Posting Title: Architectural Historian
Classification: Preservation Associate / A39650
Compensation: $21.48 – $31.67
Position: 05400324
DESCRIPTION:
Are you captivated by the opportunity to explore, document, interpret, and preserve the vast architectural history of Nebraska? Will you enjoy collaborating with a highly skilled team of cultural resource professionals to protect the past? Do your career goals involve engaging with a variety of stakeholders, including Tribal, state, and federal agency representatives and the general public? If you’ve answered “Yes!” to any of these questions, please apply!
History Nebraska is seeking a motivated and skilled professional to join the team as an Architectural Historian. History Nebraska has a longstanding partnership with the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT). Through this partnership, the Highway Archeology Program (HAP) has been established within the State Archeology Office to complete NDOT’s obligations under the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Section 106 of the NHPA, and the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA).
This teammate will work under the direction of the Assistant State Archeologist and in coordination with other project staff to perform background research; conduct field surveys; identify, document, and evaluate historic standing structures; and prepare detailed project maps and technical reports to continue the decades of collaborative work with NDOT in documenting Nebraska’s history, advancing our understanding of past cultures, and preserving our built environment.
History Nebraska is a statewide educational institution that connects people to the past through its library and research center, conservation facility, interpretive sites, and the state archeology and historic preservation offices. History Nebraska’s objective is to become the most engaging and relevant state historical society in the nation. We offer:
- A wide array of opportunities for professional growth, including members to professional organizations, access to LinkedIn Learning, conference attendance, and more;
- Medical, dental, and vision health plans;
- 13 paid holidays a year, plus 12 paid vacation days and 12 paid sick leave days (both of which increase with tenure);
- Competitive retirement plan with 156% state match for every dollar you contribute;
- Paid term life insurance;
- Employee Wellness and Discount programs;
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
Our five core values at History Nebraska are:
- We Do It Better Every Time. We are always looking to improve. When we fail, we know why and learn from it.
- We Have Each Other’s Back. We work in groups. We candidly support one another for the betterment of the organization.
- We Own It. If we say we are going to do something, we do our best to get it done.
- We Are Curious. We never stop learning, and we encourage curiosity in others.
- We Are Inclusive. We seek multiple perspectives and value the uniqueness of each individual.
JOB DUTIES
- Conduct detailed research on architectural history and context through identification and review of source materials.
- Identify and evaluate architectural properties for eligibility listing in the National Register of Historic Places through research, survey, written descriptions, documentation, and photography.
- Assess the effects of undertakings on historic properties pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Section 4(f).
- Prepare and submit technical reports describing results of cultural resource surveys.
- Use ArcGIS Pro and ESRI GIS products to document projects, and to read and produce technical maps.
- Other duties may be assigned, including but not limited to: helping other departments; participating in interdepartmental committees and working groups; and participating in community outreach events.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
- Knowledge of cultural resource management methodology and the standards for architectural survey, inventory, and evaluation.
- Ability to understand, interpret, and apply historic preservation and cultural resource regulations, policies, procedures, and laws.
- Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro, ESRI GIS applications, handheld GPS technology, and/or other GIS products.
- Excellent problem solving skills, including the ability to establish priorities and make decisions independently.
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Must be committed to the organization’s core values and demonstrate them regularly in their work.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in history, architectural history or closely related field OR Bachelor’s degree in any of the above noted fields plus one of the following a) two years experience in research, writing or teaching in a related field, or b) substantial contributions through research, and publication to the body scholarly knowledge as determined applicable based on Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards (36 CFR Part 61, Appendix A).
PREFERRED
- Familiarity with Great Plains history, especially the style and trends of architecture and engineering through time.
- Prior experience writing technical reports and providing quality control review of field documents, site forms, etc.
- Previous experience with the regulatory framework surrounding cultural resource management (i.e., Section 106, Section 4(f) and NEPA).
- Demonstrated experience in architectural survey (archival research, photography analysis).
OTHER:
This position requires frequent in-state day trips and occasional overnight travel lasting up to one week. Must possess a valid driver’s license and have ability to drive state vehicles or provide independent transportation. Applicants must be able to work in strenuous outdoor conditions, hike long distances over rough terrain, and carry heavy equipment to document historic structures in a variety of weather conditions including: extreme heat and cold, sun, rain, snow, and wind.
Diversity and Inclusion
History Nebraska collects, preserves, and opens, to all, the histories we share. We believe a diverse and inclusive workforce is an essential element in making Nebraska’s rich history available to everyone. History Nebraska is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. Our work is meaningful and challenging, and we believe diverse perspectives will make it better.