Material Culture Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the age of modern aesthetics, the attention towards material culture specialists has never been more significant.

As society develops, the demand for skilled professionals who can understand, interpret, and preserve our material culture magnifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a material culture specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core aspects of this role,
• A hiring manager formulating the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the realm of material culture,

You’ve landed on the right page.

Today, we bring you a customizable material culture specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Material Culture Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Material Culture Specialists have a keen understanding of how material goods and artifacts reflect and shape cultural, social, and historical contexts.

They often work in museums, research institutions, or cultural heritage sites, examining, preserving, and interpreting material culture.

The duties and responsibilities of a Material Culture Specialist include:

• Examine and analyze artifacts and material goods to gain insights into cultural, historical, or social contexts
• Research and document the origins, historical usage, and cultural significance of various artifacts
• Preserve and restore artifacts, ensuring their long-term safety and integrity
• Collaborate with archaeologists, historians, anthropologists, and other professionals in the assessment and interpretation of material culture
• Develop and implement strategies for the proper storage, cataloging, and display of artifacts
• Contribute to exhibitions, presentations, and educational programs, using material culture to engage and educate the public
• Write and publish scholarly papers and reports on findings and research
• Assist in the acquisition of new artifacts, including evaluation and negotiation of acquisitions
• Comply with local, state, and international laws and ethical guidelines related to cultural property and heritage

 

Material Culture Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a knowledgeable Material Culture Specialist to interpret and analyze material goods, artifacts, and historical contexts.

Material Culture Specialist responsibilities include conducting research, examining artifacts, documenting findings, and sharing insights with a broader audience.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of historical periods, civilizations, and the material goods produced and used by them.

The role of the Material Culture Specialist is to contribute to our understanding of history and culture through the study of material goods and artifacts.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed research and analysis on various artifacts and material goods
• Document findings in a clear and concise manner
• Collaborate with other specialists, historians, and archaeologists
• Present research findings to both academic and general audiences
• Contribute to the development of exhibits and educational programs
• Ensure the proper handling and storage of artifacts
• Engage in continuous learning to stay updated on new research and findings in the field

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Material Culture Specialist or similar role
• Proficiency in research methodologies
• A strong understanding of various historical periods and civilizations
• Excellent documentation and report-writing skills
• Experience presenting to diverse audiences
• Experience working with artifacts, including proper handling and storage practices
• Master’s degree or PhD in Anthropology, History, Archaeology or a related field

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Material Culture Specialist
• Work Environment: Office setting, museum or research institution with occasional fieldwork. Travel may be required for research purposes.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Research or Museum Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $85,000 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 Material Culture Specialist Do?

Material Culture Specialists work in various sectors including archaeology, history, and anthropology departments of universities, museums, heritage and cultural organizations, and even in corporate sectors related to product development and design.

They specialize in understanding and interpreting the cultural significance of objects, artifacts, and spaces used by different societies in various historical periods.

This can involve anything from examining ancient pottery to studying modern consumer goods.

They conduct research on artifacts, using techniques like dating and provenance research, to understand their historical context, usage, production, and distribution.

They also try to understand the cultural, social, and economic aspects related to the objects they study.

Material Culture Specialists often collaborate with historians, archaeologists, anthropologists, and museum curators, adding depth and context to their research or exhibits.

They contribute to the production of museum exhibits, academic papers, presentations, and educational programs.

They may also be involved in preservation efforts of cultural heritage sites, ensuring that the material culture of various societies is documented and safeguarded for future generations.

In the corporate sector, they may assist in understanding the cultural connotations of certain materials or designs, helping to make products more appealing to specific demographic or cultural groups.

 

Material Culture Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Material Culture Specialist should possess a unique set of skills and qualifications, including:

• Extensive knowledge of various forms of material culture such as artifacts, objects, textiles, and architectural features.
• Experience with research methods and techniques to study objects and their historical significance.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and document findings related to the material culture in a clear and precise manner.
• Strong presentation and communication skills to share research findings with others, including the general public, academic audiences, or other stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented nature to identify subtle changes, damages, or other features of objects under study.
• Understanding of cultural sensitivity and ethical considerations when working with material culture, particularly items of sacred or historical significance to different cultural groups.
• Experience with museum collections management systems, cataloguing, and inventory controls.
• Physical abilities to handle objects, potentially including lifting, moving, or other manual handling tasks.
• Knowledge of preservation and conservation principles and practices to care for objects appropriately.

 

Material Culture Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level candidates for a Material Culture Specialist role are typically expected to have earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, history, or a related field, where they would have gained theoretical and practical knowledge about material culture.

Internships or part-time roles within museums, historical societies, or archaeological sites can be beneficial for those starting their career in this field.

This hands-on experience can expose candidates to various aspects of material culture, such as artifact preservation, cataloguing, and exhibition design.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience may have worked in roles such as Museum Technician, Collections Assistant, or Archivist, where they would have developed their skills in handling, documenting, and interpreting material culture.

Professionals with more than 5 years of experience may have specialist knowledge in specific periods, regions, or types of artifacts.

They may also have experience in research, publishing, and project management, making them eligible for senior roles or leadership positions within museums, cultural institutions, or academic institutions.

Those seeking advanced positions in the field may also be required to have a master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant field.

 

Material Culture Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Material Culture Specialists typically have a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, history, archaeology or a related field with a focus on material culture studies.

They require knowledge about various historical periods, cultural practices and the physical properties of materials such as ceramics, metals, textiles, and others.

Practical training in artifact handling, preservation, and cataloging is also essential.

Many roles may require a master’s degree or even a doctorate in a specialized area of material culture.

These higher levels of education often involve deep research and extensive fieldwork in specific areas of material culture, such as furniture, clothing, tools, or decorative arts.

Certification from a recognized authority in the field, such as the Society for Historical Archaeology or the American Institute for Conservation, can be an advantage.

In addition, Material Culture Specialists should have excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate their findings to both academic peers and the general public.

Many professionals in this field also pursue ongoing education and professional development opportunities to stay current with advances in research methodologies and technology used in material culture studies.

 

Material Culture Specialist Salary Expectations

A Material Culture Specialist earns an average salary of $56,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate based on the specialist’s level of experience, their educational background, the location in which they work, and the organization that employs them.

 

Material Culture Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Material Culture Specialist need?

A Material Culture Specialist should have excellent research and analytical skills to interpret various types of artifacts and materials.

They should have a keen eye for detail and the ability to decipher the historical and cultural significance of objects.

Communication skills are also crucial as they will need to present their findings to others.

They may also need basic conservation skills, depending on the nature of the position.

 

Do Material Culture Specialists need a degree?

Most Material Culture Specialist positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, archaeology, history, or a related field.

Many positions, especially those in academia or higher-level research, require a master’s or doctoral degree.

Additional coursework or experience in areas such as museum studies or material culture studies can be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Material Culture Specialist resume?

Look for a strong background in research and analysis, as well as experience in handling and interpreting cultural artifacts.

Any additional skills such as conservation, museum curation, or archaeology can be an asset.

Make sure they have a relevant educational background.

Experience in cross-cultural studies or ethnography may also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Material Culture Specialist?

A good Material Culture Specialist is passionate about understanding the past and the role of material culture in human history.

They should be meticulous, analytical, and have a keen eye for detail.

Being able to work independently as well as part of a team is crucial.

They should also have strong writing skills to document their findings and the ability to communicate complex ideas to a non-specialist audience.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Material Culture Specialist?

The difficulty in hiring a Material Culture Specialist can depend on the specific requirements of the role and the pool of candidates with the necessary qualifications and experience.

It may be challenging to find candidates with the right combination of academic knowledge, practical experience, and passion for the subject.

However, with a well-structured recruitment process and clear job description, it is certainly possible to find a suitable candidate.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intriguing role of a material culture specialist.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about analyzing objects.

It’s about understanding the past, one artifact at a time.

With our handy material culture specialist job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why halt your journey now?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to meticulously crafted job listings or refining your resume to brilliance.

Remember:

Every artifact is a piece of the larger historical puzzle.

Let’s uncover that past. Together.

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