Job Description

Salary: $66,250.00 - $100,686.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CSSC-2025-26921-26410
Department: Historical & Museum Commission
Division: HM Env Rvw Div
Opening Date: 06/18/2025
Closing Date: 7/10/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 26410
Position Number: 00060947
Union: FOSCEP
Bargaining Unit: C5
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00300605
Bureau / Division: State Historic Preservation Office/Environmental Review Division
Worksite Address: 400 North Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17120
Contact Name: MegAnn Carey
Contact Email: mecarey@pa.gov


THE POSITION


The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) is looking for a versatile and experienced archaeologist to direct the Archaeology Curation section of the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office. As a Senior Curator, you will oversee a team of archaeologists who preserve more than 11.5 million artifacts and use them to help tell the story of more than 12,000 years of Pennsylvania history through changing exhibitions and public programs. You will have the opportunity to represent PHMC within the field of archaeology at the state and national level, developing new initiatives related to NAGPRA compliance, collections management, and public outreach. If you have a passion for Pennsylvania and archaeology, apply today!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK


As a Senior Curator of Archaeology within the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office, you will be responsible for supervising all programs and activities related to collecting artifacts and collection registration, documentation, cataloging, inventorying, and physical care in accordance with laws, regulations, and best practices. You will also lead compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The State Historic Preservation Office is responsible for the review of archaeological investigations conducted for state and federal projects, and you will lead the curation of collections resulting from these investigations and other sources. You will serve alongside other SHPO staff as a liaison to archaeological organizations and the public, responding to inquiries concerning archaeology. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with leadership and other senior curators to incorporate Pennsylvania archaeology within the exhibits and programs of the State Museum of Pennsylvania, part of the PHMC. You will also be responsible for developing research projects that may include limited seasonal fieldwork that result in exhibitions, publications, and/or public interpretation programs.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, one day per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year as a Museum Curator, Archeology 2 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration): or
• Two years of curatorial work in the field of archeology, and a master's degree in Archeology or Anthropology, including or supplemented by either a museum studies course at the graduate level recognized by the American Association of Museums or a museum internship; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which would afford the applicant the required knowledges, skills, and abilities.

Other Requirements:

• This particular position also requires 3 or more years of full-time professional experience in the field of Eastern United States archaeology.
• This particular position also requires six or more months of full-time professional experience working with collections that may be subject to Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
• is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

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*Eligibility rules apply.
01


Selective Certification: Do you possess three or more years of full-time professional experience in the field of Eastern United States archaeology?

• Yes
• No

02


If you indicated YES to the question above, please describe the details of the experience you possess. Please be sure to address the items listed below in your response. The claimed experience must also be provided within the experience section of your application. If you indicated NO to the question above, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The specific duties you performed related to your experience in the field of Eastern United States archaeology
3. Your level of responsibility

03


Selective Certification: Do you possess six or more months of full-time professional experience working with collections that may be subject to Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)?

• Yes
• No

04


If you indicated YES to the question above, please describe the details of the experience you possess. Please be sure to address the items listed below in your response. The claimed experience must also be provided within the experience section of your application. If you indicated NO to the question above, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The specific duties you performed related to your experience with collections that may be subject to Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)
3. Your level of responsibility

05


Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Museum Curator, Archaeology 2 for one or more years full-time?

• Yes
• No

06


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07


How many years of full-time curatorial work in the field of archeology do you possess?

• 3 years or more
• 2 to less than 3 years
• 1 to less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

08


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
09


How much graduate coursework have you completed in Archeology or Anthropology? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

• Conferred master's degree or higher
• 30 credits or more
• 15 but less than 30 credits
• Less than 15 credits
• None

10


Have you completed a museum studies course at the graduate level?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information. You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.

• Yes
• No

11


If you answered Yes, please provide the name of the graduate-level museum studies course you completed. If this does not apply, type N/A in the text box below.
12


Have you completed a museum internship?

• Yes
• No

13


If you answered Yes, please provide the name of the museum internship you completed and where it was located. If this does not apply, type N/A in the text box below.
14


You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our

• Yes

15



WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - COLLECTION MANAGEMENT
Manages and curates a collection of archaeological and ethnographic artifacts from the Eastern United States, collection related archival and library materials, archaeological sites, and historic buildings or landscapes. Authorizes The State Museum and the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) acceptance of collections resulting from studies mandated by the State Historic Preservation Office's review process for Cultural Resource Management projects (CRM) utilizing knowledge of Federal Curation policies, including the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Judges the appropriateness for accessioning into or deaccessioning from the collection and evaluates the interpretive value of proposed additions to the collection. Prepares recommendations to a collections committee. Photographs and reproduces collections. Identifies, classifies, catalogues, inventories, and documents collections and maintains a record-keeping system and field records for collections utilizing electronic data management tools. Arranges the loan of objects and determines their market value for insurance purposes and solicits the donation of objects. Determines the use of collections for public programming.


Levels of Performance


Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience managing a collection of archaeological artifacts from the Eastern United States.
• B. I have experience managing a collection of archaeological artifacts from outside of the Eastern United States.
• C. I have completed a six-month museum internship with emphasis on curatorial duties.
• D. I have successfully completed graduate-level courses related to museum studies, but have not had at least six months of experience performing this type of work.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

16


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The name of the employer where you completed a 6-month internship
3. The specific duties you performed related to collection management, including type of collection
4. Your level of responsibility

17


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

18



WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - COLLECTIONS CARE
Cares for the physical condition of a collection of artifacts, museum-related archival and library material, archaeological sites, and historic buildings or landscapes. This involves determining the proper preservation, housing, and storage of collections; participating in proper housing and storing of artifacts and museum-related archival/library material; participating in housekeeping/care of artifacts, archival/library material, and exhibitions; helping to determine the proper environmental, exhibition, and storage conditions of artifacts and archival/library material; participating in the proper handling, packing, and transportation of artifacts and archival/library material; recommending when conservation/restoration work is necessary; and assisting in making the necessary arrangements for such work.


Levels of Performance


Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience planning AND implementing collections care activities for a collection of artifacts, museum-related archival and library material, archaeological sites, or historic buildings or landscapes.
• B. I have experience planning OR implementing collections care activities for a collection of artifacts, museum-related archival and library material, archaeological sites, or historic buildings or landscapes.
• C. I have completed a six-month internship with emphasis on curatorial duties.
• D. I have successfully completed graduate-level courses related to museum studies, but have not had at least six months of experience performing this type of work.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

19


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The name of the employer where you completed a 6-month internship
3. The specific duties you performed related to collections care
4. Your level of responsibility

20


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

21



WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - EXHIBIT PLANNING AND DESIGN
Develops exhibit content, writes and edits scripts, and manages the planning, design, construction, installation and/or maintenance of interpretive exhibits. This involves determining an exhibit theme; conducting research and conferring with other staff, diverse stakeholders, and/or consultants to develop an exhibit story line, labels, and scripts or furnishing plan; and determining the best method of expression (e.g., lecture, digital media, video, etc.). Prepares an exhibit script which includes a detailed description of the objects, materials, and labels for use by the designers, preparators, conservators, and other professional/technical personnel; makes arrangements to obtain the required objects, materials, and personnel (e.g., designers, preparators, etc.); and provides guidance and assistance to personnel in the actual design, construction, installation, and/or maintenance of the exhibit.


Levels of Performance


Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience managing the planning, designing, construction, installation, and maintenance of interpretive exhibits. I have served as the lead in the exhibit planning and designing.
• B. I have experience as part of a team in the planning, designing, construction, installation, or maintenance of interpretive exhibits. I did NOT have overall responsibility for the exhibit planning and designing.
• C. I have completed a six-month museum internship with emphasis on exhibit planning and design.
• D. I have successfully completed graduate-level courses related to museum studies, but have not had at least six months of experience actually performing this type of work.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

22


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The name of the employer where you completed a 6-month internship
3. The specific duties you performed related to exhibit planning and designing
4. Your level of responsibility

23


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

24



WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - EDUCATIONAL AND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMMING
Develop, organize, and conduct educational and interpretive programs, training sessions, lectures, tours, and other outreach activities based on museum exhibits and collections for presentation to students, families, volunteers, or other members of the public. This includes conducting research on the exhibit and collections, developing educational materials, identifying and obtaining participants, and arranging for necessary equipment, space, facilities, and personnel.


Levels of Performance


Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience developing AND conducting educational and interpretive programs, training sessions, lectures, or tours based on museum exhibits and collections.
• B. I have experience developing OR conducting educational and interpretive programs, training sessions, lectures, or tours based on museum exhibits and collections.
• C. I have completed a six-month museum internship.
• D. I have successfully completed graduate-level courses related to museum studies, but have not had at least six months of experience performing this type of work.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

25


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The name of the employer where you completed a 6-month internship
3. The specific duties you performed related to educational and interpretive programming
4. Your level of responsibility

26


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

27



WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS
Develops and completes archaeological investigations and budget and excavation plans with approval by Senior leadership. Identify groups to include in the consultation process and supervise all phases of project development which includes site evaluation, excavation methods, and equipment requirements. Conduct archaeological investigations in a community setting allowing for local participation and promotion of The State Museum and the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC).


Levels of Performance


Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience developing AND completing archaeological investigations and related budget AND excavation plans.
• B. I have experience developing OR completing archaeological investigations and related budget OR excavation plans.
• C. I have successfully completed courses at an archaeological field school.
• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

28


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
2. The specific duties you performed related to archaeological investigations
3. Your level of responsibility

29


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to an archaeological field school, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

30



WORK BEHAVIOR 6 - RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION
Researches original and secondary source materials (such as private manuscripts, archival materials, reference books, and journals) or artifacts, history buildings or landscapes to develop exhibit content. Prepares newsletters, brochures, catalogs, furnishings and interpretive plans, bibliographies, grant applications, website content, professional documents, and correspondence such as books, journal articles and/or other materials. Compiles, organizes, and analyzes research information for dissemination to other field professionals and the public.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Part time, Work experience placement, Internship, Second job, Seasonal work, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Work from home, Flexible hours, 1 day per week, Monday to Friday,

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