Are you a highly skilled archaeologist with NAGPRA knowledge and experience? The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (PA SHPO) is seeking a Historic Preservation Specialist to work on NAGPRA consultation and collections. Bring your dedication and experience with consultation and preservation to this meaningful and important role.

Description of Work

This position supports archaeology programs, collection care, and responsibilities connected to federal requirements and professional best practices. The role promotes preservation, ethical stewardship, education, and collaboration across many partnerships. As a Historic Preservation Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

  • NAGPRA Compliance: Advise the Archaeology Curation Supervisor on matters related to NAGPRA
  • Professional Development: Participate in training and learning related to NAGPRA consultation, archaeological resources, and best practices
  • Collection Care: Assist in implementing guidance for long term care and preservation of archaeological collections
  • Educational Materials: Prepare educational and technical materials and conduct training programs about historic and archaeological resources
  • Digital Management: Support development and implementation of methods to manage digital archaeological collections data
  • Consultation Work: Conduct consultation with indigenous partners to support reinterpretation of museum collections and exhibits

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Apply today through 9/25/2026 to become an essential part of our team where you will play a vital role in our mission to discover, protect, and share Pennsylvania’s past, inspiring others to value and use our history in meaningful ways.

Required Experience, Training & Eligibility

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
  • Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for History, Archeology, Architectural History, Architecture, or Historic Architecture.

Additional details regarding the Secretary of Interior Professional Qualification Standards can be found here.

Additional Requirements:
  • You must possess a minimum of one year of experience working with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
  • You must possess a minimum of two years of demonstrated experience working with external partners including agencies, tribe/nations, and preservation/history organizations.
  • You must possess a minimum of one year of experience in the long-term care and preservation of archaeological collections.
  • You must possess a minimum of one year of experience in the development and management of digital archaeological collections data.
  • You must possess a graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology or related field and one year of full-time professional experience in archaeological research, administration or management; at least four months of supervised field and analytic experience in archaeology; and demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.
  • You must be able to perform essential job functions.

The commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Work Schedule and Additional Information

  • Full-time employment
  • Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday, with 60-minute lunch.
  • Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. This position will work remotely one day a week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
  • Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
  • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

How to Apply

  • Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
  • If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
  • Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
  • Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. 
  • All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

For complete position description, salary, and benefits information, check the job posting and the position description.

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