Tribal Historian and NAGPRA Coordinator

Description

Purpose of the Position

The Tribal Historian and NAGPRA Coordinator, reporting to the Cultural Resources Administrator, is responsible for managing all aspects of the Tribe’s cultural preservation initiative, including cultural collections, language and historical archives. This role oversees the organization, care, and management of the Tribe’s physical collections, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) initiatives, as well as the coordination and performance of archival research. The Tribal Historian works closely with the Cultural Resources Administrator to ensure that all cultural resources are accurately collected, cataloged, and maintained. Additional responsibilities include supervising Tribal and university volunteers engaged in archival research for Tribal projects and collaborating with consultants to develop, refine, and adapt research project designs that support the Tribe’s cultural and historical goals.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities

• Conduct appraisal, accessioning, arrangement, description, and disposition of archival collections according to recognized archives standards and culturally appropriate Tribal protocols.
• Align archival practices with Tribal priorities, coals and cultural treatment expectations.
• Advise and assist the Tribe in developing, and implementing collections management policies, including the Tribal Government’s records retention program, historical records management guidelines; archives access, use procedures, collection handling guidance, copyright, intellectual property, confidentiality, and ownership best practices and processes, emergency protocols in accordance with Tribal policy and best practices gleaned from state and federal law and archival and museum science.
• Acts as a representative for the Archives in the Tribal community by promoting its resources, programs and services and coordinating and facilitating archives tours for Tribal Departments and Tribal members including open houses and other education or outreach-based programing as well as assisting in the planning and preparation of collections displays and/or exhibits involving materials from the Archives’ collections.
• Establishes and maintains continuing consultative relationships with fellow archivists and others both within and outside the Tribal Government. Including Tribal staff, and external librarians, agency records managers, and scholars in order to (1) maintain up-to-date information regarding other archival collections and secondary sources of information and work as it relates to the Tribes Archives’ scope (2) access or acquire new collections of important to Tribe (3) procure loans of archival or museums based collections for the purpose of displays or exhibits and (4) advance Tribe’s data sovereignty within the larger archival and museum community and profession.
• Conducts and coordinates consultation, inventory research, and report production for implementation of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) work.
• Responds to inquiries about any collections in writing, by telephone, or during visits and according to NAGPRA implementation requirements.
• Coordinates with museums, universities and any organization and representatives to facilitate consultation and physical transfer of collections under NAGPRA.
• Complies and updates data on NAGPRA implementation, including documenting consultations and correspondence records and outcomes.
• Researches and identifies potential funding sources, develops, and submits grant applications to support the Tribe’s NAGPRA activities.
• Ensures all activities comply with federal NAGPRA, relevant state laws as well as tribal laws preparing and submitting required reports and notices.
• Obtain and manage all of the Tribe’s language, cultural and historical collections.
• Report progress in research and issues.
• Assists the other Tribal programs that are incorporating the Tribe’s language, history and culture.
• Coordinates, facilitates and responds to archive access requests by Tribal staff and community members.
• Coordinates with Controller to develop and manage yearly budgets for the Archives (supplies needed, equipment, staffing).
• Oversee the work of any Tribal and University Volunteers aiding in archival research.
• Maintain consistent data-entry practices and manage database collection.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills & Abilities

• Advanced research, analytical writing, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage sensitive and emotionally complex issues using cultural sensitivity, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Specialized knowledge of cataloging databases, NAGPRA laws, regulations, and implementation procedures.
• Experience in historical and institutional records management and retention.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related digital tools, including email, spreadsheets, multimedia, database management, presentation software, and project management software.
• Ability to accurately interpret technical documents, including safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare routine reports and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups, including staff, community members, and partner organizations.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, in person and by phone, demonstrating professionalism, courtesy, and cultural sensitivity with a diverse audience.
• Ability to maintain strict accuracy, confidentiality, and protection of sensitive Tribal information, using tact, diplomacy, and awareness of organizational culture.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make decisions aligned with the best interests of the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake.
• High attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
• Strong teamwork abilities and the skill to work effectively with staff, the public, and collaborative partners.
• Integrity, responsibility, and alignment with Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake cultural and traditional values.

Education and Experience

Required:

• B.A., M.A., or M.L.I.S. in Archives, Library Science, Museum Studies, or a related field.
• All offers are contingent upon signing a confidentiality agreement and satisfactory completion of drug screening and background checks. Employer observes federal standards for controlled substances.
• Required to possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a driving record that is satisfactory to the Tribe’s insurance carrier.

Preferred: (If applicable)

• Two or more years work experience in archives management and preservation preferred.

Certificates and Licenses (If applicable)

No certificates or licenses required beyond a valid driver's license

Physical Requirements

• Typical work hours are Monday-Friday from 8-5, however this position requires occasional travel and flexible scheduling to be available some evenings and weekends as needed.
• Prolonged periods in a stationary seated position, such as working on a computer.
• Frequently move, transport, and manipulate computer equipment up to 15 pounds.
• Sufficient hand-eye coordination, use of hands and fingers to handle work-related items; hearing ability sufficient to perceive and respond to oral communications and ambient sounds both in and out of doors.

Compensation: The hiring range for this position is from $58,820 to $76,530 on an annual basis. The compensation offered within this range will be based on the candidate’s experience, education and demonstrated ability to meet the responsibilities of this position.

Who We are as a Tribe

The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake is a federally recognized Native sovereign nation. Our primary purposes relate to the overall well-being of our Tribal Members and our families. We have active programs and relationships with our Pomo tribal neighbors in Lake County, California that will help us preserve our Pomo culture. Many of these activities help us rediscover lost traditions and spiritual beliefs and help revive our dying languages. Because we know that the world is different from when our ancestors were here, our Tribe works very hard to learn other ways of achieving economic self-sufficiency. We engage in a variety of economic development strategies which would not only benefit our families but also our neighbors. We strive to make sure that wherever we do business, it is done in a manner that respects our neighbors and the larger community’s needs. In this vein, our Tribe looks forward to working with you.

Indian Preference

Native American Indian preference shall apply to the position in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(i)), regulations of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (41 C.F.R. § 60-1.5(a)(7)), and/or other relevant laws. Applicants claiming Indian preference must submit verification of Indian eligibility with their application.