The Wisconsin Historical Society, considered one of the nation's finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization.  The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS), founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories. At its core, WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history.  Click here for more information about WHS’ mission, vision, and core values.

WHS is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization because we truly believe this is the most effective way to attract, engage, and retain the best talent and the most meaningful way to support our mission.

Click here for more information about working for WHS.

Position Summary

This position performs professional archaeological duties and facilitates the operations of the Museum Archaeology Program (Program) laboratory. Under the supervision of the Program Director, the incumbent coordinates archaeological laboratory and collections management tasks; develops and implements policies, procedures, and protocols for archaeological laboratory processing, cataloging and curation; and monitors the curation of the archaeological collections and associated documentation.  This position oversees the management of archaeological collections from their recovery in the field, through processing, analysis and interpretation, until their final storage in the Society’s permanent collections.  This position directs lab staff, and participates in the recruitment, training and oversight of the permanent Assistant Archaeology Curator, LTE’s, and work-study students, student interns and volunteers.

The Laboratory Coordinator/Archaeology Curator assists in the development of archaeology project budgets; tracks laboratory expenditures; and prioritizes, schedules, and assigns work to lab staff to meet Program deadlines and objectives. This position manages the inventory, procurement, and distribution of laboratory supplies and equipment; monitors and implements safety related equipment with the Field Coordinator, concerns and policies for the Program; and participates in general Program planning and development.

The Laboratory Coordinator/Archaeology Curator conductsresearch on laboratory methods and techniques, collections care, treatment and management of archaeological collections, and the interpretation of archaeological topics to the general public.  Responsibilities include: preparation of manuals and reports on laboratory operations; development of data forms and information sheets; development of analysis and cataloging protocols; and coordination and management of accessioning, cataloguing, and the storage/curation of archaeological collections.  The Laboratory Coordinator/Archaeology Curator works with the Program Director, WHS Curators and LAMC Collection Manager to develop and implement collection management policies.  The Laboratory Coordinator/Archaeology Curator also assists in the research, design and installation of interpretive exhibits and displays; organization and development of the Program’s teaching materials and collections; and, participation in workshops and presentations that interpret archaeological research to the public.

The salary will be between $23.00 - $28.00 per hour ($47,840 - $58,240 annually) in accordance with the provisions of the current Compensation Plan. This position is in pay schedule 13, range 04.  The civil service classification is Archeologist.  A 12-month probationary period will be required. 

A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.

Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or former employees as a reinstatement) should complete the application process to apply.

WHS does not sponsor work visas.  Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.

This position works primarily in the office or doing field work. 

If you applied for this position from an announcement on February 12, 2024, you do not need to re-apply at this time. 

Please make sure to describe the following qualifications within your resume and/or letter of qualifications in order to be considered for this position.

Minimally qualified candidate will have experience in all of the following:

• Professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archeological research, museum studies, administration, or management.
• General knowledge of current curation standards and best practices of archaeological collections management.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively perform, museum collection, curation, and cataloguing practices and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to perform basic museum registration tasks

In addition to minimum qualifications, a well-qualified candidate will additionally have experience in one of the following areas:

• Meets Secretary of Interior Standards for Archaeology

1. At least one year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archeological research, museum studies, administration, or management.
2. At least four months of supervised field and analytic experience in  

general North American archeology, and

1. Demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.

• Extensive knowledge of archaeological collections in general, and the Upper Great Lakes in particular.
• Extensive knowledge of Museum collection practices and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of current curation standards and best practices of archaeological collections management.

How To Apply

Apply online via WiscJobs HERE. To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don’t have an account. Once you are logged in, click “Apply for Job.” Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.

Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here for resume and letter of qualifications instructions..

Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.

WHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.

Applications are due at 11:59PM on May 1, 2024.