Review & Compliance: Standing Structures- Preservation Associate

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 and Compliance Coordinator. This position is the State of Nebraska’s recognized expert, commenter, and coordinator for reviewing standing structure‑based Section 106 undertakings and other federal projects. The coordinator conducts project reviews for federal agencies per Section 106 requirements, consults with agencies to minimize impacts on cultural resources, analyzes effects on historic properties, and educates the public and government officials on architectural topics related to historic preservation.

The role includes travel throughout the state to visit project sites and interact with federal agencies, consultants, and tribal entities.

• Independently conduct detailed project reviews for federal agencies, state agencies, or their designees within prescribed time limits in accordance with Section 106 and 36
  
  CFR
  800.
• Provide written 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 NHA and NEPA.
• Conduct detailed reviews of Programmatic Agreements and Memorandums of Agreement, providing comments, recommendations, and technical assistance.
• Monitor, track, review, and approve mitigation measures in executed agreement documents.
• Consult and promote collaboration with Native American Tribes on agreement documents and preservation laws.
• Attend and participate in out‑of‑office project meetings, including multi‑agency meetings, and make occasional site visits to project areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including tasks within the Comprehensive Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, sub‑grant programs, interdepartmental committees, or community outreach events.

Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in history, archaeology, architectural history, or closely related field; OR Bachelor’s degree in one of those fields plus (a) two years of experience in research, writing, or teaching in a related field or (b) substantial scholarly research and publication as determined by the Secretary of the Interior Professional Qualifications Standards (36 CFR Part 61, Appendix

A).

Other: Occasional in‑state travel required. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to provide independent authorized transportation or drive a state vehicle as necessary.

• Knowledge of historic preservation principles, practices, procedures, and terms, including the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, the seven aspects of integrity, and Section 106 regulations.
• Skill and ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, proposed rehabilitation work, and building codes to ensure compliance with the Standards.
• Ability to plan, maintain strong organizational skills, and prioritize workload to meet deadlines.
• Ability to synthesize large amounts of technical data on projects and anticipate potential effects.
• Interpersonal skills for negotiating, mediating, and collaborating with a wide variety of individuals while maintaining effective relationships with colleagues and the public.
• Excellent communication skills and capacity to work cooperatively with federal and state agency staff, consulting parties, and the public on compliance responsibilities.
• Familiarity with the National Register of Historic Places and Historic Surveys to aid in evaluating sites for eligibility and character.
• Ability to work predominantly in an office environment with occasional site visits when necessary.
• Commitment to the organization’s core values and demonstration in daily work.

• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accruing immediately
• Military leave
• 156% state‑matched retirement
• Tuition reimbursement (depending on agency budget)
• Employee assistance program
• 79% employer‑paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer‑paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) through the federal government
• Career advancement opportunities within the largest and most diverse employer in the state
• Training and development based on career aspirations
• Fun, inviting teammates
• A safe and secure environment

The State of Nebraska values our teammates and 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.