Cultural Resources Specialist

Career Guide

A Cultural Resources Specialist helps protect and manage historic, archaeological, and cultural sites during planning, construction, and land management projects. They research site history, complete field surveys, write reports for compliance, and work with communities and agencies to reduce project impacts.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Plan and conduct cultural resource field surveys
Record site locations and document site conditions
Coordinate archaeological monitoring during construction
Research historical records and prior studies
Prepare technical reports and recommendations
Support compliance with heritage protection laws and permits
Consult with Tribal representatives and local communities
Develop impact avoidance and mitigation plans
Maintain project files, maps, and artifact inventories
Present findings to project teams and regulatory reviewers

Top Skills for Success

Field Survey Methods

Site Documentation

Technical Writing

Regulatory Compliance

GIS Mapping

Archival Research

Stakeholder Communication

Tribal Consultation Support

Project Planning

Data Management

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Cultural Resources Technician

Field Archaeologist

Historic Preservation Assistant

Environmental Field Technician

Transition Opportunities

Cultural Resources Manager

Principal Investigator

Archaeologist

Historic Preservation Specialist

Environmental Planner Project Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

NEPA Document SupportSection 106 Process KnowledgeQA QC ReviewPermit DocumentationRisk AssessmentClient ManagementBudget TrackingSchedule ManagementAdvanced GISPublic Meeting Support

Development SuggestionsBuild a portfolio of writing samples, field forms, and map outputs. Seek projects that include permitting steps, consultation coordination, and report review. Ask to shadow a project manager to learn scheduling, budgeting, and client communication basics.

Market Intelligence Report

Cultural Resources Specialist is part of the Administrative Support category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

See the market intelligence report

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 45,000 to 65,000

Mid LevelUSD 65,000 to 90,000

Senior LevelUSD 90,000 to 120,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand, driven by infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy projects, transportation work, and government land management. Hiring varies by region and project funding cycles.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

AECOMStantecWSPJacobsTetra TechHDRDudekSWCA Environmental ConsultantsICFBureau of Land ManagementNational Park ServiceUS Forest ServiceState Historic Preservation OfficesState Departments of Transportation

Industry Sectors

Environmental consultingEngineering consultingTransportationRenewable energyGovernment land managementConstruction support servicesCultural heritage managementUtilities

Recommended Next Steps

Create a one page portfolio with a redacted survey report excerpt and a sample site form

Strengthen GIS skills by producing a simple map series for a past project

Review the Section 106 process and summarize it in your own words for interview readiness

Practice clear report writing by rewriting one past finding section with tighter structure

Join a professional association focused on archaeology or historic preservation and attend one local event

Request feedback on field notes and reports from a senior reviewer to improve consistency

Track your project hours by task to demonstrate productivity and readiness for lead roles