Cultural Heritage Technician in New Hampshire Career Overview
As a Cultural Heritage Technician, you play a vital role in preserving, documenting, and interpreting the cultural and historical assets of your community and beyond. Your work involves a variety of responsibilities that contribute to the protection and appreciation of cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations can learn from and enjoy these resources.
Key aspects of the role include:
Documentation: You systematically record information about artifacts, sites, and historical records, using contemporary technology and methodologies to create accurate records.
Preservation: Your work aids in the conservation of historic sites and artifacts, helping to stabilize and maintain them against deterioration caused by environmental factors.
Research: Conducting thorough research is often part of your responsibilities, allowing you to gather context and enrich the understanding of cultural materials and their significance.
Collaboration: You frequently work alongside archaeologists, historians, curators, and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to heritage management, fostering teamwork and knowledge sharing.
Public Engagement: Your role often includes educating and engaging the public about cultural heritage, whether through workshops, tours, or exhibitions, making history accessible and relevant to a diverse audience.
Compliance and Advocacy: You help ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding cultural resources and advocate for preservation efforts, supporting policies that protect cultural heritage.
Through these efforts, you contribute significantly to the cultural landscape, helping to safeguard the narratives and artifacts that define a community's identity and history.
Cultural Heritage Technician Salary in New Hampshire
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Cultural Heritage Technician in New Hampshire
To become a Cultural Heritage Technician, you typically need to possess specific educational qualifications, often at the bachelor's or master's level. The following degree programs are particularly relevant:
Archives and Archival Administration: This program focuses on the management of recorded information, including how to preserve, maintain, and provide access to archival materials.
Historic Preservation and Conservation: This field emphasizes the conservation of historic sites and structures, covering principles of restoration, preservation techniques, and the regulatory framework surrounding historical preservation.
Museum Studies: This degree program prepares you for various roles within museums, including collection management, exhibition design, and educational programming, with a strong emphasis on artifacts' care and interpretive practices.
Cultural Resource Management: This program equips you with knowledge about the identification, evaluation, and preservation of cultural resources, often integrating aspects of archaeology, historical preservation, and policy analysis.
Policy Analysis: A background in policy analysis provides you with the skills to assess and develop policies that impact cultural heritage preservation, helping you navigate regulatory frameworks and advocate for heritage initiatives.
These degree programs provide a solid foundation in the principles and practices necessary for a successful career as a Cultural Heritage Technician. Consider pursuing internships or volunteer positions in relevant institutions during your studies to gain practical experience in the field.
Best Schools to become a Cultural Heritage Technician in New Hampshire 2024
Johns Hopkins University
Simmons University
Harvard University
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
George Washington University
CUNY Graduate School and University Center
- Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit.
- May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art.
- May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits.
- Includes book or document conservators.
Cultural Heritage Technician Required Skills and Competencies in New Hampshire
Attention to Detail: You must possess a keen eye for detail to accurately record, analyze, and interpret historical artifacts and documents.
Research Skills: Proficiency in conducting thorough and systematic research is essential to locate relevant materials and provide context for cultural heritage projects.
Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with various software programs, including database management systems, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and digital archiving tools, is necessary for effective documentation and data management.
Preservation Techniques: Understanding preservation methods and techniques for artifacts, documents, and structures enables you to ensure their longevity and integrity.
Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are vital for conveying findings and collaborating with stakeholders, including historians, conservators, and the public.
Analytical Thinking: You should be able to assess information critically and synthesize data from multiple sources to create comprehensive narratives about cultural heritage.
Organizational Skills: Effective organization is key for managing projects, maintaining records, and ensuring that all materials are easily accessible and well-cataloged.
Interpersonal Skills: Building relationships with community members, organizations, and other professionals will enhance collaborative efforts in cultural heritage initiatives.
Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to identify challenges and develop innovative solutions is important for overcoming obstacles that may arise in preservation or research efforts.
Cultural Awareness: A deep understanding of cultural sensitivities and historical significance will guide your work and help you honor the communities represented in your projects.
Project Management: Skills in planning, executing, and evaluating projects are important to ensure that initiatives are completed on time and within scope.
Adaptability: Being open to new technologies, methodologies, and ideas will help you stay current in the field and respond to the evolving needs of cultural heritage preservation.
Job Duties for Cultural Heritage Technicians
Clean objects, such as paper, textiles, wood, metal, glass, rock, pottery, and furniture, using cleansers, solvents, soap solutions, and polishes.
Install, arrange, assemble, and prepare artifacts for exhibition, ensuring the artifacts' safety, reporting their status and condition, and identifying and correcting any problems with the set up.
Repair, restore, and reassemble artifacts, designing and fabricating missing or broken parts, to restore them to their original appearance and prevent deterioration.
Data base user interface and query software
- Gallery Systems EmbARK
- Questor Systems QScan32
Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Basic Skills
- Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- Reading work related information
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Job Market and Opportunities for Cultural Heritage Technician in New Hampshire
The job market for Cultural Heritage Technicians in New Hampshire reflects a mix of stable demand and emerging growth potential. As communities and organizations increasingly recognize the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage, the need for professionals in this field is likely to rise.
Demand: Cultural Heritage Technicians are in demand across various sectors, including museums, historical societies, conservation organizations, and governmental agencies. As New Hampshire is home to numerous historical sites and cultural institutions, opportunities in these areas continue to grow.
Growth Potential: The field is experiencing gradual growth driven by a larger public interest in cultural heritage conservation and education. This is further supported by a variety of federal and state initiatives aimed at preserving historical sites and promoting cultural programs. Expanding collaboration with local communities, educational institutions, and international heritage organizations also contributes to potential job openings.
Geographical Hotspots:
- Concord: As the state capital, Concord has a number of museums and historical sites, including the New Hampshire State Museum. The city serves as a hub for cultural preservation activities and often has opportunities for cultural heritage professionals.
- Portsmouth: Known for its rich maritime history, Portsmouth is home to several museums and historical organizations. Its vibrant tourism industry often leads to opportunities in cultural heritage management and educational program development.
- Hanover: With institutions such as Dartmouth College, Hanover offers opportunities for cultural heritage technicians, particularly in academia and research settings. Collaborations with the college’s archives and museums can provide unique job prospects.
- Manchester: The largest city in New Hampshire, Manchester has a growing community of museums and cultural institutions, including the Currier Museum of Art. A diverse population enhances the demand for cultural heritage initiatives and programs aimed at community engagement.
Overall, as cultural heritage continues to gain prominence in public discourse and policy, you can expect a steady influx of opportunities in various settings across New Hampshire.
Top Related Careers to Cultural Heritage Technician 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Cultural Heritage Technician in New Hampshire
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC)
- Website: https://www.conservation-us.org
- Description: This professional organization offers resources on conservation standards, training opportunities, and best practices for those working in heritage conservation.
National Park Service: Preservation Planning
- Website: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/historicpreservation/index.htm
- Description: The NPS provides guidance and resources related to preservation planning, including technical documents and preservation statutes.
New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources
- Website: https://www.nh.gov/nhdhr
- Description: This state agency offers information on historical preservation efforts, grants, and programs specific to New Hampshire.
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
- Website: https://www.imls.gov
- Description: IMLS supports museum and library initiatives, providing funding opportunities and research that can benefit cultural heritage technicians.
National Trust for Historic Preservation
- Website: https://savingplaces.org
- Description: This nonprofit organization advocates for the preservation of sites of historical significance and offers resources for heritage professionals.
Society for American Archaeology (SAA)
- Website: https://www.saa.org
- Description: The SAA provides resources for archaeological professionals, including ethical standards and best practices for cultural heritage management.
Cultural Heritage Preservation Network (CHPN)
- Website: http://www.culturalheritage.org
- Description: This platform connects cultural heritage professionals and provides access to various resources, including forums, job listings, and educational materials.
Preservation Resources: Tools for Preservation Practices
- Website: https://www.preservationdirectory.com
- Description: A comprehensive directory of preservation resources, including grants, jobs, and educational opportunities.
The Getty Conservation Institute
- Website: https://www.getty.edu/conservation
- Description: Offers a wealth of resources on conservation techniques, research publications, and educational workshops relevant to cultural heritage practices.
Heritage Preservation: The National Institute for Conservation
- Website: https://www.heritagepreservation.org
- Description: This organization provides resources about conservation practices, risk management, and access to disaster planning for cultural heritage sites.
Explore these resources to further develop your understanding of the field of cultural heritage and to enhance your professional skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cultural Heritage Technician in New Hampshire
What does a Cultural Heritage Technician do?
A Cultural Heritage Technician works to preserve and protect cultural resources, such as historical sites, artifacts, and practices. This role often includes conducting research, documentation, conservation efforts, and assisting with educational programs related to cultural heritage.What qualifications are needed to become a Cultural Heritage Technician in New Hampshire?
Typically, a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, or a related field is required. Practical experience, such as internships or volunteer work in historic preservation or museum studies, is also highly advantageous.Are there specific certifications that enhance job prospects for Cultural Heritage Technicians?
While certifications are not mandatory, credentials such as the Certified Archaeological Technician (CAT) from the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) or membership in organizations like the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) can enhance credibility and job opportunities.What skills are essential for success in this role?
Critical skills include attention to detail, analytical thinking, strong communication abilities, project management, and proficiency in relevant technology and tools for documentation and conservation.Is fieldwork a significant part of this job?
Yes, fieldwork can be an important aspect of a Cultural Heritage Technician's role. This may involve conducting site assessments, excavations, or surveys, often as part of a larger team working on preservation projects.What types of employers hire Cultural Heritage Technicians?
Cultural Heritage Technicians can find employment with various organizations, including museums, historical societies, government agencies, and non-profit heritage organizations. Some may also work as independent contractors or consultants.What is the typical salary range for Cultural Heritage Technicians in New Hampshire?
The salary for Cultural Heritage Technicians can vary widely based on experience, education, and specific employer. On average, salaries in New Hampshire may range from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, though entry-level positions may start lower.Are there opportunities for advancement in this career?
Yes, with experience and additional education or certifications, Cultural Heritage Technicians can advance to supervisory roles, project management positions, or specialized areas of cultural resource management.What are the most common challenges faced in this profession?
Common challenges include securing funding for projects, dealing with bureaucratic regulations related to preservation, and managing public interest or controversy surrounding cultural heritage issues.How can I gain experience in this field?
You can gain experience through internships, volunteer opportunities, or part-time positions related to heritage conservation, museum work, or archaeology. Networking with professionals in the field and joining relevant organizations can also provide valuable insights and opportunities.