Review & Compliance: Standing Structures- Preservation Associate

Job Overview

The Nebraska State Historical Society is seeking a motivated, organized, and detail-oriented preservationist to serve as the State Historic Preservation Office’s (SHPO) Review & Compliance Coordinator.

As a member of SHPO, this position serves as the State of Nebraska’s recognized expert, commenter, and coordinator for reviewing standing structure-based Section 106 undertakings and other federal projects. This position is accountable for conducting project reviews for federal agencies per Section 106 requirements, consulting with federal agencies and their designees to minimize impacts on cultural resources, analyzing effects on historic properties, and interacting with and educating the public and government officials on architectural topics as they relate to historic preservation.

• Independently conduct detailed project reviews in-office within legally prescribed time limits for federal agencies, state agencies, or their designees in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and 36
  
  CFR
  800.
• Provide written and/or oral comments and technical assistance on Section 106 review determinations, cultural resource survey reports, grant applications, and other documents.
• Consult, manage, and monitor complex multi-year project reviews under various environmental laws, including the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.
• Conduct detailed reviews of 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 and promote collaboration with Native American Tribes in the creation, review, and monitoring of agreement documents and historic preservation laws.
• Attend and participate in out-of-office project meetings, including multi-agency meetings, as well as making the occasional site visit to project areas to further consult with agencies and the public.
• Other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification, including but not limited to helping other departments, contributing to the Comprehensive Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, assisting with sub-grant programs, participating in interdepartmental committees and working groups, or participating in community outreach events.

Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in history, archaeology, 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 contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge as determined applicable based on Secretary of the Interior Professional Qualifications Standards (36 CFR Part 61, Appendix

A).

Other: The position requires occasional in-state travel. Must possess a valid driver’s license, be able to provide independent authorized transportation, or drive a state vehicle as necessary.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, procedures, and terms of historic preservation, including the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, the seven aspects of integrity, and the National Historic Preservation Act “Section 106” regulations.
• Skill and ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, proposed rehabilitation work, and building codes to ensure compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.
• Ability to plan, maintain strong organizational skills, and prioritize time and workload to accomplish tasks and meet deadlines.
• Skill to synthesize a large amount of technical data regarding projects, surveys within their areas of potential effect, and anticipate potential effects.
• Ability to develop interpersonal skills to help negotiate, mediate, and collaborate with a wide variety of individuals including the ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and the public.
• Excellent communication skills, capacity to work cooperatively and effectively with federal and…