The University NAGPRA Specialist will manage the development and implementation of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act compliance and repatriation program for Western Kentucky University, including the Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology and the Kentucky Museum. The Specialist will represent WKU as the primary contact for the NAGPRA program and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations for NAGPRA-eligible collections curated by the University. This is 12-month, full-time, on-campus staff position with benefits. The position is currently being filled as a temporary one-year position; however, it has the potential for renewal in future years.

Responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following:

• Oversee university NAGPRA compliance: oversee documentation, disposition, and repatriation of ancestral remains and NAGPRA-eligible objects and documents; maintain records of outreach, notification, and consultation; track responses and prepare status reports; develop documents to facilitate consultations; and submit and update federal reports and notices
• Represent the University as the lead NAGPRA staff at regular meetings with Tribal government officials and representatives to coordinate NAGPRA compliance, address Tribal concerns, and when possible, negotiate culturally sensitive resolutions
• Coordinate a university-wide NAGPRA committee, including but not limited to representatives from the Department of Folk Studies and Anthropology and the Kentucky Museum, and serve as primary resource and campus expert for faculty, staff, and administrators regarding Tribal relations
• Provide supervision and direction to any students assisting with university NAGPRA compliance efforts
• Serve as the University's designated authority and primary point of contact for NAGPRA inquiries seeking information about Native American ancestral remains, objects, and documents falling under NAGPRA regulations
• Perform related activities as assigned and/or required

• Master's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Cultural Resource Management, Native American Studies, or a related field
• Thorough knowledge of the federal NAGPRA at 25 U.S.C. 3001-13, its accompanying regulations at 43 C.F.R.10.1-17, consultation practices and processes, and the repatriation process
• Knowledge of human osteology and experience with osteological analysis
• Experience in program and/or project management
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to travel to meet with Tribes and to attend consultations, workshops, reinterments, and other activities that are related to the repatriation process
• Ability to work in evenings and on weekends
• Ability to climb ladders and lift 40 pounds

Salary Range:  $41,000 - $50,000

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at [email protected] or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email [email protected].

Apply Online

About Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University (WKU) prepares students of all backgrounds to be productive, engaged, and socially responsible citizen-leaders of a global society. The University provides research, service and lifelong learning opportunities for its students, faculty, and other constituents. WKU enriches the quality of life for those within its reach.

Connections working at Western Kentucky University