Senior Scientific Specialist, Archaeological Collections
Illinois State Archaeological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) is part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. For 80 years, the University of Illinois has studied the state’s archaeological heritage. ISAS incorporates that knowledge in its programs to protect, preserve, and interpret these irreplaceable and non-renewable resources within the context of Illinois’ need to encourage and promote sustainable development. Learn more at https://prairie.illinois.edu/about/careers/.
ISAS is seeking to hire a Senior Scientific Specialist, Archaeological Collections who will be responsible for the management, inventory, documentation, and care of grant-funded archeological collections curated with the Illinois State Archaeological Survey.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Curation/Administrative
- Collaborate with the Section Head and senior curation staff to plan and implement major collections projects that include inventory, rehabilitation, reorganization, and improving accessibility.
- Assist in developing policies/procedures to effectively complete the above.
- Assist in managing collections data in a relational database format to ensure quality and to improve the accessibility and care of funded collections in ISAS care.
- Supervise and lead staff to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels. This includes task assignment, scheduling, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback, career development planning, lease/travel approval, as well as conducting annual performance reviews.
- Complete physical and digital inventory, rehabilitation, and reorganization of ISAS managed collections.
- Address the physical needs of collection spaces.
Research – Data Analysis and Report Writing
- Produce regular progress reports on active projects in tabular and written format to the Section Head of Curation.
- Conduct research in aid of inventory and rehabilitation projects and author concise reports on collections histories, problems, and resolutions.
Other
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
- Perform other related duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI and the University of Illinois.
Position Requirements and Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
Required: BA/BS in Anthropology with a focus on Archaeology or a closely related field. Minimum of two years’ professional experience working in a scientific collections setting. Minimum of two years experience working with archaeological collections. Familiarity with Federal historic preservation, burial laws, and regulations. Experience working with relational database systems. Minimum of one year experience supervising lower-level staff. A valid driver's license and insurance.
Preferred: MA in Anthropology with a focus on Archaeology or a closely related field. One or more years’ experience working with archaeological collections of the Midwestern U.S. Familiarity with state of Illinois historic preservation, burial laws, and regulations. Registered Professional Archaeologist
Knowledge Requirements:
Proficiency with word processing, database, and graphic software. Advanced understanding of archival systems and conservation concerns with archaeological materials. Effective communication, writing, interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively and complete projects and reports in a timely manner in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills.
vironmental Demands:
Work is conducted in office and warehouse settings. Some work may include heat, humidity, and heavy (up to 30 lbs) lifting.
Appointment Information:
This is a full-time academic professional appointment. The budgeted amount for this position is $50,000 to $55,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position.
Benefits: The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits, including paid leave https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave and holidays https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/holidays
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 p.m. (CST) Friday, February 28, 2025. To apply: please visit https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/13169?c=illinois and select the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the page. Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional (not personal) references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For further information about this specific position, please contact Jill Billerman at jrandell@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, including technical issues, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.