Cultural Anthropologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this era of global connectivity, the role of cultural anthropologists is increasingly critical.

As societies evolve and cultures intertwine, the demand for insightful individuals who can analyze, interpret, and navigate our complex cultural landscape grows.

But what does a cultural anthropologist really do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate study of cultural anthropology,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a fully customizable cultural anthropologist job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Cultural Anthropologist Duties and Responsibilities

Cultural Anthropologists analyze and interpret the various ways that individuals and groups of people behave, based on their cultural and societal contexts.

This includes studying their customs, values, social patterns, and belief systems.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting fieldwork to gather information about specific cultures
• Collecting data through observations, interviews, surveys, and other research methods
• Examining patterns of behavior, beliefs, and social structures within cultures
• Analyzing and interpreting data to increase understanding of individual and collective human behavior
• Comparing cultural differences and similarities to help understand human diversity and commonality
• Developing and testing hypotheses using scientific methods and theories
• Writing detailed reports and articles to present research findings
• Teaching and lecturing in academic settings
• Advising government agencies, businesses, or other organizations on cultural matters affecting their operations or policies

 

Cultural Anthropologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Cultural Anthropologist to join our team.

The incumbent will study the cultural variation among humans, collect data about the impact of global economic and political processes on specific populations, interpret biological, archaeological, linguistic, and cultural phenomena, and provide insight into the similarities and differences among different cultures.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct ethnographic research studies to better understand cultural phenomena
• Analyze data to uncover patterns in human behavior, culture, and society
• Document findings and theories in detailed reports
• Present research findings to a wide range of audiences
• Advise and consult with government agencies, private organizations, and communities on policies, social problems, and cultural issues
• Teach courses and conduct seminars for students and professionals
• Collaborate with scientists and professionals in related fields to exchange findings and discuss research methodology

 

Qualifications

• A PhD in Anthropology or a closely related field
• Proven work experience as a Cultural Anthropologist
• Knowledge of research methods and statistical analysis
• Excellent observational, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Proficiency in a foreign language may be required

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Cultural Anthropologist
• Work Environment: Office and field work. May require travel to various locations for research.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Anthropology Department or Research Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $54,230 minimum to $113,180 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Cultural Anthropologist Do?

Cultural Anthropologists, also known as Sociocultural Anthropologists, primarily study the customs, cultures, and social lives of individuals in various parts of the world.

They might work for universities, non-profit organizations, government agencies, or private corporations.

Their work involves conducting field studies, where they immerse themselves in the culture they’re studying, often living among the people in order to understand their social norms, rituals, and structures.

This may involve learning new languages, customs, and ways of life.

Cultural Anthropologists collect data through interviews, observations, and document analysis, which they then interpret to draw conclusions about the culture and society they are studying.

They use these findings to help others understand different aspects of human behavior, including the ways in which culture shapes social norms, values, economies, and politics.

Cultural Anthropologists may also apply their research to practical issues such as social inequality, public health, and education.

This might involve advising policy makers, creating cultural awareness programs, or contributing to social services design.

They may also write and publish their findings in academic journals or present them at conferences, contributing to the broader understanding of human societies and cultures.

 

Cultural Anthropologist Qualifications and Skills

A professional Cultural Anthropologist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job expectations, such as:

• Critical thinking skills to analyze cultural phenomena and develop theories about cultural behavior and evolution.
• Extensive knowledge of research methods, data collection, and analysis to conduct field studies and compile detailed reports.
• Interpersonal skills to establish rapport with diverse groups of people in various cultural contexts and settings.
• Written and verbal communication skills to effectively present research findings to academic and non-academic audiences.
• Patience and adaptability to deal with changing and unpredictable circumstances during fieldwork.
• Language skills, with proficiency in at least one foreign language being highly beneficial for conducting research in different regions.
• Understanding of ethical principles and their application to the practice of cultural anthropology.
• Physical stamina for extensive fieldwork, which may involve long periods of travel or living in unfamiliar settings.
• Proficiency in using digital technology for data recording, analysis, and presentation.

 

Cultural Anthropologist Experience Requirements

Cultural Anthropologists usually start their journey with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology or a closely related field, which provides them with a broad understanding of cultural variations and human development.

An entry-level candidate might have an internship or field research experience, typically gained during their undergraduate studies.

This experience can be in cultural research, ethnography, or related areas of anthropology.

Those with a Master’s or Doctoral degree often have several years of fieldwork experience.

This experience can be gained through academic research, nonprofit organization work, or international development projects.

The fieldwork might involve studying and analyzing cultural phenomena, conducting interviews, and gathering data.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have extensive knowledge and practice in specific areas of cultural anthropology such as ethnicity, gender, religion, or language.

They may also have experience in preparing research papers, reports, and presentations, as well as teaching or mentoring students.

Experienced cultural anthropologists may have leadership experience in managing research projects or leading teams of researchers.

They may also have a track record of grant writing and fundraising for anthropological research.

These individuals are often prepared for roles as senior researchers, professors, or project managers.

 

Cultural Anthropologist Education and Training Requirements

Cultural Anthropologists typically require a master’s degree or Ph.D. in anthropology or archeology.

The minimum education requirement, however, is a bachelor’s degree.

The bachelor’s degree program in anthropology or a related field usually involves coursework in social, linguistic, biological and cultural anthropology.

These programs also require students to complete classes in research methods, statistical analysis, and ethnography.

For those aspiring to advance in this field or specialize, a master’s degree or Ph.D. in a specific area of anthropology such as socio-cultural, linguistic, physical or archaeological anthropology is often required.

A substantial portion of a postgraduate degree usually involves original fieldwork and the presentation of a thesis or dissertation.

It’s during this time that many anthropologists learn to conduct ethnographic research and develop their area of expertise.

In addition, gaining experience through internships or by working on anthropological research projects can be beneficial.

While certification is not required for cultural anthropologists, it may be beneficial to earn certifications in related fields such as education, counseling, or public policy.

Continued learning and keeping up with the latest anthropological research is crucial for this role.

This can be achieved through professional development courses, workshops, or conferences.

 

Cultural Anthropologist Salary Expectations

A Cultural Anthropologist earns an average salary of $63,190 (USD) per year.

The salary can vary greatly depending on factors such as level of education, years of experience, geographic location, and the specific organization they work for.

 

Cultural Anthropologist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Cultural Anthropologist need?

Cultural Anthropologists need to have excellent observational and analytical skills to understand and interpret various cultural phenomena.

They should have good communication skills to conduct interviews and surveys, and to present their findings to different audiences.

Cultural Anthropologists should also have good research and writing skills to produce academic papers and reports.

 

Do Cultural Anthropologists need a degree?

Yes, a degree is essential for a career in cultural anthropology.

Most Cultural Anthropologists have at least a bachelor’s degree in anthropology or a related field.

However, for more advanced roles or research positions, a master’s degree or even a PhD is usually required.

 

What should you look for in a Cultural Anthropologist’s resume?

Experience in conducting fieldwork, research, and analysis should be highlighted in a Cultural Anthropologist’s resume.

Any publications or presentations at academic conferences are also worth noting.

Additionally, look for skills such as proficiency in another language, statistical analysis, or experience with ethnographic software as these can be advantageous in this role.

 

What qualities make a good Cultural Anthropologist?

A good Cultural Anthropologist is inquisitive and open-minded, willing to immerse themselves in unfamiliar cultures and settings.

They should have patience and perseverance, as anthropological research often requires long periods of fieldwork.

Good Cultural Anthropologists also have strong ethical standards and respect the cultures they study.

 

Is cultural anthropology a growing field?

Yes, the field of cultural anthropology continues to grow, though it is highly competitive.

As our world becomes more connected, the demand for understanding diverse cultures increases.

Cultural Anthropologists can find work in various industries, including academia, government, healthcare, and business.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Today, we’ve journeyed deep into the fascinating world of what it truly means to be a cultural anthropologist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about studying different cultures.

It’s about interpreting the rich tapestry of human experience, one ethnographic study at a time.

With our comprehensive cultural anthropologist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or refining your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every cultural artifact, every social interaction, is part of the larger human story.

Let’s explore that story. Together.

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