NAGPRA Tribal Historic Preservation Specialist

SUMMARY

The NAGPRA Tribal Historic Preservation Specialist is responsible for safeguarding, managing, and preserving the cultural, historical, and archaeological resources of the Grand Traverse Band (GTB) of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. Reporting to the Cultural Manager within the Anishinaabewin Department of the Shared Services Division, this position ensures compliance with Tribal, federal, and state cultural protection laws-including the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The specialist coordinates repatriation of ancestral remains and sacred items, oversees historic preservation initiatives, leads consultations with agencies and institutions, and integrates Anishinaabe values and traditional ecological knowledge in all preservation practices to promote cultural continuity and respect for ancestors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Native American Studies, History, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience working in NAGPRA compliance, tribal historic preservation (THPO), or cultural resource management.
• Demonstrated understanding of NAGPRA regulations and NHPA Section 106 consultation.
• Strong knowledge of Anishinaabe culture, language, and traditional practices.
• Familiarity with Michigan archaeology, tribal history, and Indigenous cultural landscapes.
• Valid driver's license and insurability under GTB policies.
• Must pass background and confidentiality requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify, document, and coordinate the repatriation of ancestral remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and cultural patrimony per NAGPRA.
• Review federal agency and museum inventories to determine cultural affiliation with GTB.
• Maintain complete, confidential records and databases for all repatriation and consultation cases.
• Coordinate consultations and negotiations with museums, universities, repositories, and agencies.
• Prepare and submit required NAGPRA notices, including Notices of Inventory Completion and Intended Repatriation.
• Facilitate respectful transportation, reburial, and ceremonial care in collaboration with Elders and spiritual leaders.
• Conduct on site visits to institutions and repositories to inspect holdings, confirm affiliations, and facilitate returns.
• Ensure all activities are culturally appropriate and consistent with GTB protocols.
• Develop educational resources and presentations for staff and community on NAGPRA significance, cultural sensitivity, and respectful handling of ancestral materials.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Serve as GTB's official representative for NHPA Section 106 consultation.
• Review proposed federal and state initiatives for potential impacts on GTB cultural or archaeological sites.
• Identify, document, and manage historic and archaeological sites, traditional cultural properties, and cultural landscapes.
• Develop and maintain the GTB Cultural Resource Management Plan and GIS based site inventory.
• Coordinate archaeological or ethnographic surveys and research efforts with qualified professionals.
• Provide technical and cultural preservation guidance to internal departments and partner agencies.
• Develop or contribute to interpretive materials and exhibits highlighting GTB cultural heritage for educational and tourism purposes, ensuring cultural accuracy.
• Strong project coordination, documentation, and deadline management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and GIS or database software.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive materials with cultural respect and discretion.
• Museum and archival collection experience preferred.
• Excellent written communication for reports, compliance documents, and correspondence.
• Skilled in consultation, facilitation, and community engagement.
• Ability to represent the Tribe with professionalism and diplomacy.
• Appreciation for and ability to work respectfully with Elders, spiritual leaders, and other knowledge keepers.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Native American Studies, History, Cultural Resource Management, or related field required.
• Master's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or Cultural Resource Management preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience with NAGPRA compliance, cultural resource management, or tribal preservation offices.
• Experience working with Tribal governments highly preferred.
• Background in museum administration, archives, or artifact cataloging desirable.
• Demonstrated understanding of NHPA Section 106 consultation procedures required.
• Familiarity with Michigan and Great Lakes Indigenous cultural geography preferred.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record required.
• Travel throughout GTB service area and to regional/national museums or agencies required.
• Regular travel for consultations, site visits, and repatriation activities.
• Some overnight travel for ceremonies, conferences, or extended consultations.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Must successfully pass required background check and drug/alcohol screening.
• Must adhere to all GTB confidentiality, cultural protection, and fiscal policies.
• Must demonstrate high ethical standards when handling sacred and sensitive materials.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

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• May coordinate consultants, contractors, or interns on cultural resource projects.
• Reports directly to the Cultural Manager within the Anishinaabewin Department.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

• Computer, printer, copier, and scanning equipment.
• GPS and GIS mapping tools, digital cameras, and related field survey software.
• Archival and collections management supplies and systems.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Combination of office and fieldwork.
• Ability to walk over uneven terrain for extended periods during surveys.
• Occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds (equipment, collections, or materials).
• Requires travel throughout GTB territories and related partner sites.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

• High attention to detail when managing complex or sensitive cultural documentation.
• Emotional resilience and cultural awareness when working with ancestral materials.
• Analytical skills for interpreting legal and historic data.
• Diplomacy and patience when consulting across agencies and cultural viewpoints.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment within the Anishinaabewin Department and frequent outdoor fieldwork.
• Regular travel across GTB territories and neighboring regions.
• May encounter challenging environments such as remote locations, variable weather, or emotionally sensitive contexts (e.g., repatriation activities).
• Occasional evening or weekend work required.

COMMENTS

Native American Preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a criminal history background check with no felonies or serious misdemeanors and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval from the Director of Human Resources.

This position is subject to G2 Background Investigation, Drug Screen and Driving Record/Motor Vehicle Report (MVR). 

Salary : $63,318 - $95,952