Job Description

Summary of Work

The State Historical Society of North Dakota (SHSND) is seeking a full-time NAGPRA Program Specialist to play a pivotal role in advancing our commitment to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and in strengthening meaningful, respectful relationships with Tribal Nations. This position offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact through consultation, repatriation, and the stewardship of culturally significant collections.

The NAGPRA program Specialist will oversee NAGPRA compliance, serve as a primary liaison with federally recognized Tribes, and chair the internal SHSND NAGPRA Committee. Reporting to the Director of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (AHP), this position works closely with agency leadership, collections staff, and Tribal representatives to ensure SHSND meets its legal and ethical responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee compliance with federal and state NAGPRA regulations.
• Lead and facilitate consultations with federally recognized Tribes regarding collections, policies, repatriation procedures, and duty of care.
• Coordinate and chair the SHSND NAGPRA Committee, including setting agendas, preparing documentation, and reporting.
• Review and update NAGPRA-related accession records, collections documentation, and inventory data.
• Lead and assist with inventories, summaries, and repatriation submissions according to federal regulations.
• Serve as one of the tribal liaisons within SHSND, maintaining respectful, ongoing communication with Tribal governments and representatives.
• Collaborate with collections and archaeological staff on curation, preservation, and management of NAGPRA-related collections.
• Provide guidance, training, and outreach to staff, Tribal partners, public audiences, and academic researchers.
• Participate in the hiring and supervision of assistant collections staff dedicated to NAGPRA activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, museum studies, Native American studies, or a closely related field.
• At least two years of professional experience in NAGPRA, cultural resource management, museum collections, or Tribal consultation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of NAGPRA regulations, consultation procedures, and repatriation processes.
• Experience building respectful relationships with Native American Tribes.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel for consultations, conferences, or fieldwork.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher in an above-mentioned related field.
• Experience with federal, state, and Tribal cultural resource laws and policies.
• Familiarity with collections management systems, databases, and museum accessioning processes.
• Experience conducting NAGPRA inventories, summaries, and Notices to the Federal Register.
• Knowledge of electronic database management and GIS applications.

About Team ND

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Application Procedures

All applications must be submitted via the Career site at Paper submissions are not accepted. Application packages must be submitted online by 11:59 PM Central Standard Time (CST) on the closing date listed on the posting.

Application packages must include cover letter, resume, and three work-related references. Applicants will be scored on a 100-point candidate questionnaire to be considered for interviews; please provide detail in responses to the questionnaire. Applicants who experience difficulties during the application process should contact recruiter@nd.gov or 701.328.3290.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State Historical Society does not provide Sponsorships.

For more information or if you need accommodation or assistance in the application or selection process, contact Erica Houn at ehoun@nd.gov or 701.328.2327.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. Sect. 23-12-10.

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