Also called: ARPA Investigator, Cultural Resource Crimes Agent
A federal ranger or agent who catches looters digging up Native American graves, ancient pottery, and fossils on public land.
These investigators patrol remote canyons in the Southwest, find fresh holes in ancient sites, and work with archaeologists to measure the damage. They go undercover at artifact shows and online markets, trace stolen items, and help return sacred objects to tribes. Cases fall under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act.
Federal law enforcement pay, often including 25% availability pay, 2026 estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 6 years after high school. Bachelor's degree, federal law enforcement training, then specialized ARPA training.
Ways in: 4-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Anthropology, Archaeology, Criminal Justice, Natural Resources.
Growing slowly. A tiny specialty across a few federal land agencies (approx.).
Low risk for 10 years. Drones and site sensors help spot looting; remote patrols and cases stay human.
Classes: World history, Earth science, Government.
Official data: O*NET occupation 33-3021.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.