The duties of the Montana State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) are outlined in regulations developed for the National Historic Preservation Act and the Montana State Antiquities Act.

They include:

• Preparing and implementing a statewide Historic Preservation Plan.
• Conducting and maintaining a statewide survey to identify and document historic buildings and archaeological sites.
• Evaluating historic properties for significance and nominating them to the National Register of Historic Places.
• Assisting local governments in the development of local historic preservation programs.
• Administering federal tax incentives for the preservation of historic buildings.
• Assisting federal and state agencies in their responsibility to identify and protect historic properties and archaeological sites that may be affected by their projects.
• Providing preservation education, training and technical assistance to individuals and groups as well as local, state and federal agencies and tribes.