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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 00060947 |
Description Activated On: 6/15/2026 2:51:54 PM |
Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. This is a supervisory position responsible for coordinating the Archaeology Curation Section of the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office of the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. It is a professional curatorial position within the Environmental Review Division. This section is responsible for collecting, caring for, managing, and interpreting archaeology, and archaeological materials and information of Pennsylvania, in accordance with the PHMC’s mission; meeting legal responsibilities under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act; planning and implementation of archaeology education and outreach; and the integration of archaeological material into the exhibits at The State Museum of Pennsylvania. |
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Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor. Process/accession/maintain collections: Conducts and supervises programs or activities of collecting artifacts and collection registration, documentation, cataloging, inventorying, physical care, and grant preparation, for all archaeological materials and research data generated by the PHMC, found at PHMC-administered properties or accepted for inclusion in the PHMC’s collections or files in accordance with agency policies. Authorizes acceptance by the PHMC of collections resulting from studies undertaken as part of the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office’s environmental review process and other sources in accordance with relevant guidelines and procedures. Applies thorough knowledge of and experience in professional collections management. Continues to organize the collection physically and electronically to improve accessibility and bring the collection, storage, and documentation programs to high professional standards. Develops, maintains and improves the collection database. Prioritizes collection needs based upon agency priorities, professional research, and evaluation. Identifies, classifies and researches artifacts to make recommendations for acquisition and deaccession Develops and implements collection policies and procedures. Maintains and revises Archaeological Curation Guidelines on a regular schedule. Coordinates PHMC’s efforts to ensure compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), supporting both the ethical and legal responsibilities under NAGPRA and educational mission of the PHMC. Serves as the point of contact and coordinator for all PHMC NAGPRA responsibilities. Responsible for ensuring compliance with laws and regulations pertaining to the archaeology collections and collecting activities. Public Requests/ Research: Provides management of public inquiry requests concerning archaeology collections. Works with curation team to respond to inquiries concerning artifact identifications, archaeological collections, exhibits, field work, and related matters. Exhibit work/interpretation/public archaeology/public programming: Conducts consultation with appropriate indigenous partners to inform reinterpretation of The State Museum of Pennsylvania’s Indigenous collections and exhibits to ensure compliance with NAGPRA. Coordinates the integration of archaeological collections into the exhibits and educational programs of The State Museum of Pennsylvania. Oversees and administers the development of an annual program for archaeological research, and related laboratory research and analysis. Conducts, as possible, archaeological research on PHMC properties according to specifications and priorities established by the Executive Office and Bureau of Historic Sites and Museums. Develops effective working relationships with public and private groups and individuals concerned with PHMC’s archaeology collections while working to achieve the agency’s strategic priorities. Work includes close cooperation with staff of The State Museum and the Bureau of Historic Sites and Museums, particularly in the fulfillment of education and exhibition programs. Other: Maintains all files (physical and electronic), reports, library materials, and other research materials for all archaeological components of the PHMC's programs. Work includes directing and supervising curators, technicians, interns, volunteers, and contract staff. Assists State Historic Preservation Office with preparing and implementing a comprehensive statewide historic preservation plan as well as the preparation and implementation of a strategic plan for the PHMC. Participates in ongoing professional development related to environmental review and consultation, archaeology, and other best practices as appropriate. Develops an annual professional development plan in collaboration with State Historic Preservation Office leadership team and environmental review division staff. Assists the Division Manager with the development of an annual section work plan for staff responsibilities and initiatives to prioritize work. Assists Division Manager in determining staffing requirements and participates in the hiring process to recruit, interview, and select staff. Contributes to Pennsylvania and State Historic Preservation Office and PHMC publications such as the Blog of the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Office and Pennsylvania Heritage Magazine. The Archaeology Curator Supervisor/Senior Curator will perform related duties as assigned. The incumbent is responsible for being familiar with PHMC general safety rules and safety rules specific to this position; for working in a safe manner and following all PHMC safety rules; immediately reporting all workplace injuries or incidents to their supervisor and immediately correcting any safety hazards in the work area or report same to supervisor. Enforces all safety rules, procedures, and work practices and takes action to correct unsafe conditions in the workplace. |
Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature. Conducts consultation with appropriate tribal representatives to ensure continued compliance with NAGPRA. Develops recommendations on what objects to accession, loan, deaccession, for referral to other PHMC staff and the Executive Director. Decides how objects will be documented, including cataloguing and inventorying, within PHMC guidelines. Makes decisions on physical care of specific objects, including those on loan to other professional institutions which may require consultative services for care and development of interpretation. Prepares and reviews scripts and related materials for exhibiting objects, including working with internal and external teams to decide the content of exhibits. Maintains program schedules and deadlines. Oversees the work of staff, interns or volunteers in the section. |
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Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License Experience: Must meet National Park Service standards as an archaeologist as outlined in 36 CFR Part 61. Licenses, registrations, or certifications: 1. N/A 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. 5. 6. |
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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
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