How to Be Heritage Preservation Specialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 20, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Heritage preservation specialists play an important role in the protection of cultural heritage sites. By researching and assessing the condition of artifacts, monuments, and buildings, they are able to identify any potential threats or risks. This helps prevent damage from environmental factors, such as pollution, climate change, and natural disasters.

In addition, heritage preservation specialists help to ensure that historical sites and artifacts remain accessible to the public. By preserving these sites and objects, they help to maintain a sense of cultural identity, support economic development, and foster public education and appreciation of history.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree in history, archaeology, architecture, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates who hold a master's degree, so consider pursuing this advanced degree as well.
Gain experience in the field. Participate in an archaeological dig, volunteer at a local museum or historical society, or intern with a preservation organization.
Join the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Council for Preservation Education to learn about the latest preservation methods and stay connected with other professionals in the field.
Consider taking courses or earning a certificate in historic preservation or cultural resource management.
Get certified as a Heritage Preservation Specialist by taking and passing the certification exam offered by the National Council for Preservation Education.
Develop a portfolio of your work, including any research papers, reports, or photographs of preservation projects you've worked on.
Network with other professionals in the historic preservation field and attend conferences and workshops to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques.
Apply for jobs as a Heritage Preservation Specialist.

Heritage preservation is a critical activity in many countries to ensure the protection of important cultural and historical sites. To ensure that this important work is done properly, reliable and qualified heritage preservation specialists are required. Without these specialists, important heritage sites and artifacts could be damaged, destroyed or even lost forever.

To ensure the highest quality of work, these specialists must meet certain qualifications and certifications. They must have an in-depth knowledge of heritage preservation techniques, methods and tools, as well as an understanding of the historical and cultural context in which the sites exist. they must have excellent communication skills to be able to interact effectively with local communities and other stakeholders.

Having reliable and qualified heritage preservation specialists is thus essential to preserving our important heritage sites and artifacts.

You may want to check Historical Re-enactor, Cultural Resource Administrator, and Historic Landscape Architect for alternative.

Job Description

Conduct research and provide guidance on the preservation of historic buildings, structures, cultural landscapes, and archaeological sites.
Prepare historic preservation plans, reports, and surveys.
Provide technical advice to other professionals and the public on historic preservation issues.
Oversee and coordinate the conservation of historic properties and sites.
Assist in the development of public education programs on historic preservation topics.
Provide interpretation of historic sites to visitors and the public.
Monitor construction projects impacting historic properties and sites.
Develop and administer grants related to historic preservation projects.
Consult with representatives of government, private companies, and organizations on heritage preservation initiatives.
Negotiate agreements and contracts for heritage preservation projects.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of historic preservation principles, regulations, and standards.
Familiarity with historic preservation research techniques and materials.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to effectively interact with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal historic preservation laws and regulations.
Ability to create and implement preservation plans and programs.
Skill in preparing preservation grant applications and reports.
Knowledge of best practices in the field of architectural conservation.
Ability to interpret and explain complex documents such as architectural drawings and plans.
Experience working with community organizations and governmental bodies to achieve preservation objectives.

Heritage preservation specialists are responsible for the protection and conservation of historical and cultural artifacts. To be successful in this role, they must possess a variety of skills, including knowledge of history, archival methods, conservation techniques, and an understanding of cultural significance. The primary skill needed to be a successful heritage preservation specialist is the ability to research and interpret historical documents.

This involves being able to analyze written and visual sources, such as photographs and maps, to understand the context in which they were created and the information they contain. heritage preservation specialists must be able to apply their research to create strategies for preservation and display of artifacts. They must be knowledgeable about the materials used in artifact conservation, as well as have an understanding of the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

In addition, heritage preservation specialists must be able to collaborate effectively with stakeholders, such as government agencies, museums, and private organizations, to ensure that the preservation of artifacts is done in a respectful and ethical way. Finally, heritage preservation specialists must be able to communicate their findings in a clear and concise manner so that a wider audience can understand their work.

Historiographer, Cultural Resource Specialist, and Historic Real Estate Appraiser are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in heritage preservation?
What makes heritage preservation important to you?
Describe a successful heritage preservation project you have been involved in.
How do you ensure that all stakeholders are engaged when working on heritage preservation projects?
How do you stay up to date on current heritage preservation trends?
What strategies do you use to develop and implement effective heritage preservation plans?
How do you address challenges or conflicts that arise when dealing with heritage preservation projects?
How do you stay organized when managing multiple heritage preservation projects?
What strategies do you use to ensure that heritage preservation projects are completed on time and on budget?
How do you ensure that the local community is informed and engaged when working on heritage preservation projects?

Common Tools in Industry

GIS Software. Geographic Information System (GIS) software is used to manage, analyze, and interpret geographic data. (eg: ArcGIS)
Digital Camera. Digital cameras are used to capture images of heritage sites for documentation and archiving purposes. (eg: Canon EOS Rebel T6)
Heritage Database Software. Heritage database software is used to store, organize, and analyze heritage data. (eg: PastPerfect)
Heritage Management Software. Heritage management software is used to manage the day-to-day operations of a heritage site. (eg: Thesaurus software)
3D Scanning and Modeling Software. 3D scanning and modeling software can be used to create detailed digital models of heritage sites. (eg: Agisoft Metashape)
Digital Preservation Software. Digital preservation software can be used to preserve digital information for future generations. (eg: Archivematica)
Archaeological Recording Software. Archaeological recording software is used to document archaeological sites and artifacts. (eg: The Archaeological Recording Kit)
Cultural Resource Management Software. Cultural resource management software is used to manage cultural resources such as artifacts and monuments. (eg: SiteFinder)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Trust for Historic Preservation
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
International Council on Monuments and Sites
Society of Architectural Historians
American Anthropological Association
United States National Park Service
National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers
Association for Preservation Technology International
National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers
Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums

We also have Historical Linguist, Archival Digitization Specialist, and Historical Archivist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Historic Preservation. The practice of conserving, protecting, and maintaining historic buildings, artifacts, and sites.
Cultural Resource Management. The practice of managing and preserving cultural and historical resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
Architecture. The art and science of designing buildings and structures, considering both aesthetic and functional aspects.
Conservation. The practice of preserving natural and cultural heritage.
Preservation. The practice of protecting and maintaining the integrity of cultural and natural resources.
Archaeology. The study of human history and prehistory through the recovery and analysis of material culture.
Restoration. The process of returning a property to its original condition or a reasonable approximation of it.
Adaptive Reuse. The process of transforming a historic building or site for a new purpose, while preserving its original features and character.
Documentation. The systematic recording of historic resources, including architectural drawings, photographs, and written records.
Heritage Tourism. Travel to historic places for educational or recreational purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Heritage Preservation Specialist?

A Heritage Preservation Specialist is someone who is responsible for preserving and protecting the cultural heritage of a particular region, group or nation. They may work with museums, archives, libraries, historical organizations and other related entities to protect and promote the preservation of cultural artifacts, monuments and sites.

What skills are needed to become a Heritage Preservation Specialist?

To become a Heritage Preservation Specialist, one must have strong knowledge of local and national heritage and history, as well as expertise in conservation and preservation techniques. Other important skills include research, documentation, communication and public relations.

What type of education is required to become a Heritage Preservation Specialist?

Most Heritage Preservation Specialists hold a bachelor's degree in history, archeology, anthropology or a related field. Additional certifications or a master's degree may also be beneficial for those seeking employment in this field.

What are the job duties of a Heritage Preservation Specialist?

The job duties of a Heritage Preservation Specialist vary depending on the organization they work for, but typically include researching and documenting local history and heritage, conserving artifacts, evaluating sites for historical value, managing historical records and collections, and conducting public outreach programs.

What type of salary can a Heritage Preservation Specialist expect?

The average salary for a Heritage Preservation Specialist is around $45,000 per year. Salaries can vary based on experience, location and the type of organization they work for.

Web Resources

Graduate Certificate in Heritage Preservation - Empire State College www.esc.edu
Heritage Preservation | St. Cloud State University www.stcloudstate.edu
The University of Arizona - Certificate in Heritage capla.arizona.edu