Artifacts Manager in Nevada Career Overview

As an Artifacts Manager, you play an essential role in preserving and protecting historical and cultural items within museums, archives, or other institutions. Your primary responsibility focuses on the care of artifacts, ensuring their longevity and accessibility for future generations. The following points outline the significance of your role within the industry:

  • Preservation: You are tasked with maintaining the physical integrity of artifacts, employing various techniques to prevent deterioration caused by environmental factors or handling.

  • Cataloging: You oversee the documentation and organization of artifact collections, allowing for efficient retrieval and research. This includes maintaining detailed records that track the provenance, condition, and conservation efforts of each item.

  • Exhibition Preparation: Collaborating with curators and exhibit designers, you ensure that artifacts are exhibited in a manner that highlights their historical importance while also protecting them from potential harm.

  • Research and Education: You engage in research to deepen the understanding of artifacts’ historical contexts. Additionally, you may conduct workshops or talks to educate the public and promote awareness regarding the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

  • Collaboration: You work alongside conservators, researchers, and other museum staff to implement best practices for artifact management. This collaboration is vital for fostering a holistic approach to cultural preservation.

  • Curation Support: In your role, you may assist in selecting items for exhibitions, contributing to the narrative that showcases the significance of the collection to the community and visitors.

Through your efforts, you contribute to the broader mission of cultural institutions, making artifacts accessible for educational purposes while ensuring their safeguarding for the future. Your work in this career is not only about managing objects but also about connecting people with their history and cultural identity.

Artifacts Manager Salary in Nevada

Annual Median: $63,650
Hourly Median: $30.6

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become an Artifacts Manager in Nevada

To pursue a career as an Artifacts Manager, you will typically need to acquire relevant education and training in specialized fields. Here are the key degree programs that can prepare you for this role:

  • Archaeology: A degree in archaeology provides you with foundational knowledge in the study of human history through excavation and analysis of artifacts. This program typically covers topics such as fieldwork methods, survey techniques, and cultural resource management.

  • Archives and Archival Administration: This degree focuses on the management and preservation of historical documents and records. You will learn the principles and techniques of archival theory, data management, and the ethical considerations involved in preserving archival materials.

  • Historic Preservation and Conservation: Pursuing this degree will equip you with skills in preserving and protecting historical sites and artifacts. You will gain insight into restoration techniques, historical research methods, and the legal frameworks governing preservation.

  • Museum Studies: A degree in museum studies encompasses various aspects of museum management, curation, and education. This program typically includes coursework in collection management, exhibition design, and visitor engagement strategies.

In addition to obtaining a relevant degree, it is beneficial to seek internships or volunteer opportunities in museums, archives, or archaeological sites to gain practical experience in the field.

Best Schools to become a Artifacts Manager in Nevada 2024

#1Baltimore City

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

In-State Tuition:$60,480
Out-of-State Tuition:$60,480
Admission Rate:7%
Graduation Rate:94%
Total Enrollment:31,275
#2Suffolk County

Simmons University

Boston, MA

In-State Tuition:$43,060
Out-of-State Tuition:$43,060
Admission Rate:76%
Graduation Rate:74%
Total Enrollment:5,710
#3Middlesex County

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

In-State Tuition:$52,659
Out-of-State Tuition:$52,659
Admission Rate:3%
Graduation Rate:98%
Total Enrollment:30,631
#4East Baton Rouge Parish

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Baton Rouge, LA

In-State Tuition:$8,038
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,038
Admission Rate:76%
Graduation Rate:70%
Total Enrollment:37,348
#5District of Columbia

George Washington University

Washington, DC

In-State Tuition:$60,856
Out-of-State Tuition:$60,856
Admission Rate:49%
Graduation Rate:85%
Total Enrollment:25,939
#6New York County

CUNY Graduate School and University Center

New York, NY

In-State Tuition:$6,930
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,880
Admission Rate:24%
Graduation Rate:N/A
Total Enrollment:8,733
Artifacts Manager Job Description:
  • Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions.
  • May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

Artifacts Manager Required Skills and Competencies in Nevada

  • Attention to Detail: You must be able to meticulously examine artifacts, ensuring accurate documentation and preservation.

  • Organizational Skills: Effective management of collections requires strong organizational abilities to categorize, store, and track various items systematically.

  • Research Skills: You will need to engage in thorough research to understand the historical context and significance of artifacts, which aids in proper cataloging and interpretation.

  • Communication Skills: Clear communication is essential for collaborating with colleagues, educating the public, and delivering presentations about artifacts and their importance.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with preservation techniques and materials is important, as well as proficiency in using databases and software for collection management.

  • Critical Thinking: You should possess the ability to assess artifacts critically, determining their condition, authenticity, and historical relevance.

  • Project Management: You need to manage multiple projects, including exhibitions and restoration efforts, requiring effective planning and time management skills.

  • Physical Stamina: The role may require physical activity, including lifting and moving artifacts, as well as standing for extended periods during exhibitions and assessments.

  • Collaboration: Working as part of a team with curators, historians, and conservationists is vital; being able to collaborate effectively enhances exhibition quality and team productivity.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: You will encounter challenges related to artifact maintenance, requiring innovative solutions to ensure preservation and display integrity.

  • Cultural Sensitivity: An understanding of diverse cultures and their artifacts is essential to respectfully and accurately manage collections.

  • Adaptability: The ability to adjust to various tasks and changing situations, such as new exhibitions or technology, will enhance your effectiveness in this role.

Job Duties for Artifacts Managers

  • Develop and maintain an institution's registration, cataloging, and basic record-keeping systems, using computer databases.

  • Plan and conduct special research projects in area of interest or expertise.

  • Plan and organize the acquisition, storage, and exhibition of collections and related materials, including the selection of exhibition themes and designs, and develop or install exhibit materials.

Technologies and Skills Used by Artifacts Managers

Data base user interface and query software

  • Database software
  • Microsoft Access

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Reading work related information
  • Talking to others

People and Technology Systems

  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Artifacts Manager in Nevada

The job market for Artifacts Managers in Nevada is influenced by several factors, including the state’s rich cultural heritage, increasing interest in historical preservation, and the growing number of museums and cultural institutions.

  • Demand: There is a steady demand for Artifacts Managers as institutions such as museums, historical societies, and universities focus on preserving and managing their collections. The rise in public interest in art, history, and cultural artifacts contributes to this demand.

  • Growth Potential: The growth potential in this field is promising, particularly as more institutions are recognizing the importance of proper artifacts management. There is an increasing trend toward digitizing collections, which creates additional opportunities for professionals skilled in digital archiving and preservation techniques.

  • Geographical Hotspots:

    • Las Vegas: As a major metropolitan area, Las Vegas boasts several museums, galleries, and institutions focusing on the arts and history, such as the Neon Museum and the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. These venues are frequently in search of knowledgeable and experienced Artifacts Managers.
    • Reno: Reno is home to a variety of cultural institutions, including the Nevada Museum of Art, which often requires expertise in managing and showcasing collections. This city also offers opportunities within the state’s historical societies and educational organizations.
    • Carson City: As the state capital, Carson City has historical sites and museums that attract visitors and require ongoing management of artifacts and collections. Employment in this area often ties in with state-sponsored initiatives and historical preservation projects.

Networking within professional organizations and attending industry-specific events can provide beneficial connections and updates on job openings. As the demand for skilled professionals in artifacts management continues to grow, you can find various opportunities across Nevada's cultural landscape.

Top Related Careers to Artifacts Manager 2024

Exhibition Coordinator
Museum Education Specialist
Heritage Curator
Cultural Resources Director

Additional Resources To Help You Become an Artifacts Manager in Nevada

  • American Alliance of Museums (AAM)

    • This organization provides resources on museum best practices, professional development, and advocacy. It offers networking opportunities and information on national standards.
    • Website: American Alliance of Museums

  • Society of American Archivists (SAA)

    • SAA offers resources for archivists, including guidelines for preservation, professional development, and access to a comprehensive set of publications and helpful tools.
    • Website: Society of American Archivists

  • American Association for State and Local History (AASLH)

    • AASLH focuses on the practice of history in museums and historical organizations. The site provides resources including education, advocacy, and workshops relevant to artifact management.
    • Website: American Association for State and Local History

  • National Park Service Museum Management Program

  • Western Museums Association (WMA)

    • WMA connects museums and professionals in the Western U.S. It offers conferences, workshops, and publications that can enhance your skills as an artifacts manager.
    • Website: Western Museums Association

  • National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)

    • NEH provides funding opportunities and resources for projects related to the humanities, including the preservation and management of cultural artifacts.
    • Website: National Endowment for the Humanities

  • Museum Computer Network (MCN)

    • MCN focuses on the intersection of technology and museums. It offers networking opportunities, conferences, and resources related to digital asset management.
    • Website: Museum Computer Network

  • Preservation & Conservation Wiki (WIKI)

    • Managed by the American Institute for Conservation, this wiki serves as a growing resource for preservation practices and concepts relevant to artifacts management.
    • Website: Preservation & Conservation Wiki

  • U.S. Department of Education - Preservation and Access Education and Training Grants

    • Grants available to support the preservation of, and access to, library and archival collections. The funding can help in training and education related to artifacts management.
    • Website: Department of Education

  • Nevada Museums Association (NMA)

    • NMA serves as a resource for museum professionals in Nevada. It offers access to local events, professional development opportunities, and information relevant to the state's museum sector.
    • Website: Nevada Museums Association

Utilize these resources to strengthen your knowledge and skills as an artifacts manager, and stay informed about best practices in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Artifacts Manager in Nevada

  • What are the main responsibilities of an artifacts manager?
    An artifacts manager is responsible for overseeing the acquisition, preservation, and cataloging of artifacts in a museum, historical site, or cultural institution. Key duties include managing collections, ensuring proper storage and display conditions, conducting research on artifacts, and collaborating with other staff and stakeholders to enhance educational programs.

  • What qualifications do I need to become an artifacts manager?
    Most artifacts managers hold at least a bachelor's degree in fields such as archaeology, history, museum studies, or a related discipline. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or relevant work experience, along with strong research, organization, and communication skills.

  • Is certification necessary for an artifacts manager?
    Certification is not always mandatory, but obtaining credentials from professional organizations, such as the American Association of Museums or the Society of American Archivists, can enhance your qualifications and job prospects.

  • What skills are essential for an artifacts manager?
    Essential skills include attention to detail, strong organizational and project management abilities, proficiency in inventory management systems, knowledge of preservation techniques, communication skills for engaging with colleagues and the public, and research skills to interpret and contextualize artifacts.

  • What is the job outlook for artifacts managers in Nevada?
    The job outlook for artifacts managers can vary based on funding for cultural institutions and the local economy. You may find opportunities in museums, historical societies, and educational institutions. It's advisable to keep an eye on local trends and potential job openings.

  • What type of work environment can I expect as an artifacts manager?
    Artifacts managers typically work in museums, archives, or historical sites. The work environment may include time spent in climate-controlled facilities for preservation, cataloging in offices, and engaging with the public during exhibitions and events.

  • How can I gain experience in this field?
    Gaining experience can be achieved through internships, volunteering at local museums or historical organizations, participating in fieldwork, or working in related roles such as collections technician or archivist to build relevant skills and industry connections.

  • What career advancement opportunities are available for artifacts managers?
    Advancement opportunities may include moving into senior management roles, such as director of collections or museum director. Continued education and building a strong professional network can support your career growth within the field.

  • Are there professional organizations I can join?
    Yes, joining professional organizations such as the American Alliance of Museums, the Society of American Archivists, or the Association of Registrars and Collections Specialists can provide networking opportunities, resources, and continuing education.

  • What is the salary range for artifacts managers in Nevada?
    Salary can vary widely based on factors such as experience, education, and the size of the institution. In Nevada, the salary range for artifacts managers typically falls between $45,000 to $80,000 annually, with potential for higher earnings in larger organizations or specialized roles.