Senior Curator

Title: Senior Curator

State Role Title: Historian/Archaeologist and Preservationist III

Hiring Range: 60,000-70,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept of Historic Resources

Location: Dept of Historic Resources

Agency Website: www.dhr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

DHR is seeking a self-motivated professional to manage its archaeological collections for maximum long-term care and
accessibility for research, interpretation, public education, and exhibit. The position offers a career opportunity for an
individual with exceptional research, organizational, and analytical skills to oversee a comprehensive statewide program. Duties: to oversee collections care and management; to participate in the planning and implementation of NAGPRA compliance requirements; to lead the development and implementation of relevant policies and procedures; to coordinate conservation and exhibit development and execution; to develop and implement education and outreach programs in a variety of media to enhance all related agency objectives; to partner with various organizations and groups on joint edu-cational programs; to track loans, ownership, and locations of collections; to organize workshops; to make presentations and participate on committees; to manage, mentor and inspire staff, interns and volunteers; and to achieve the goals of the division and the agency. Additional duties may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards in Archaeology through an advanced degree in archaeology, anthropology, history, or related science.

Comprehensive knowledge of and experience in collections management and curation, museum procedures and information management systems. Knowledge of and experience with NAGPRA compliance requirements and implementation. Knowledge of archaeological excavation, research, and curation practices. Knowledge of federal and state standards and other professional best practices pertaining to general collections care and management and conservation. Knowledge of archaeology of Virginia and/or the Middle Atlantic region. Knowledge of archaeological research, excavation, laboratory analysis, conservation, museum procedures, and information management systems with emphasis on electronic management of data; knowledge of pre-Contact and historic period artifacts; background in curation management, philosophy, and practices related to collection care, conservation, and curation; and knowledge of applicable state and federal laws, regulations and guidelines as well as knowledge of curation best practices. Demonstrated experience in museum practices, archaeological research, collections and laboratory management; general historic preservation concepts and programs and the ability to relate archaeology and cultural resource management to the agency’s larger historic preservation mission; and general museum education and exhibit program and design and the ability to develop and carry out archaeology and preservation-based environmental education programs. Demonstrated experience in applying effective computer applications in collections management and research; communicating effectively both orally and in writing: conducting training, preparing technical reports, making presentations, etc.; preparing budget and grant proposals; coordinating multiple tasks and work well with scholars, museum professionals, volunteers, interns, and members of the public. Progressive professional experience managing related program areas and supervising professional staff. Familiarity and experience with general historic preservation concepts and programs and the ability to relate archaeology and cultural resource management to the agency’s larger historic preservation mission; and general museum education and exhibit program and design and the ability to develop and carry out archaeology and preservation-based environmental education programs Strong organizational planning, problem-solving, and collaboration skills are a must. Strong writing and communications skills, and the ability to work effectively with other organizations and diverse audiences. Proficiency utilizing Microsoft Office. Progressive professional experience managing related program areas (collections, conservation, information management). The selected candidate will be required to complete a criminal background check as a condition of employment. Limited teleworking may be possible; approval is at the discretion of the supervisor only after the employee has successfully worked for the agency of a time no less than 6 months. A valid driver license is required.

Additional Considerations

EOE Women, Minorities, Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants in order to provide access to the application and/or interview process.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

To be considered for this position a completed state application must be received through the on-line employment system at http://jobs.virginia.gov/.

Contact Information

Name: Heather Smolka

Phone: 804-482-6447

Email: Heather.Smolka@dhr.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.