Employers
The government comprises the largest source of employment for historic preservationists, the majority of which fall under the auspices of the National Park Service (NPS). The NPS monitors the work of division offices such as the National Register of Historic Places, the National Historic Landmarks Program, and the Historic American Buildings Survey. Other employment opportunities exist with state and local government agencies, private consulting firms, and nonprofit groups.
Starting Out
A college education is required for most jobs in preservation, but work experience is highly valued as well. Most graduates begin their career during an internship as a research assistant for a restoration site or archeology project. Other entry-level jobs at the NPS, for example, include researchers and writers for various educational programs for museums and schools, industry journals, and publications written for the general public.
- Active and Contemplative Religious Sisters and Brothers
- Anthropologists
- Archaeologists
- Archivists
- Artists
- Book Conservators
- Conservators and Conservation Technicians
- Demographers
- Directors of Corporate Sponsorship
- Directors of Fund-Raising
- Directors of Volunteers
- Economists
- Education Directors and Museum Teachers
- Environmental Education Program Directors
- Environmental Lobbyists
- Ethnoscientists
- Exhibit Designers
- Fund-Raisers
- Futurists
- Gallery Owners and Directors
- Genealogical Researchers
- Genealogists
- Geographers
- Grant Coordinators and Writers
- Historians
- Land Acquisition Professionals
- Land Trust or Preserve Managers
- Lexicographers
- Librarians
- Linguists
- Lobbyists
- Medical Ethicists
- Museum Attendants
- Museum Directors and Curators
- Museum Technicians
- National Park Service Employees
- Nonprofit Social Service Directors
- Park Rangers
- Political Scientists
- Proposal Managers
- Public Interest Lawyers
- Public Opinion Researchers
- Public Relations Specialists
- Rabbis
- Roman Catholic Priests
- Social Workers
- Sociologists
- Statisticians
- Taxidermists
- Tour Guides
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors
- Zookeepers
- Zoologists