How to Be Cultural Resources Manager - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

The role of a Cultural Resources Manager is critical to the preservation of local cultural heritage. By understanding the history and cultural significance of a particular area, they are able to create strategies to protect significant sites, artifacts, and other elements. These strategies have a direct effect on the well-being of the community as they help to preserve its unique identity and history.

They also help to ensure that future generations will be able to learn from the past, creating a sense of pride and understanding for their local heritage. by protecting cultural resources, this position helps to promote economic development and tourism in the region, boosting the local economy.

Steps How to Become

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Most positions require applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree, typically in an area such as anthropology, history, museum studies, or archaeology. Coursework should include topics in cultural and historical preservation.
2. Obtain Relevant Work Experience. Obtaining relevant work experience is important for those seeking to become Cultural Resources Managers. Work experience can include internships, volunteer positions, or jobs in related fields.
3. Consider Certification. Becoming certified is not required, but can be beneficial for those looking to work as a Cultural Resources Manager. Many organizations offer certifications in related fields, such as Historic Preservation or Museum Studies.
4. Obtain a Master's Degree. While not required, having a master's degree can give applicants an advantage when seeking a position as a Cultural Resources Manager. A master's degree can provide more specialized knowledge and skills that are beneficial for the job.
5. Network and Apply for Jobs. Networking and applying for jobs are important steps for those looking to become Cultural Resources Managers. Those interested in the field should attend conferences and seminars related to cultural preservation, and look for job openings in the field.

Cultural Resources Managers are responsible for protecting and preserving the cultural heritage of their communities. To stay updated and qualified, they must be knowledgeable in the history and traditions of their target audience and have a clear understanding of current laws and regulations pertaining to the protection of cultural resources in their area. Additionally, they must stay informed of new research, technologies, and methods of preservation, and keep up with advancements in their field. Continuous professional development is essential to the success of any Cultural Resources Manager, as it ensures that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to protect and preserve the cultural heritage of their communities.

You may want to check Historical Archaeologist, Public Historian, and Historic Preservation Architect for alternative.

Job Description

1. Develop and implement cultural resource management plans and programs in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
2. Identify, assess, and protect cultural resources, such as archaeological sites, historic buildings, landscapes, and associated artifacts.
3. Maintain records and databases related to cultural resources.
4. Communicate with community groups, government agencies, and other stakeholders about cultural resources management and planning initiatives.
5. Prepare reports, plans, and presentations related to cultural resources management and planning efforts.
6. Monitor project sites to ensure compliance with cultural resource management plans and standards.
7. Advise project teams on potential impacts to cultural resources during project planning and implementation.
8. Develop and implement procedures for the curation and storage of cultural resources materials.
9. Manage budgets for cultural resources projects.
10. Collaborate with other agencies to identify and protect important cultural resources.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Knowledge of cultural and archaeological resource management principles, laws and regulations.
2. Expertise in conducting cultural resource inventories, evaluations, and assessments.
3. Ability to analyze and interpret cultural resources data.
4. Familiarity with federal and state laws and regulations related to the protection of cultural resources.
5. Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, landowners, local tribes, and governmental agencies.
6. Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations pertaining to cultural resources protection.
7. Ability to manage complex projects and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
8. Excellent communication, writing, and inter-personal skills.
9. Ability to develop and implement strategies for protecting cultural resources within project areas.
10. Ability to develop and provide education and outreach materials to public and community groups.

Cultural resources managers are responsible for preserving, protecting, and promoting cultural resources such as artifacts, historic buildings, and archaeological sites. A successful cultural resource manager must possess a wide range of skills, including the ability to think critically and analytically, excellent organizational skills, and an in-depth knowledge of the cultural resources they are managing. In order to effectively manage these resources, they must also possess an understanding of local, state, and federal laws related to cultural resource management.

they must be well-versed in the various techniques used to preserve and protect these resources, such as conservation and archeological excavation. The ability to effectively communicate with other stakeholders is also key for a successful cultural resources manager; they must be able to collaborate with government agencies, local communities, and stakeholders to ensure that cultural resources are managed in a way that is respectful of the needs of all involved. By possessing these skills, a cultural resource manager can ensure that the resources they manage are preserved and protected for future generations.

Historical Preservation Lawyer, Archival Technician, and Museum Director are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

• What experiences have you had in the cultural resources management field?
• How do you stay abreast of changes in the field?
• What strategies do you employ to ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding cultural resources?
• How do you prioritize tasks and manage competing projects?
• How do you build relationships with stakeholders, such as the local community and other partners?
• What experience do you have in developing, managing and implementing successful cultural resource programs?
• How would you assess the effectiveness of a cultural resources management plan?
• What challenges have you faced in cultural resources management and how did you address them?
• How do you ensure that stakeholders are aware of their responsibilities related to cultural resources management?
• How do you incorporate public input into cultural resources decision-making processes?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Database Management Software. A tool that helps manage databases, such as Microsoft Access (example).
2. Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A tool used to store, analyze, manage, and present spatial and geographical data (example: ArcGIS).
3. Content Management System (CMS). A tool used to create, store, organize, and manage content on websites (example: WordPress).
4. Text Analysis Software. A tool used to analyze text data to uncover patterns, trends, and insights (example: Leximancer).
5. Image Analysis Software. A tool used to extract information from digital images (example: PixLab).
6. Project Management Software. A tool used to plan, manage, and track projects and tasks (example: Trello).
7. Survey Software. A tool used to create and administer surveys (example: SurveyMonkey).
8. Social Media Monitoring Tools. A tool used to monitor conversations about a brand or topic on social media platforms (example: Hootsuite).

Professional Organizations to Know

1. American Cultural Resources Association (ACRA)
2. Society for American Archaeology (SAA)
3. National Council on Public History (NCPH)
4. Society of Architectural Historians (SAH)
5. Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums (ALHFAM)
6. Association of African American Museums (AAAM)
7. International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
8. National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP)
9. National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (NATHPO)
10. National Council on Public History (NCPH)

We also have Historic Preservation Commissioner, Historical Research Analyst, and Historic Preservation Advocate jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

1. Archaeology - The study of the human past by examining material remains such as artifacts and ecofacts.
2. Cultural Heritage - The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations.
3. Cultural Resources Management (CRM) - The interdisciplinary practice of managing cultural resources, which includes archaeological sites, historic structures, and other cultural resources.
4. Historic Preservation - The act or process of preserving, protecting, and/or restoring cultural resources for the purpose of public education and interpretation.
5. Museum Studies - The study and practice of museum management, curation, and public programming.
6. Cultural Landscapes - Areas that are associated with a particular cultural group or period and that may include both natural and man-made features.
7. Ethnography - The study of people and cultures through direct observation, interviews, and other methods.
8. Ethnohistory - The study of a particular culture or ethnic group from a historical perspective.
9. Preservation Planning - A systematic process of developing strategies to protect and manage cultural resources based on an understanding of their value.
10. Site Documentation - The act of recording information about a cultural resource in order to provide a basis for study and management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cultural Resources Manager?

A Cultural Resources Manager is a professional responsible for preserving, protecting, and managing cultural resources such as historic sites, archaeological sites, and other important cultural artifacts.

What qualifications are needed to become a Cultural Resources Manager?

To become a Cultural Resources Manager, you should have a degree in history, archaeology, anthropology, or a related field. You should also have experience in the management of archaeological resources, cultural heritage management, and other related fields.

What duties does a Cultural Resources Manager typically perform?

A Cultural Resources Manager typically performs a variety of tasks such as developing and implementing preservation plans and policies, monitoring compliance with state and federal laws, conducting or overseeing archaeological excavations, and providing technical assistance to public or private organizations.

What type of organizations might hire a Cultural Resources Manager?

Organizations that may hire a Cultural Resources Manager include state and federal agencies, museums, universities, non-profit organizations, and private companies.

How much do Cultural Resources Managers typically earn?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Cultural Resources Manager is $63,898 per year.

What are jobs related with Cultural Resources Manager?

• History Conservator
• Museum Educator
• Cultural Resource Specialist
• Historic Landscape Architect
• Historic Preservation Technician
• Historiographer
• Digital Preservationist
• Museum Registrar
• Historic Real Estate Appraiser
• Museum Studies Professional

Web Resources

• Cultural Resource Management - University of Oklahoma www.ou.edu
• Cultural Resource Managment at West Virginia … culturalresourcemanagement.wvu.edu
• Cultural Resources Management Services | Arizona State Museum statemuseum.arizona.edu