Historic preservation is the process of protecting and ensuring the continued study of historic objects, artifacts, buildings, sites and landscapes. Highly organized individuals who are interested in history may find jobs related to historic preservation and restoration to be an interesting career path. Within this field, there are a number of positions with differing responsibilities and compensations. In this article, we list seven jobs in historic preservation and restoration, including their salary and duties, and also discuss tips for entering the historic preservation and restoration field.
Recommended
7 jobs in historic preservation restoration
Here are seven jobs in historic preservation restoration that all make more than $50,000 per year, according to Indeed salaries. For the most up-to-date salaries, please click on the links below:
1. Grant writer
National average salary: $53,239 per year
Primary duties: The primary duty of a grant writer is to secure funding through the creation of a detailed and persuasive application document. Grant writers may work for organizations including non-profits, research groups, or creative entities. They may begin by reviewing the grant requirements to ensure that their project or organization qualifies for consideration. Next, they perform research and write the grant. They may then take the grant through an editorial process followed by reviews. Grand writers interested in historic preservation and restoration may write grants for museums or non-profit organizations dedicated to a particular historical event, person or time period.
2. Museum curator
National average salary: $53,418 per year
Primary duties: Museum curators head particular galleries or exhibits within museums. For smaller museums, the curator may be a key figure in the institution’s overall operation. They may collect the items, create a display and work to promote their work. This may involve the creation of educational campaigns or materials to accompany the exhibit itself. Museum curators may also develop or re-organize existing collections, make decisions about where to focus museum funding or attention, create historical records involving their exhibits and apply for grants. They may also collaborate closely with other historical preservation professionals like historians and archivists.
3. Archaeologist
National average salary: $59,076 per year
Primary duties: Archaeologists use relics from the past to better understand the history of life on earth. Some may focus on the remains of pre-historic creatures or early humankind to understand the development of life on this planet. Others may focus on the development of human society by examining human-created relics. Archaeologists may participate in archaeological digs, work to restore and study of artifacts, perform research, write papers, give lectures and collaborate with other professionals to share their knowledge with the world. Some may also work as university professors, where they guide students through the research process.
4. Archivist
National average salary: $59,696 per year
Primary duties: Archivists are professionals trained in the preservation and restoration of historic materials. These materials may include paper, books, paintings, photographs, films, maps, instruments, furniture or other artifacts. They may also work to restore or preserve computer records and files. These professionals may perform research to understand the historical context of the artifacts that they’re working with. They may also possess a number of technical restoration or preservation skills including artifact repair and file recovery.
Another major part of the archivist’s job is to organize and store the items for which they’re responsible. This entails a detailed organization system that future historians or archivists may navigate. They may also work to create systems or displays that are accessible to the public, which may help encourage public education. Finally, archivists ensure that these systems of storage or display are suitable and safe for the artifacts themselves. They may create display cases, offer visitors special gloves or control the air temperature of the room to protect and preserve the artifacts.
5. City planner
National average salary: $64,744 per year
Primary duties: City planners, also known as urban or regional planners, develop plans for the creation, expansion or restoration of cities. They may restore and preserve historical buildings and sites, and determine the best way in which to create a functional city around them. They take into consideration the cultural communities that city changes may affect and work to offset challenges such as population growth, natural disasters or general decomposition. City planners may perform historical research, technical analyses and survey popular opinion. They might also collaborate with architects, civil engineers and important cultural figures within the community.
6. Anthropologist
National average salary: $66,130 per year
Primary duties: The primary duties of an anthropologist are to study and understand society. Specifically, anthropologists may perform research, write papers, give lectures, attend conferences and examine artifacts. Some focus on cultures and societies of the past, working to understand the development of human society over time. They may focus on the study of language and culture, or on physical relics like archaeological remains of art, household items or architecture.
Anthropologists may work closely with archaeologists, historians and other academic figures to create a complete understanding of the cultures and societies of the past. They may also use this information to understand the cultures and societies of today better. For instance, they may work to understand how issues like poverty, global warming, international conflict and overpopulation developed, and suggest solutions based on past events.
7. Historian
National average salary: $80,105 per year
Primary duties: The primary duties of a historian are to study and write about history. These individuals are experts in their field, and other academics may turn to them for knowledge and advice. Historians may work perform research in conjunction with a university, historical non-profit, architectural firm or governmental organization. In addition to doing research, they may write papers, give lectures, visit historic sites and collaborate with other academic or historical professionals to increase the knowledge base surrounding their area of focus.
Tips for entering the field of historic preservation restoration
If you decide that you’re interested in pursuing a career in historic preservation and restoration, here are some tips that may help you get started:
Do your research
Expanding your knowledge base about the career you’re interested in may be a useful way to prepare yourself to secure a job when the opportunity appears. You can do research on your chosen job’s educational requirements, typical salary, common career path and the best cities in which to work. One method for emerging professionals to learn more about a field of interest is to perform an informational interview with a professional. This can give you the opportunity to meet someone who has experience and learn about the path that their career has taken. You might ask them:
-
Why did you choose to work in this field?
-
Tell me about your educational history.
-
What was your first job in this field?
-
How did you progress from that job to the one you have now?
-
Tell me about the job you have now. What do you do on a day-to-day basis?
-
What are the most important skills you use at work?
-
What is your favorite part of your job?
-
What is your least favorite part of your job?
-
Do you have any other advice for me?
Build a network
Networking can be a useful tool for new professionals in any field. By meeting individuals with careers related to your area of interest, you may increase your chances of learning about new, relevant job openings. You may also find someone who is willing to recommend you for a job or an internship. You may also become more aware of events, discussions and prominent figures in your field of interest. This knowledge may help you expand your network further and better prepare yourself to enter the field of historic preservation.
You may begin building a network by asking friends and family if they know anybody in the fields of historic preservation and restoration, then reaching out to these individuals to ask if they might be willing to talk to you about their careers. You can also connect with new people via a school alumni network or on internet-based professional networking sites. It may also be helpful to attend events like lectures intended for professionals in your field and begin conversations with individuals that you meet there.
Continue Learning
There is always more to learn about the field of historic preservation and restoration, especially with the constant publication of new research. Working to learn more about your field of interest may help you demonstrate your dedication to the field in conversations with recruiters or at job interviews. To do this, you may read books, articles, or journals and watch documentaries to deepen your knowledge or learn about new areas of study. You may also consider signing up for a certificate course or lecture series. These can both help you learn and make useful additions to your resume.
I hope you find this article helpful.
