NAGPRA Project Associate

Company: University Of Michigan
Location: Ann Arbor
Posted on: March 18, 2023

Job Description:

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be included as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. Summary The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act ( NAGPRA - https://nagpra.umich.edu ) is a U.S. federal law that mandates the transfer of human remains and associated funerary objects, unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony to lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawai'ian organizations who have requested them and who have the legal right to them. The University of Michigan is committed to meeting both the letter and the spirit of the law and is hiring additional staff to be a part of fulfilling this mission. The new staff member will join a team that has been working directly with Tribal and Museum experts and serve a role that works with the University's museums and similar collections-holding units to identify Native American holdings and work with the museums/units and the University's NAGPRA team to make preliminary assessments. NAGPRA involves an ability to work on matters that not only concern legal compliance, but also blend best museum practices with the cultural practices of Tribes. This requires care, respectfulness, and an attention to detail. The University is committed, through its work on NAGPRA, to developing positive and long-lasting relationships between the University and its Tribal partners. This position will report to the NAGPRA Project Manager and will assist U-M's NAGPRA Project Office in advancing the university's commitment to this work. Responsibilities*

• Work with University museums and similar collections-holding units to review Accession, Catalog, and other recorded and researched information related to the background and acquisition of collections.
• Conduct library and archival research, synthesize information, and prepare summaries of evidence or information into files or brief reports.
• Review and summarize background information and research (i.e., documents archaeological/anthropological/historical/ethnographic information, databases, spreadsheets, etc.).
• Work with the University's NAGPRA team to preliminarily assess the potential classification of holdings under NAGPRA its supporting regulations, as well as help identify kin or relevant Tribe(s) to consult. Required Qualifications*
  • Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology/Archaeology, History, Native American Studies, or a related field.
  • Strong writing, communication, and organization skills with an ability to write about/discuss sensitive topics with care and respectfulness.
  • Proficient in working in an office environment requiring such skills as drafting/editing written communications and spreadsheets, copying, scanning, setting up teleconferences, etc.
  • Strong organizational skills that include attention to detail, the ability to assess competing priorities and to multitask.
  • Ability to work both independently and as a strong team contributor.
  • Ability and willingness to travel across U-M campuses and units. Desired Qualifications*
    • Master's Degree or PhD in Anthropology/Archaeology, History, Native American Studies, or a related field.
    • Experience with Osteological Analysis is desirable, or training will be provided as part of the onboarding process.
    • A general knowledge of Native American material culture and artifacts.
    • Experience working on matters of cultural and historic preservation among Native American Tribes and Communities. U-M EEO/AA Statement The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. COVID-19 vaccinations, including one booster when eligible , are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine. This includes those working remotely and temporary workers. More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.

Keywords: University Of Michigan, Ann Arbor , NAGPRA Project Associate, Other , Ann Arbor, Michigan