccable attention to detail, ability to focus on tasks, ability to communicate effectively, and treatment of objects and human remains with care and dignity.
  • Skilled in negotiation and resolution of non-routine problems.
  • In-depth knowledge of accepted museum collections care practices and procedures expected including the legal and ethical treatment of human remains.
  • In-depth knowledge of physical anthropology, especially human osteology.
  • Demonstrated computer proficiency with museum collections databases, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel. Working knowledge of KE EMu highly desirable.
  • Experience with artifact photography as well as construction of complex storage mounts highly desirable. Woodshop experience a plus.
  • Ability to work alone or in a team situation required. Close examination of objects may demand stooping, kneeling, bending, and require good vision.
Applications will be considered through November 1st, 2015.