12/01/1978 26390

MUSEUM CURATOR, ARCHEOLOGY 1

DEFINITION: This is entry level professional archeological curatorial work at a museum or historic site.

An employee in this class performs professional curatorial work in caring for and exhibiting an archeological collection. Work involves routine duties in the collection, accession, preservation, cataloging, storing, and utilization of objects and specimens of archeological or ethnological interest. Work includes the conduct of publications research and site surveys to develop information about collection items and to develop appropriate, effective, and authentic exhibits. Work assignments are selected by the supervisor to provide orientation and training in the operation of the museum or historic site and in the sources and methodology of research. Work assignments are given with detailed and specific instructions and are reviewed in progress and upon completion by the supervisor. Routine assignments are performed independently and reviewed upon completion after employees have demonstrated proficiency.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Performs tasks involved in the normal procedures and methods of managing an archeological collection, such as collecting, accessioning, labeling, recording, or cataloging, storing, packing, moving, preserving, and utilizing archeological objects and specimens.

Assists a higher level curator or the supervisor, or provides advice and direction to preparators and artists, in planning, designing, and preparing archeological exhibits.

Writes correspondence in reply to inquires from interested groups and individuals concerning archeological collections, exhibits, and related matters.

Compiles bibliographies, researches records for specific information, collects and tabulates data from a variety of indicated sources, abstracts or summarizes information from source material, and drafts factual answers to specific questions.

Maintains records and files, or oversees their maintenance; prepares reports of limited difficulty and complexity.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the philosophy, principles, practices, and methods of archeology as they relate to acquiring and managing an archeological collection.

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and basic methods used in the care, cataloging, and preservation of archeological objects and specimens.

Knowledge of basic source materials for archeological research.

Ability to identify and classify archeological specimens.

Ability to perform simple archeological research.

Ability to plan and design the less complex phases of museum exhibits devoted to archeological subjects and to be familiar with audio-visual techniques.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private groups and individuals concerned with archeological matters.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of museum curatorial experience in the care and exhibiting or archeological collections and a bachelor's degree with major course work in Archeology or Anthropology.

                                                                                                                                          or

A master's degree in Archeology or Anthropology including or supplemented by either a museum studies course at the graduate level recognized by the American Association of Museums or a museum internship.

                                                                                                                                         or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training which would afford the applicant the Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.