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Professional Nagpra Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Montana State University

NAGPRA Program Lead

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$80K/yr

... Professional Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End ... Represent MSU as lead NAGPRA staff at regular meetings with tribal government officials and ...

Harvard University

NAGPRA Coordinator

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$55/hr

Creates materials required for NAGPRA implementation and committees. * Facilitates use of the ... Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement * Commuter ...

Harvard University

NAGPRA Coordinator

Cambridge, MA

Creates materials required for NAGPRA implementation and committees. * Facilitates use of the ... Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement * Commuter ...

Auburn University

NAGPRA COORDINATOR

Montgomery, AL · On-site

Collaborate and consult closely with other NAGPRA professionals on matters of compliance and procedure for shared collections. * Prepare and file required documentation with the National NAGPRA ...

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How much do professional nagpra jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional nagpra in the United States is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional NAGPRA?

Professional NAGPRA specialists are experts who work to ensure compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). They typically work for museums, tribes, universities, or government agencies to identify, document, and facilitate the repatriation of Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony. Their responsibilities include coordinating consultations with Native American tribes, preparing legal documentation, and managing complex ethical and legal issues related to cultural heritage. These professionals often have backgrounds in anthropology, archaeology, museum studies, or law. Their work plays a critical role in respecting tribal rights and preserving cultural heritage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a NAGPRA professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a NAGPRA professional, you need a solid background in anthropology, archaeology, or museum studies, often with a relevant degree and experience in cultural resource management. Familiarity with federal NAGPRA regulations, compliance documentation, and collections management software is typically required. Excellent communication, cultural sensitivity, and negotiation skills are essential for building relationships with Native American tribes and stakeholders. These skills ensure respectful, legal, and effective repatriation processes while fostering trust and collaboration between institutions and Indigenous communities.

What is the difference between Professional Nagpra vs Archaeologist?

AspectProfessional NagpraArchaeologist
CredentialsTypically requires Nagpra certification and related educationRequires a degree in archaeology or related field, often with certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in Native American tribal settings, museums, or cultural sitesFieldwork, research institutions, universities, and museums
Industry UsageUsed within Native American tribes and cultural preservation agenciesUsed across academic, governmental, and private sectors

Professional Nagpra specialists focus on cultural preservation within Native American communities, often requiring Nagpra certification. Archaeologists conduct research and excavations across various settings, with broader academic and institutional roles. While both roles involve cultural and historical work, their certifications, work environments, and industry applications differ.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working in NAGPRA compliance roles?

Professionals in NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act) compliance often encounter challenges such as navigating complex legal and ethical considerations, coordinating with multiple stakeholders including tribal representatives, museums, and government agencies, and managing sensitive cultural information. Additionally, these roles require meticulous record-keeping and a deep understanding of federal and tribal laws. Building trust with Native communities while balancing institutional requirements is also a key aspect of the job.

What cities are hiring for Professional Nagpra jobs?

Cities with the most Professional Nagpra job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Nagpra jobs?

The most popular types of Nagpra jobs are:

What states have the most Professional Nagpra jobs?

States with the most job openings for Professional Nagpra jobs include:

Professional Nagpra jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Nagpra job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,000 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

NAGPRA Program Lead

Montana State University

Bozeman, MT • On-site

$80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Montana State University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

411th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number
STAFF - VA - 26406
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Alison Harmon
harmon@montana.edu
406-994-5053
Classification Title
Program/Project Lead
Working Title
NAGPRA Program Lead
Brief Position Overview
The NAGPRA Program Leadcoordinates compliance, consultations, repatriations, and other activities associated with ensuring MSU's compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) federal regulation by coordinating inventory and curation of Native American artifacts and remains. This position will work to strengthen MSU's NAGPRA program and will report directly to the Associate Vice President of Research Compliance.
Position Number
4C0105
Department
Research Integrity and Compliance
Division
Office of Research and Economic Development
Appointment Type
Professional
Contract Term
Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA
Exempt
Union Affiliation
Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE
1.0
Benefits Eligible
Eligible
Salary
Salary starting at $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type
LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type
Open
Position Details
General Statement
The Office of Research Compliance (ORC) oversees University programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations for research. ORC creates and supports an environment that furthers the ethical and responsible conduct of research.
Duties and Responsibilities
Primary duties and responsibilities include:
  • Develop and implement a detailed MSU NAGPRA policy, in coordination with the MSU NAGPRA team (team includes representatives from the Museum of the Rockies, the academic departments of Native American Studies, Sociology and Anthropology, History and Philosophy, Earth Sciences, and other units as appropriate), Legal Counsel, and Administration, ensuring compliance with NAGPRA and all applicable laws and policies.
  • Update and manage inventories of ancestral human remains and NAGPRA-eligible objects in MSU collections, compile cultural affiliation documents, and prepare Federal notices and communications.
  • Work closely with Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPO) and/or their designees to coordinate tribal access to, as well as repatriation and disposition of, human remains and cultural items and archaeological collections in MSU's custody.
  • Represent MSU as lead NAGPRA staff at regular meetings with tribal government officials and representatives to coordinate compliance, address tribal concerns, and when possible, negotiate culturally sensitive resolutions.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for all NAGPRA inquiries seeking information about Native American remains and objects falling under NAGPRA regulations.
  • Advance MSU's NAGPRA standing through attendance at conferences and workshops, service on advisory panels, and holding office or performing relevant committee assignments in professional organizations.
  • Participate in promoting and coordinating outreach activities for research and education.
  • Collaborate and consult closely with the MSU NAGPRA team representatives in matters of compliance and procedure.
  • Develop and submit grant proposals and funding requests to support NAGPRA activities.
  • Administer NAGPRA-related budgets and purchase all necessary materials and supplies.
  • Establish work priorities and supervise all employees assigned to them in support of these tasks.
  • Work with MSU's Legal Counsel on MOUs for non-NAGPRA repatriation.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  1. Master's degree in Indigenous Studies, Museum Studies, or related field that provided experience with cultural collections management and collaborating with tribal nations on repatriation plans; or three years equivalent experience working with American Indian tribes to repatriate NAGPRA related or other items of cultural significance, or working with descent communities and caring for culturally significant objects; and/or equivalent training, education or experience with traditional Tribal Elders, Tribal Cultural Departments and Historians, or Tribal Historic Preservation Officers.
  2. At least one year of experience working with institutions on collections-related ethical and legal commitments, including but not limited to NAGPRA and 36 C.F.R. § 79, "Curation of Federally-Owned and Administered Archeological Collections."
  3. Experience working with archaeological methods, archaeological collections, and culturally sensitive artifacts, including experience handling ancestral remains, funerary objects and other cultural objects.
  4. Knowledgeable about the Indigenous communities of Montana, especially with tribes affiliated with different geographical categories i.e. coastal, plains, northern plains, basin, etc.
  5. Knowledge of the principles of government-to-government consultation.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  1. Doctoral degree in Indigenous Studies, Museum Studies, or related field with specialized practice involving relationships and substantive consultation with Tribal Historic Preservation Officers.
  2. Demonstrated understanding of, and direct experience with: (a) tribal consultation practices and processes, b) building and initiating positive working relationships with tribes and tribal citizens; and © NAGPRA.
  3. Experience working with collections management (or other related cultural heritage field) on projects that are informed and/or designed by Indigenous perspectives.
  4. Experience with writing summary and cultural affiliation reports and "Notices of Inventory Completion" and "Notices of Intent to Repatriate" for compliance with NAGPRA.
  5. Experience with programmatic agreements.
  6. Knowledge of North American Indigenous History, Archaeology, and related 'Curation Crisis' History.

The Successful Candidate Will
  • Tactful and diplomatic verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational management skills.
  • Ability to create inventories and adhere to different tribal requests regarding the care and storage of specific artifacts.
  • Strong skills in program and project management, facilitation and collaboration. Ability to effectively represent and coordinate organizational strategy and administrative initiatives with campus senior level management and external contacts.
  • Demonstrated ability in providing leadership in and contributions to committees and workgroups where problems have to be solved efficiently.
  • Strong ability to build and maintain positive and productive relationships with a broad range of staff, co-workers, tribal citizens and campus stakeholders.
  • Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential issues that require independent judgment, strict discretion, and confidentiality.
  • Ability to evaluate and synthesize various types of information and perspectives.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Must possess a valid driver's license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver's license, must obtain a valid Montana driver's license within 60 days of hire.)
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on May 28, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

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