Description: Oversees archaeological, historical, and architectural history reports and work within a given state produced under the Section 106 guidelines (among many other things).
Alternate Titles: State Historical Preservation Officer
Duties: Identifies, evaluates, registers, interprets and protects historic properties, from significant buildings to shipwrecked vessels. The SHPO provides communities and preservation organizations with a variety of services, training and funding opportunities. It also reviews nominations to the National Register of Historic Places and oversees the State Register of Historic Sites. Has a very large role to play in a given state's public archaeology effort, and is often in political hot water.
Locations: In State Historic Preservation Offices in the US; similar positions world wide.
Job Type: Permanent, full-time. The SHPO him/herself is usually an appointed position and may not be in cultural resources at all; however, most SHPO offices hire archaeologists or architectural historians to assist in the review process.
Availability of Employment: Very few (one or two to a state in the United States). However, SHPO burnout is high and generally positions are filled every five to ten years.
Education Level Required: PhD or MA in anthropology or historic preservation, usually.
Experience Tells: Are you a SHPO archaeologist with a story to share? Terrific! Email me
