Cultural Resource Manager in Michigan Career Overview
As a Cultural Resource Manager, you play a vital role in preserving the heritage and cultural assets of communities in Michigan and beyond. Your responsibilities encompass a variety of tasks aimed at ensuring the protection and proper management of historical sites, artifacts, and significant cultural landscapes.
Your day-to-day duties often include:
- Conducting surveys and evaluations of cultural resources to assess their significance and condition.
- Collaborating with government agencies, local communities, and stakeholders to develop preservation strategies.
- Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations regarding cultural heritage.
- Preparing reports and documentation that support preservation efforts and inform future planning initiatives.
- Engaging with the community to raise awareness and promote the importance of cultural resources.
The role is essential in balancing development and conservation, making it vital for maintaining the historical integrity of Michigan's diverse cultural landscape. By working closely with various entities, including developers, government bodies, and historical organizations, you facilitate the sustainable management of cultural resources while promoting public understanding and appreciation of Michigan's rich history.
Cultural Resource Manager Salary in Michigan
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Cultural Resource Manager in Michigan
To pursue a career as a Cultural Resource Manager, you will need to obtain relevant educational qualifications and training. The following college degree programs are particularly beneficial for this profession:
Cultural Resource Management and Policy Analysis
- This program focuses on the legal and policy frameworks governing cultural resources, equipping you with the skills necessary to manage and protect these resources effectively.
Anthropology
- A degree in anthropology provides you with a comprehensive understanding of human cultures, practices, and historical contexts, which is vital in assessing cultural resources.
Archaeology
- An archaeology degree emphasizes the scientific study of past human behavior through material remains, preparing you for fieldwork and analytical tasks associated with cultural resource management.
Historic Preservation and Conservation
- This program concentrates on the preservation and conservation of historical sites and artifacts, giving you practical insights into maintaining cultural heritage.
History
- A degree in history allows you to study past events and trends, helping you to contextualize cultural resources within broader historical narratives.
In addition to a bachelor's degree in one of these fields, pursuing a master's degree can enhance your qualifications and improve your career prospects. Engaging in internships or volunteer opportunities during your studies can also provide practical experience and networking opportunities in the field of cultural resource management.
Best Schools to become a Cultural Resource Manager in Michigan 2024
Southern New Hampshire University
Liberty University
University of California-Los Angeles
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
American Public University System
Pace University
- Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings.
- May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world.
- May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations.
Cultural Resource Manager Required Skills and Competencies in Michigan
Research and Analytical Skills: You must be proficient in conducting thorough research and analysis of cultural resources, including historical records and archaeological data.
Project Management: Effective planning, organizing, and executing of cultural resource projects are essential. You should be capable of managing budgets, timelines, and team dynamics.
Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities are necessary for presenting findings, writing reports, and engaging with stakeholders, including community members, government agencies, and academic institutions.
Knowledge of Legislation: Familiarity with federal, state, and local laws regarding cultural resource management, historic preservation, and environmental regulations is critical.
Team Collaboration: You should be adept at working in interdisciplinary teams, as collaboration with various professionals, including archaeologists, historians, and environmental scientists, is often required.
Cultural Sensitivity: An understanding and respect for diverse cultural perspectives and practices will help you in interacting with different communities and stakeholders.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), database management, and digital documentation tools is increasingly important for managing and presenting cultural data.
Problem Solving: You must demonstrate the ability to identify issues related to cultural resources and develop practical solutions that satisfy regulatory requirements and community needs.
Public Speaking and Presentation Skills: The ability to present information clearly and engagingly to diverse audiences is important, especially during public meetings and educational outreach.
Attention to Detail: Careful attention to details in documentation, analysis, and reporting is key to ensuring accuracy and compliance with cultural resource standards.
Job Duties for Cultural Resource Managers
Collect information and make judgments through observation, interviews, and review of documents.
Research, survey, or assess sites of past societies and cultures in search of answers to specific research questions.
Write about and present research findings for a variety of specialized and general audiences.
Analytical or scientific software
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- The MathWorks MATLAB
Geographic information system
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Geographic information system GIS software
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Basic Skills
- Reading work related information
- Writing things for co-workers or customers
People and Technology Systems
- Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
- Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Job Market and Opportunities for Cultural Resource Manager in Michigan
The job market for Cultural Resource Managers in Michigan is influenced by a combination of environmental, developmental, and regulatory factors that drive demand for professionals in this field. Here's what you need to know about the current state of opportunities:
Growing Demand: With a heightened awareness of the importance of preserving historical sites and cultural heritage, demand for Cultural Resource Managers is on the rise. This is particularly relevant as many state and local agencies, as well as private developers, require assessments to ensure compliance with federal and state preservation laws.
Growth Potential: The field is expected to experience steady growth as development projects increase, specifically in areas requiring extensive environmental reviews. The increasing investment in infrastructure, such as roadways and public transit, propels the need for impact assessments and mitigation strategies.
Geographical Hotspots:
- Southeast Michigan: Cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor are significant centers for Cultural Resource Management due to their historical significance and ongoing urban revitalization projects. The presence of numerous cultural institutions and heritage organizations contributes to a robust job market.
- West Michigan: Areas like Grand Rapids are known for their cultural heritage and community development projects that often seek the expertise of cultural resource professionals.
- Northern Michigan: The Upper Peninsula presents unique opportunities tied to Indigenous heritage and historical preservation efforts, attracting managers focused on culturally-sensitive projects.
- State Government and NGOs: Many opportunities exist with state agencies, such as the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, as well as non-profit organizations dedicated to cultural preservation throughout the state.
Federal and Tribal Projects: Projects led by federal agencies, including the National Park Service or tribal organizations, often require Cultural Resource Managers to assist with compliance and management of cultural resources, offering diverse opportunities particularly in areas with Indigenous histories.
Networking Opportunities: Participation in state-wide cultural and heritage conferences and workshops can enhance your visibility within the field, allowing you to connect with other professionals and stakeholders, and stay updated on job openings.
As you navigate the job market, staying informed about local developments and understanding the regulatory landscape will position you well for finding rewarding opportunities in cultural resource management across Michigan.
Top Related Careers to Cultural Resource Manager 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Cultural Resource Manager in Michigan
National Park Service (NPS)
- Offers a wealth of information on cultural resource management, including guidelines and best practices.
- Website: nps.gov/culturalresources
Society for American Archaeology (SAA)
- A leading organization that promotes the study and practice of archaeology and cultural resource management.
- Website: saa.org
American Cultural Resources Association (ACRA)
- A professional organization that provides resources and networking opportunities for cultural resource managers.
- Website: acra-crm.org
Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
- Contains essential information on state-specific cultural resource management practices and regulations in Michigan.
- Website: michigan.gov/shpo
Board of Historic Preservation (BHP)
- Offers guidelines related to historic preservation and the management of cultural resources at the state level.
- Website: michigan.gov/bhp
National Register of Historic Places
- Provides resources on how to nominate properties for listing, which is vital for cultural resource managers.
- Website: nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister
Preservation Michigan
- A nonprofit organization that focuses on historic places and cultural resources in Michigan, providing advocacy and resources.
- Website: preservationmichigan.org
Cultural Resource Management Journal (CRM)
- Peer-reviewed articles and discussions on current trends, research, and practices in cultural resource management.
- Website: crmjournal.org
American Association for State and Local History (AASLH)
- Offers resources related to the stewardship and management of cultural heritage and history.
- Website: aaslh.org
The Alliance for Historic Landscape Preservation (AHLP)
- Focuses on the preservation of historic landscapes and offers resources beneficial to cultural resource managers.
- Website: ahlp.org
These resources will aid you in expanding your knowledge and network within the cultural resource management field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cultural Resource Manager in Michigan
What is a Cultural Resource Manager?
A Cultural Resource Manager (CRM) is responsible for the preservation and management of cultural resources, including archaeological sites, historic buildings, and artifacts. You ensure compliance with regulations and standards set by federal, state, and local laws regarding heritage preservation.What qualifications are needed to become a Cultural Resource Manager?
Typically, a bachelor's or master's degree in archaeology, history, anthropology, or a related field is required. Relevant experience, internships, and knowledge of federal and state laws regarding cultural resources are also important.What is the job outlook for Cultural Resource Managers in Michigan?
The job outlook in Michigan aligns with national trends, reflecting a steady demand for heritage management and environmental consulting services. Opportunities may increase with ongoing infrastructure projects, research initiatives, and preservation efforts.What skills are essential for a Cultural Resource Manager?
Key skills include strong research and analytical abilities, knowledge of archaeological field techniques, project management, effective communication, and attention to detail. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can also be beneficial.What are common employers for Cultural Resource Managers?
Common employers include governmental agencies, consulting firms, museums, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. You may also find opportunities within tribal organizations and private sector companies involved in land development.Is fieldwork a significant part of a Cultural Resource Manager's job?
Yes, fieldwork is often a significant aspect of the role. You may conduct surveys, excavations, and site assessments, which require outdoor work in various conditions.What are the typical responsibilities of a Cultural Resource Manager?
Responsibilities include conducting surveys and assessments, preparing reports and documentation, ensuring compliance with cultural resource laws, collaborating with stakeholders, and planning for the preservation and management of cultural sites.How can I gain experience in this field?
You can gain experience through internships, volunteer opportunities, and field schools related to archaeology or cultural heritage. Participating in relevant workshops and networking within professional organizations can also enhance your experience and prospects.Are there professional associations for Cultural Resource Managers?
Yes, several professional associations cater to Cultural Resource Managers, such as the Society for American Archaeology, the National Council for Preservation Education, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Membership offers networking, resources, and professional development opportunities.What salary can I expect as a Cultural Resource Manager in Michigan?
Salaries for Cultural Resource Managers can vary widely based on experience, education, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start around $40,000, while experienced managers or those in leadership roles can earn upwards of $80,000 annually.Are there certification programs available for Cultural Resource Managers?
Yes, various organizations offer certification programs that enhance credibility and demonstrate expertise in cultural resource management. Consider certifications from the Register of Professional Archaeologists or other relevant accredited institutions.