Review & Compliance: Standing Structures- Preservation Associate

Job Title

Review & Compliance:
Standing Structures - Preservation Associate

Nebraska State Historical Society (NSHS) – State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

Lincoln, NE

$22.40 per hour

The Nebraska State Historical Society is seeking a motivated, organized, and detail-oriented preservationist to serve as the State Historic Preservation Office’s Review and Compliance Coordinator. The role serves as the State of Nebraska’s recognized expert, commenter, and coordinator for reviewing standing structure‑based Section 106 undertakings and other federal projects. It conducts project reviews for federal agencies, consults with partners to minimize impacts on cultural resources, analyzes effects on historic properties, authorizes official state comments, and educates the public and government officials on architectural issues related to historic preservation.

The position involves periodic travel across the state to visit project sites.

• In‑office conduct of detailed project reviews within legally prescribed time limits for federal, state, or designee agencies in accordance with Section 106 and 36 CFR 800.
• Provide written and/or oral comments and technical assistance on Section 106 determination documents, cultural resource survey reports, grant applications, and related materials.
• Consult, manage, and monitor multi‑year project reviews under environmental laws, including the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.
• Review Programmatic Agreements and Memorandums of Agreement, providing comments, recommendations, and technical assistance.
• Monitor, track, review, and approve mitigation measures stipulated in executed agreement documents.
• Consult with and promote collaboration with Native American Tribes on agreement documents and historic preservation laws.
• Participate in out‑of‑office project meetings, including multi‑agency sessions, and conduct occasional site visits.
• Other duties as assigned, including support of the Comprehensive Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, sub‑grant programs, interdepartmental committees, and community outreach.

• Master’s degree in history, archaeology, architectural history, or closely related field; OR Bachelor’s degree in one of those fields plus either two years of research, writing or teaching experience or substantial scholarly contribution as defined by 36 CFR 61, Appendix A.
• Occasional in‑state travel; must possess a valid driver’s license, have independent authorized transportation, or be able to operate a state vehicle.

• Knowledge of historic preservation principles, including the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and Section 106 regulations.
• Skill to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, proposed rehabilitation work, and building codes for compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.
• Organizational and prioritization abilities to meet deadlines.
• Ability to synthesize technical data regarding projects or surveys within areas of potential effect and anticipate potential impacts.
• Interpersonal skills for negotiation, mediation, and collaboration with colleagues, federal and state agency staff, consultants, and the public.
• Excellent communication skills and capacity to work cooperatively and effectively with stakeholders on compliance responsibilities.
• Familiarity with the National Register of Historic Places and historic surveys for site eligibility assessment.
• Primary office‑based work with occasional on‑site visits when needed.
• Commitment to the organization’s core values and demonstration of these values regularly.

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrue immediately
• Military leave
• 156% state‑matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement (budget dependent)
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer‑paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance
• Employer‑paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Career advancement opportunities within the largest and most diverse employer in the state
• Training and development based on career aspirations
• Safe and secure work environment

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or genetics.