How to Be Cultural Resource Administrator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Cultural resource administrators play a vital role in ensuring the protection of important cultural and historical sites. By creating and implementing policies to protect sites from destruction or modification, they help to preserve the stories and legacies of our past. Additionally, they work to ensure that new construction and development projects do not have a negative impact on existing sites. As a result, cultural resource administrators help to ensure the ongoing preservation and appreciation of our shared cultural heritage and its connection to our collective identity.

Steps How to Become

  1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. Many Cultural Resource Administrators have a Bachelor’s degree in a field related to Cultural Resources such as Anthropology, History, or Art History.
  2. Acquire Experience. Relevant experience in the field of Cultural Resources is essential for becoming a Cultural Resource Administrator. Consider internships, volunteer work, and other opportunities to gain experience.
  3. Get Certified. Depending on the organization for which you are applying, you may need to become a Certified Cultural Resource Administrator. Certification is available from the Society for American Archaeology.
  4. Find a Job. There are various job postings online for Cultural Resource Administrators. Check out websites such as Indeed, Craigslist, and Monster to find postings in your area.
  5. Continue Education. It is important to stay up-to-date on current trends and technologies related to Cultural Resources. Consider taking continuing education courses or attending conferences to stay informed.

The need for skilled and capable Cultural Resource Administrators is growing in the United States. The increasing demand for Cultural Resource Administrators is due to the recognition of the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage and its impact on economic, social, and political aspects of society. As a result, organizations are now looking for individuals who have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to help manage cultural resources effectively and efficiently.

To become a Cultural Resource Administrator, one must have a strong understanding of history, anthropology, archaeology, and other related disciplines, as well as possess strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. an individual must be able to demonstrate their ability to collaborate with other professionals, lead projects, and handle budgets. With these qualifications, a Cultural Resource Administrator can help ensure that cultural resources are managed responsibly and are available for future generations.

You may want to check Heritage Manager, Historical Preservation Consultant, and Archival Technician for alternative.

Job Description

  1. Develop and design cultural resource protection plans.
  2. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of cultural resource programs and activities.
  3. Provide cultural resource management expertise to other departments, agencies and organizations.
  4. Develop and implement strategies to protect and preserve cultural resources.
  5. Manage cultural resource inventories and databases.
  6. Prepare reports and other documentation related to the preservation of cultural resources.
  7. Advise on the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and regulations related to the preservation of cultural resources.
  8. Facilitate communication between stakeholders to ensure cultural resources are protected.
  9. Monitor impacts from natural and man-made threats to cultural resources.
  10. Coordinate with external organizations, agencies, and individuals involved in the preservation of cultural resources.

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Knowledge of cultural resource management laws, regulations, and standards.
  2. Understanding of cultural resource management best practices.
  3. Ability to interpret and analyze cultural resource management data.
  4. Familiarity with relevant historic preservation statutes, regulations, and guidelines.
  5. Knowledge of methods used to identify, evaluate, and protect historic and cultural resources.
  6. Ability to develop strategies to protect, preserve, and interpret cultural resources.
  7. Ability to develop and manage budgets related to cultural resource management projects.
  8. Experience in grant writing and seeking financial support for cultural resource management projects.
  9. Proficiency in the use of digital technologies relevant to cultural resource management.
  10. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  11. Ability to work collaboratively with other professionals in the field.
  12. Ability to prepare reports and documents related to cultural resource management project outcomes.

Having a strong background in cultural resource administration is essential in today's society. This job requires strong organizational skills, communication and interpersonal skills, as well as research, policy analysis, and management skills. Without these skills, a cultural resource administrator will not be able to effectively manage and coordinate programs, activities, and resources.

Furthermore, they must have a good understanding of cultural and historical resources and be able to interpret those resources for the public. Cultural resource administrators must also be able to collaborate with stakeholders such as local governments, community organizations, and other cultural groups. They must be able to effectively negotiate and mediate disputes between stakeholders.

Finally, they must have a strong understanding of both legal and technical requirements related to cultural resource management. Without these essential skills, it would be impossible for cultural resource administrators to effectively manage resources for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Historic Preservation Planner, History Professor, and Museum Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

  • What experience do you have working with cultural resources?
  • How would you ensure the preservation of cultural resources?
  • What strategies have you used to educate the public about cultural heritage?
  • How do you prioritize tasks when managing a cultural resource administration project?
  • What challenges have you faced in your past cultural resource administration roles?
  • How do you stay up-to-date with changes in legislation related to cultural resources?
  • How do you ensure that all stakeholders are heard and respected when administering cultural resources?
  • What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful cultural resource administrator?
  • How would you develop a successful plan for the conservation and management of a particular cultural resource?
  • What methods do you use to ensure the accuracy of cultural resource data?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. GIS Mapping Software. A software program used to create interactive maps and visualize geographic data. (Example: ArcGIS)
  2. Database Management Systems. A software used to store, manage, and query data. (Example: Microsoft Access)
  3. Document Management Systems. A software used to store, organize, and share documents. (Example: SharePoint)
  4. Project Management Software. A software used to plan, schedule, and track projects and tasks. (Example: Asana)
  5. Online Survey Tools. A software used to create surveys to collect data from respondents. (Example: SurveyMonkey)
  6. Image Editing Software. A software used to modify and enhance digital images. (Example: Photoshop)
  7. Cultural Resource Management Software. A software used to document, manage, and analyze cultural resources. (Example: Reconnaissance)
  8. Research & Writing Tools. A software used to help with research, writing, and editing tasks. (Example: Grammarly)

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. Society for American Archaeology (SAA)
  2. National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (NATHPO)
  3. Association of State and Interstate Water Management (ASIWMA)
  4. National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP)
  5. American Cultural Resources Association (ACRA)
  6. Association of Professional Archaeologists (APA)
  7. Society for Historical Archaeology (SHA)
  8. American Indian Archaeological Institute (AIAI)
  9. National Council for Preservation Education (NCPE)
  10. National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO)

We also have Historical Re-enactor, Museum Director, and Exhibit Developer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

  1. Historic Preservation. The act of protecting and preserving historic buildings, sites, and objects.
  2. Archaeology. The study of past human cultures by analyzing artifacts and other evidence.
  3. Cultural Resource Management (CRM). A profession dedicated to the protection and preservation of archaeological resources, historic buildings, and cultural landscapes.
  4. Cultural Landscapes. Areas of land that have been shaped by human activities such as agriculture, forestry, and urban development.
  5. National Register of Historic Places. Established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register is a listing of properties deemed to be significant to the history and culture of the United States.
  6. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). A document prepared in order to analyze the potential environmental impacts of a proposed project or activity.
  7. Section 106 Review. A review process established by the National Historic Preservation Act that requires a federal agency to consider the effects of its undertakings on historic properties.
  8. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). A document that outlines the responsibilities of each party involved in a Section 106 review process.
  9. Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA). A federal law enacted in 1979 that regulates the excavation and collection of archaeological resources on federal or tribal lands.
  10. Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). A federal law enacted in 1990 that requires the repatriation of certain Native American cultural items and human remains to lineal descendants and culturally affiliated tribes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cultural Resource Administrator?

A Cultural Resource Administrator is a professional who manages and preserves cultural resources, such as historic sites or artifacts, to ensure they are preserved for future generations to appreciate.

What qualifications are needed to become a Cultural Resource Administrator?

To become a Cultural Resource Administrator, you typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as history, anthropology, or archaeology. Depending on the employer and the type of cultural resources managed, you may also need a master's degree or additional specialized training.

What duties does a Cultural Resource Administrator perform?

Cultural Resource Administrators are responsible for researching, preserving, and managing cultural resources. This includes surveying sites, cataloging artifacts, conducting outreach activities, and monitoring compliance with preservation laws and regulations.

What type of organizations employ Cultural Resource Administrators?

Cultural Resource Administrators are employed by a variety of organizations, including museums, historical societies, government agencies, universities, and private companies.

How much does a Cultural Resource Administrator typically earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Cultural Resource Administrators is $60,970. Salaries vary depending on experience, location, and the type and size of the organization.

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