THC - Collections Lab Manager (Curator III) 26-43 - Austin, TX

THC - Collections Lab Manager (Curator III Organization: TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION · Primary Location: Texas-AustinWork Locations: Tuscany Way 9013 Tuscany Way Austin 78754 · Job: Education, Training, and Library · Employee Status: Regular · Schedule: Full-timeStandard Hours Pe ...

Job description

THC - Collections Lab Manager (Curator III Organization: TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION

Primary Location: Texas-AustinWork Locations: Tuscany Way 9013 Tuscany Way Austin 78754

Job: Education, Training, and Library

Employee Status: Regular

Schedule: Full-timeStandard Hours Per Week: 40.00

Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time

State Job Code: 7470

Salary Admin Plan: B

Grade: 20

Salary (Pay Basis): 4, , Monthly)

Number of Openings: 1

Overtime Status: Exempt

Job Posting: Feb 20, 2026, 8:19:38 AM

Closing Date: Mar 6, 2026, 11:59:00 PM

Description

JOB OBJECTIVE: Under the direction of the Archeological Collections Manager, this position performs moderately complex curatorial and project management work focused on the processing and oversight of the archeological collections and related records for the 42 state historic sites managed by the Historic Sites Division (HSD) of the Texas Historical Commission (THC) at the Curation Facility for Artifact Research (CFAR). Work involves collaborating with the Archeological Collections Manager to accomplish the established goals for archeological collections, such as tracking object locations and conditions within the facility; maintaining the database and inventory of the archeological collections; assisting in training and supervising technicians, interns, students, and volunteers working with the archeological collections; and the cleaning, repackaging, storage, and inventorying of archeological collections. In addition to the Archeological Collections Manager, the Collections Lab Manager will work closely with the Chief Curator, the Curatorial Field Manager, the Regional Curators, and regional and site archeologists on projects, research, and issues involving archeological collections. This position works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Assisting in the oversight of laboratory operations at CFAR, including artifact intake, labeling, processing, cataloging, and storage to ensure quality control and compliance with agency procedures.

2. Supporting the supervision and appropriate training of volunteers and interns.

3. Maintaining registration, cataloging, and recordkeeping systems used to manage archeological collections, acquisitions, and exhibitions.

4. Responsible for accuracy, legibility, and completeness of all laboratory documentation, including records of artifacts, samples, and associated provenience data.

5. Conducting research related to collections, exhibits, and historic sites. Prepares materials for archeological publications, files, and records.

6. Photographing artifacts for inventory, database, exhibits, and publication purposes.

7. Coordinating and communicating with agency staff, contractors, researchers, and subject-matter experts, as needed, to ensure accurate and appropriate documentation.

8. Assisting with updating the laboratory, cataloging, and other process and procedure manuals.

9. Maintaining a clean and safe laboratory in accordance with applicable laws and safety standards.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS (The application must specifically state how each of the following qualifications are met):

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in Anthropology or History with a concentration in archeology or museum science or a closely related field;
• Minimum two years work experience in archeological curation of prehistoric and historic materials;
• Proficiency with Collections Management Software systems including Re: Discovery, Access, PastPerfect;
• Work experience coordinating the workflow of projects;
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure;
• Valid Texas driver's license, acceptable driving record, and ability to drive a state vehicle; and
• May travel up to 20% of the work period.

PREFER:

• Master's degree in Anthropology with a concentration in archeology, museum science, or closely related field; and
• Artifact conservation and stabilization experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge and demonstrable competence in the identification of cultural materials such as lithics, fauna, ceramics, glass, metal, and construction materials;
• Knowledge of professional museum practices as they relate to archeological artifact collections;
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of cultural resource management;
• Proficiency with cataloguing within computerized database applications;
• Knowledge of basic artifact conservation and stabilization experience;
• Effective verbal and written communication, human relations and organizational skills;
• Effective critical thinking skills;
• Skill in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers;
• Skill in operating a personal computer with word processing, database and spreadsheet software;
• Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and recommend effective solutions;
• Ability to process information in a logical manner and to assess validity;
• Ability to work in a setting requiring self-motivation/cooperative decision-making and to work effectively with diverse groups of people;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail;
• Ability to work in partnership with an outside organization;
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to adapt successfully and quickly to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner;
• Ability to plan, organize and work independently, as well as within a team environment;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, OR LICENSURE:

Must have or obtain a valid Driver's License and Defensive Driving Course to be able to operate state vehicles.

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Job may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed.

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE: All CAPPS Recruit job postings extend priority of service to veterans, a surviving spouse, orphan of a veteran who was killed while on active duty, spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on active duty, or spouse of a veteran with a disability if the spouse is the primary income for the household.

To receive Military Employment preference, a copy of the DD 214, NA Form 13038, VA Summary Benefits Letter, or a DD Form 1300 must be provided before an interview can be extended.

REMARKS (Application procedures, Special requirements): State of Texas application must be submitted through the CAPPS website. Only applicants interviewed will be notified of their selection or non-selection. Resumes will NOT be accepted in place of a completed application.

The Texas Historical Commission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information, or protected activity in recruitment, selection, appointment, training, promotion, retention, or any other personnel action or deny any benefits or participation in programs or activities which it sponsors.

Section of the Government Code requires males, ages 18 through 25, to provide proof of their Selective Service registration or of their exemption from the requirement as a condition of state employment.

As part of the employment process, THC will conduct a driving and criminal background check. Unsatisfactory information relevant to the position may disqualify the applicant from employment.

Disability access for testing and interview accommodations can be provided upon reasonable notice by contacting Human Resources at

THC participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at:

Veterans: Go to for assistance translating your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

For New Hires/Rehires: Health insurance is available the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER