Archaeology Curator

Salary : $74,193.60 - $100,006.40 Annually
Location : Orange County, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 3028SM-0324-405 (O)
Department: OC Community Resources
Opening Date: 03/13/2024
Closing Date: 4/3/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
CAREER DESCRIPTION
ARCHAEOLOGY CURATOR
SALARY INFORMATION
In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive salary range increases on the following dates:
Effective June 28, 2024 - 4.25% increase
Effective June 27, 2025 - 4.00% increase
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Curator vacancies within the County of Orange. The eligible list established may also be used to fill similar and lower level classifications throughout the County of Orange.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately, as the recruitment will close on
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 11:59 PM (PT).
THE COUNTY
The is a regional service provider and planning agency whose core businesses include public safety, public health, environmental protection, regional planning, public assistance, social services and aviation.
OC COMMUNITY RESOURCES (OCCR)
is a multi-faceted department comprised of OC Animal Care, OC Community Services, OC Housing & Homeless Services, OC Parks, and OC Public Libraries.
OC PARKS
encompasses regional, wilderness and historical facilities, as well as coastal areas throughout the County of Orange in California. Featuring 60,000 acres of parkland, open space and shoreline, Orange County's award-winning parks and programs are enjoyed by millions of residents and visitors each year, in ways as diverse as the parks themselves.
COOPER LABORATORY
The Cooper Laboratory is a curation and preparation facility for Orange County's artifacts and fossils. The lab is named after Dr. John D. Cooper, a professor emeritus of geological sciences at California State University, Fullerton, who was instrumental in creating this facility for the County of Orange Paleontological and Archaeological collections. An advocate for the collection since the early 1970s, he obtained a grant that established a curatorial framework in 1999 and volunteered his time after the funding ended until he passed away in September 2007. His legacy continues with ongoing work to curate and research the collections, as well as share their world-class riches with the people of Orange County.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Archaeology Curator is responsible for the day-to-day collection management activities associated with Orange County's archaeological collections. The archaeology collection includes artifacts and cultural materials dating from at least 7800 years ago up to the historic period 50 years ago. It includes metates, manos, mortars, pestles, shell beads, fish hooks, hammer stones, projectile points, scrapers, incised stone and pottery shards, as well as zooarchaeological specimens such as shell midden. These mark the sites of ancient villages, fishing areas, and milling activities associated with acorn and hard seed processing, in addition to stone tool manufacture.
The Archaeology Curator duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
Collections Management

• Manage the archaeology collection per the direction of the Archaeology/Paleontology Manager
• Implement best practices for preparation, curation, storage and handling of archaeology collections
• Ensure proper accessioning, loaning and deaccessioning of all artifacts
• Oversee the collections database
• Request equipment and materials needed for proper collections methods
• Recommend and implement changes to Collections Management plans
• Identify material culture from Southern California
• Ensure compliance with all aspects of NAGPRA, CalNAGPRA and all other Federal and State legislative requirements

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Identify stakeholders to promote and engage the collection
• Develop and maintain partnerships with Tribes and Indigenous communities
• Facilitate Tribal access to collections, and in consultation with Tribes, coordinate repatriation of ancestral and cultural remains and materials
• Build professional relationships with educational and university partners
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers and interns
• Deliver public programs to schools, civic organizations, and government agencies
• Facilitate research investigation requests from students, faculty, and partner organizations
• Advise OC Parks staff and volunteers on archaeological sites, resources, and collections throughout OC Parks facilities
• Identify sites and resources in OC Parks through pedestrian survey
• Service as Cultural READ for OC Parks fire management program

Contract Management

• Oversee County contracts with service providers
• Communicate deficiencies from service providers with procurement staff
• Assist facility manager in obtaining contracted services and/or materials
• Identify and request needed contracted services and assist with procurement process
• Plan and implement new contracted services

Program Development

• Work collaboratively to develop exhibits for interpretive centers and partner institutions
• Create educational materials and activities to share with both educators and the public
• Create and implement special events to promote archaeology collections
• Develop community science programs and lecture series
• Create programs designed for various audiences using multiple types of media

Administration and Supervision

• Write routine reports summarizing archaeology collection activities for the Archaeology/Paleontology Manager
• Assist with drafting and/or editing of policies and procedures
• Submit requests for annual budget
• Assist in preparation of grant and other funding proposals
• Supervise Archaeology Specialist and assign tasks
• Write employee reviews and provide regular feedback
• Document employee performance and work with HR when required
• Assist and participate in interview panels and hiring process
• Emphasize and instill open and collaborative communication within the operations group and the agency

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will possess a Master's degree or higher in Anthropology, Archaeology, History, Museum Studies or other related field.
In addition, the ideal candidate will have (5) five or more years of professional curation work experience in the field of archaeology, anthropology, resource management, public history, historical or cultural education, historic preservation and restoration, or interpretive program development in a related field.
Possessing a professional designation as a Registered Professional Archaeologist is highly desirable.
The ideal candidate's application will also demonstrate extensive experience, knowledge, and/or ability in the following core competencies:
Technical Expertise | Archaeological Collections Management

• Master's degree or higher in Anthropology, Archaeology, History, Museum Studies or other related field
• Working knowledge of Federal and State laws that affect Native American communities
• Knowledge of archaeological artifact/collection management and historic preservation concepts and guidelines
• Knowledge of equipment and materials needed for proper curation
• Understanding proper accessioning, loaning and deaccessioning of all artifacts
• Knowledge of collections database using information technology systems used in an office setting
• Best practices for preparation, curation, storage and handling of archaeology collections
• Work-in-progress status updates proactively and informs others when work is completed

Leadership & Supervision

• Utilizing a collaborative, team-oriented staff supervision approach
• Writing reports, documenting workplace issues and delivering employee evaluations
• Responding to park incidents or other emergency situations
• Professionally managing contractor and vendor relationships
• Anticipating problems, mitigating risk, and helping instill a culture of workplace safety
• Coordinating with stakeholders when problems or conflicts occur that might impact the timely completion of work

Oral & Written Communication

• Identifying and using effective communication channels and methods (e.g., presentations, electronic dissemination, social media) to work with and foster the growth of non-profit support organizations as well as managing active docent programs
• Utilizing skills in presenting information, analysis, ideas and positions in a clear, succinct, accurate, convincing manner, and appropriate for the audience
• Communicating effectively in order to coordinate activities/programs with other agencies, parks and staff members
• Engaging and communicating with people of all ages in recreational and educational environments

Research & Analysis

• Compiling documentation and analysis of archaeological artifacts and events to interpret for the public to develop and execute cultural education programs, in keeping with the vision, mission, and goals of OC Parks
• Analyzing and investigating up-to-date information from various sources and in various formats

Organization & Planning

• Coordinating with others in response to multiple, competing demands to ensure work is completed in a timely manner
• Maintaining a high level of energy and commitment to juggle multiple tasks and priorities, and using available resources to get more done with less; all without losing focus
• Setting high standards for quality work and responsiveness in providing administrative services
• Adjusting priorities to respond to pressing and changing demands

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Please click to view the minimum qualifications for Archaeology Curator.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and/or desirable qualifications. After screening, applicants who meet the minimum and/or desirable qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Structured Oral Interview | SOI (Weighted 100%)
Candidates will be interviewed and rated by an oral interview panel of job knowledge experts. Each candidate's rating will be based on responses to a series of questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on to the eligible list.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures above may be modified. Candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please see below for important information regarding COVID-19 related requirements.
Effective April 3, 2023, it is strongly recommended that County employees working in health care settings and correctional facilities follow vaccination and booster guidelines provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please click to see the latest guidance for more details.
EMAIL NOTIFICATION
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
Questions? For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Rula Dabit at 714-480-2884 or by email at
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer,
encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retir...