Plimoth Patuxet Museums is a living history museum that brings the history and cultures of 17th-century New England to life through engaging, experiential indoor and outdoor exhibits, programs, and events. Our sites include the main campus, Mayflower II on Plymouth's waterfront, and the Plimoth Grist Mill. Founded in 1947, the Museum welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and explores the complex and interwoven histories of English and Wampanoag peoples. We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace where employees can contribute their skills, ideas, and perspectives to our mission. Position Summary Plimoth Patuxet Museums is seeking a Collections Assistant to support an exciting grant-funded project focused on the digitization and increased public accessibility of two legacy 17th-century archaeological collections from the John and Joseph Howland Sites. Working as part of the Curatorial and Library team, the Collections Assistant will play an important role in researching, cataloging, photographing, rehousing, and digitizing archaeological materials and associated archival records. The position will also contribute to public-facing exhibits and programs and help make these collections more accessible to researchers, educators, and the public. This is an excellent opportunity for an archaeologist or collections professional interested in 17th-century Colonial and Indigenous material culture, archaeological collections management, museum databases, and public interpretation. What You'll Do As Collections Assistant, you will: Inventory, catalog, photograph, and rehouse archaeological materials from the John and Joseph Howland Sites. Research and interpret archaeological materials and associated historical records. Standardize and update artifact records in the Museum's PastPerfect Web Edition collections database. Lead data cleanup and quality-control efforts in preparation for online publication. Scan, organize, and digitize archival materials, including field notes, photographs, slides, site plans, reports, and other excavation records. Process object photographs and images for publication and online access. Develop finding aids, collection summaries, curatorial histories, and internal and external collection guides. Assist with the development of a public-facing online exhibit focused on the Howland Sites. Help make archaeological collections and research accessible through the Museum's public collections database. Participate in guest-facing programs, events, and educational activities related to the Museum's archaeological collections. Provide day-to-day collections support to Curatorial and Library staff. Work independently on assigned project goals while collaborating with colleagues across the Museum. What We're Looking For The ideal candidate will bring a combination of archaeological knowledge, strong organizational skills, and an interest in making museum collections accessible to the public.

Required qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in archaeology, anthropology, Native American Studies, museum studies, or a related field. Knowledge of Indigenous and Colonial material culture from New England. Familiarity with archaeological cataloging methods and collections management practices. Strong organizational and project-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet project deadlines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and take initiative while also contributing effectively as part of a team. Professional and comfortable interacting with colleagues, museum visitors, researchers, and other stakeholders.

Preferred qualifications:

Master's degree in archaeology, anthropology, museum studies, Native American Studies, or a related field. Experience working with archaeological or museum collections. Experience with PastPerfect or another collections management database. Experience with digitization, archival research, photography, or developing public-facing museum content. Physical Requirements This position is primarily office and collections-based. The employee must be able to: Sit or stand for extended periods. Work with computers and standard office equipment. Lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Occasionally work outdoors at the Museum's historical sites. Some work may take place in living-history environments where employees may encounter animals, dust, and smoke from hearth fires. Schedule & Availability The Museum is open seven days a week during our primary operating season, generally March/April through November.

Typical hours are:

Open Season:

9:00 AM-5:00 PM, five days per week

Off Season:

9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday-Friday Flexibility in work hours and days off is required. Some evening, weekend, and holiday work may be necessary based on Museum programming and operational needs. Employees in this position must be available to work some holidays, including Thanksgiving Day. Why Work at Plimoth Patuxet? At Plimoth Patuxet, your work directly supports our mission to educate and engage the public through history, archaeology, research, and living history. Our employees are part of a collaborative community committed to: Safety and Comfort Compassionate Customer Engagement Professional Excellence Personal Accountability Advancing a Culture of Philanthropy Teamwork Equal Opportunity Employer Plimoth Patuxet Museums is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter through Indeed. Candidates are encouraged to highlight relevant experience with archaeological collections, 17th-century Colonial or Indigenous material culture, cataloging, digitization, research, and/or museum collections management. This position is full-time, year-round, non-exempt, and grant-funded through August 31, 2028.

Pay:

$23.00 - $25.00 per hour Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Benefits:

403(b) AD&D insurance Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Health insurance Paid sick time Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person