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

May 6, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Cultural resource specialists play an important role in preserving and protecting cultural heritage. Their efforts help to ensure that cultural resources, such as artifacts, historical sites, and architecture, are safeguarded from destruction and degradation. By identifying, evaluating, and documenting these resources, specialists enable communities to understand their shared history and build a sense of pride and identity.

In turn, this can also lead to economic benefits, as it can support tourism, education, and other industries. Conversely, the failure to protect cultural resources can lead to devastating losses, both tangible and intangible, as irreplaceable artifacts are destroyed and a community loses a part of its identity.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Most positions as a cultural resource specialist require a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Relevant areas of study include archaeology, anthropology, history, and environmental science.
Gain Work Experience. Working as an intern, volunteer, or research assistant in a related field is an important step for gaining the necessary experience for a career as a cultural resource specialist.
Get Certified. The Register of Professional Archaeologists offers certification for those who wish to become certified as a cultural resource specialist.
Obtain Licensure. Depending on the state, licensure may be required to practice as a cultural resource specialist.
Take Fieldwork Classes. Fieldwork classes are often offered by universities, and they allow those interested in the field to gain hands-on experience in the field.
Join Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations like the Society for American Archaeology is a great way to stay connected with the field and keep up with the latest developments.

A Cultural Resource Specialist must stay ahead and capable to meet the demands of their profession. To do this, they must constantly stay up to date on changing trends in the field, attend professional development seminars and workshops, and build relationships with other professionals in their industry. Additionally, they should stay informed on new and emerging technologies, engage in research for new methods, and develop their own unique skillsets. By taking these steps, Cultural Resource Specialists can ensure they remain current in their field, knowledgeable about the latest trends, and capable of providing high-quality services to their clients.

You may want to check Historic Preservation Advocate, Museum Studies Professional, and Cultural Resources Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Archaeologist
Historic Preservation Officer
Museum Curator
Museum Educator
Historic Site Manager
Cultural Resource Administrator
Cultural Resource Analyst
Cultural Resource Planner
Cultural Resource Preservationist
Cultural Resource Technician
Cultural Resource Librarian
Historical Archivist
Historic Interpreter
Heritage Conservation Officer
Historic Landscape Architect
Cultural Anthropologist
Ethnographer
Oral Historian

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws pertaining to cultural resources
Understanding of archaeological survey and excavation techniques
Ability to identify, evaluate, and interpret archaeological sites
Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and interpretation
Excellent written, verbal, and analytical skills
Ability to prepare and present technical reports
Understanding of cultural resource management principles and practices
Ability to work independently and within teams
Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software
Knowledge of Native American tribal history, customs, and culture

Cultural resource specialists must possess a wide range of skills in order to effectively protect, preserve, and promote cultural resources. These skills include understanding the legal and political aspects of cultural resource management, possessing knowledge of archaeological and historical research methods, using effective communication and collaboration skills, and having a comprehensive understanding of cultural resource laws and regulations. These skills are essential for cultural resource specialists in order to effectively advocate for the protection of cultural resources.

the ability to conduct archaeological site surveys and excavations is essential for data collection and research which can be used to inform preservation efforts. Furthermore, cultural resource specialists must possess strong organizational skills to manage the data collected from archaeological sites and other sources in order to properly document the cultural resources they are tasked with protecting. Finally, cultural resource specialists must be well-versed in the cultural, ecological, and economic significance of the resources they are protecting in order to advocate for their protection and raise public awareness.

Museum Educator, Historical Re-enactor, and Historical Linguist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How would you rate your knowledge of cultural resource management?
What experience do you have in researching, assessing and managing cultural resources?
What challenges have you faced in cultural resource management and how did you address them?
What strategies have you implemented to ensure the protection of cultural resources?
How do you approach cultural resource management with sensitivity to the needs of many stakeholders?
What methods do you use to assess the cultural importance of a site or area?
How do you stay up to date on relevant legislation and regulations pertaining to cultural resource management?
Describe a successful project you have completed in the field of cultural resource management.
How do you build relationships with various stakeholders when working on a cultural resource project?
How do you ensure that cultural resources are preserved for future generations?

Common Tools in Industry

GIS Software. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software is used to analyze and visualize geographic data. Example: ArcGIS.
Research Databases. Research databases are used to identify archaeological sites and access relevant literature. Example: OASIS.
Drone Technology. Drone technology is used to survey archaeological sites and collect aerial imagery. Example: DJI Phantom 4.
3D Modeling Software. 3D modeling software is used to create 3D digital models of archaeological sites for analysis and documentation. Example: Autodesk ReMake.
GPS Devices. GPS devices are used to accurately map and document archaeological sites. Example: Garmin GPSMAP 64s.
Digital Photography. Digital photography is used to capture images of archaeological sites for analysis and documentation. Example: Canon EOS Rebel T7i.
Photogrammetry Software. Photogrammetry software is used to create 3D models from photos of archaeological sites. Example: Autodesk ReCap Photo.

Professional Organizations to Know

National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (NATHPO)
Society for American Archaeology (SAA)
American Cultural Resources Association (ACRA)
National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP)
Association of State and Local History Professionals (ASLHP)
Council for the Advancement of Archaeology Professionals (CAAP)
National Council on Public History (NCPH)
American Association for State and Local History (AASLH)
National Park Service (NPS)
National Council on Public History (NCPH)

We also have Museum Consultant, Digital Preservationist, and Historical Archaeologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Archaeology. The scientific study of past human cultures and societies through the recovery and analysis of material remains.
Cultural Landscape. A landscape that has been shaped by human activity and reflects the values, traditions, and beliefs of a particular group of people.
Ethnography. The systematic study of people and cultures, focusing on social and cultural patterns rather than on the individual.
Heritage Management. The practice of protecting and preserving cultural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
Historic Preservation. The practice of preserving a place or object of cultural significance for its educational, historical, or aesthetic value.
Historic Sites. Places or objects of cultural or historical importance that have been preserved in their original form.
Traditional Knowledge. Knowledge associated with a particular culture, including linguistic, spiritual, and scientific knowledge that has been passed down through generations.
Traditional Cultural Property. A physical place or object that is associated with a cultures traditional beliefs and practices, such as a sacred site or a ceremonial object.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cultural Resource Specialist?

A Cultural Resource Specialist is a professional who specializes in preserving, protecting, and interpreting the history, culture, and natural resources of a given area.

What responsibilities do Cultural Resource Specialists have?

Cultural Resource Specialists are responsible for surveying and evaluating cultural sites, preparing reports and recommendations on cultural resources, and developing plans for conserving and managing them. They may also provide public education programs on historic and cultural resources.

What qualifications are needed to become a Cultural Resource Specialist?

Qualifications to become a Cultural Resource Specialist typically include a bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, or related field, as well as experience in fieldwork and research. Additionally, some positions require a graduate degree in a related field.

What type of work environment do Cultural Resource Specialists work in?

Cultural Resource Specialists typically work in an office or laboratory setting, but may also work outdoors in the field conducting surveys, excavations, and other activities.