NAGPRA Specialist

OPENING DATE:  April 24, 2026

CLOSING DATE:  Open Until Filled

POSITION SUMMARY: The NAGPRA Specialist is responsible for implementing, coordinating, and managing all activities related to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) on behalf of the Comanche Nation. This position ensures the protection, identification, consultation, and repatriation of ancestral remains and cultural items, while maintaining respectful coordination with museums, federal agencies, and other tribal nations. The NAGPRA Specialist will uphold Comanche cultural values, traditions, and protocols throughout all repatriation processes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all NAGPRA-related matters involving the Comanche Nation.
• Conduct research, documentation, and inventory review of ancestral remains and cultural items held by museums, universities, and federal or state agencies.
• Coordinate consultation meetings with federal agencies, institutions, and tribal representatives regarding potential NAGPRA claims and repatriations.
• Prepare official correspondence, claim letters, and required NAGPRA documentation.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of all repatriation activities and communications.
• Work closely with the Comanche Nation NAGPRA Committee, Elders, and cultural leaders to ensure culturally appropriate repatriation and reburial procedures.
• Assist in the development and implementation of tribal policies, protocols, and ordinances related to cultural resource protection and NAGPRA compliance.
• Provide reports and updates to tribal leadership and relevant committees.
• Collaborate with the Cultural Preservation Department to support educational outreach and cultural awareness related to NAGPRA and ancestral stewardship.
• Represent the Comanche Nation at meetings, consultations, and conferences related to NAGPRA and cultural heritage.
• The NAGPRA Specialist will perform all duties in a manner that honors and upholds Comanche cultural values, ensuring that all ancestral and sacred materials are treated with dignity, respect, and in accordance with tribal traditions.
• Conform to all CN Tribal policies and procedures.
• Produce reports to the TA upon request.
• All other duties as assigned by TA.

REPORTS TO: The NAGPRA Specialist will report to the Tribal Administrator.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to lift a minimum of twenty (20) pounds.  Must be able to stand, walk, and sit for a long interval.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• Work is performed in both office and field settings.
• May require travel to museums, repositories, and reburial sites.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for consultations, ceremonies, or special events.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Native American Studies, Museum Studies, History, or a related field.
• At least two (2) years of experience in NAGPRA compliance, cultural resource management, museum collections, or related work.
• Knowledge of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) and related federal regulations (43 CFR Part 10).
• Understanding of Comanche history, culture, and traditional practices.
• Strong communication, research, and writing skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive cultural materials respectfully.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and recordkeeping systems.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, including proficiency in developing and delivering presentations.
• Outstanding judgement, sensitivity and high discretion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HR systems.
• Knowledgeable with Excel (functions, data etc.)
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Must be able to travel.  

REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to submit to and pass a pre-employment and random drug testing.

Must be willing to submit to and pass a background investigation.

Must have a valid Oklahoma driver’s license and be insurable under the CN Motor Vehicle Policy.

Must be able to speak clearly in small group settings.

BENEFITS PACKAGE:

• Annual Leave (4 hours per pay period)
• Sick Leave (4 hours per pay period)
• Birthday Leave
• Bereavement Leave (5 paid days off for specified family members)
• Fifteen (15) Paid Holidays
• Medical Insurance (100% employer paid for employee only)
• Dental Insurance (100% employer paid for employee only)
• Life Insurance (100% employer paid for employee only- $40K coverage)
• 401K-up to 3% match

VOLUNTARY BENEFITS (100% employee paid via payroll deduction):

• Medical Insurance BCBS (Spouse, Child(ren), and Family coverage available)
• Dental Insurance Delta Dental (Spouse, Child(ren), and Family coverage available)
• Vision Insurance VSP (Employee, Spouse, Child(ren), and Family coverage available)
• Short-term Disability
• Long-term Disability
• Additional Employee Life Insurance
• Spouse, and Child Life Insurance
• AFLAC

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The Comanche Nation does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

COMANCHE PREFERENCE applies in accordance to the Comanche Nation Human Resources Policies and Procedures. Eligible applicants must submit proof of enrollment with employment application to receive Comanche preference.  
 

INDIAN PREFERENCE applies in accordance with Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC Section 472), Form 4432 must be submitted with employment application to receive Indian Preference. Non-Indian applications will be considered in the absence of qualified Comanche and/or Indian preference applicants. 

VETERAN PREFERENCE applies in accordance to the Comanche Nation Human Resources Policies and Procedures. Eligible applicants must submit proof of veteran status, DD Form 214, with employment application to receive veteran preference.

Salary : $18 - $22