Environmental Review Program Manager - State Program Administrator Director

Environmental Review Program Manager

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) promotes best preservation practices and cooperative approaches so everyone can continue to benefit from the environmental, social, and economic value of Minnesota's cultural heritage. The team provides guidance and expertise to individuals, communities, and all levels of government to help them meet their preservation goals and compliance with state and federal laws.

SHPO is seeking an Environmental Review Program Manager to lead and oversee all aspects of the Environmental Review Program. This position provides strategic direction, subject matter expertise, and program leadership to ensure the identification and protection of Minnesota's historic resources under federal and state laws.

Key responsibilities:

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with Tribal governments, federal, state, and local government agencies; and other partners while guiding compliance with Section 106 of the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act and Minnesota's preservation laws.
• Direct and manage the Environmental Review Program and its staff, ensuring consistent, professional, and timely program delivery.
• Represent the State Historic Preservation Officer in reviews of large and complex federal undertakings, negotiating and developing Memorandums of Agreement and Programmatic Agreements.
• Review and consult on proposals submitted by State agencies, departments, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, and political subdivisions to ensure compliance with State historic preservation laws.
• Lead innovative projects, develop process improvements, and strengthen systems that support preservation outcomes.

This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, additional onsite attendance may be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy for details.

In addition, this position also requires a willingness to travel (up to 5%), along with ability to work evenings and occasional weekends.

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in history, historic preservation, archaeology, urban and regional planning, law, or related field with specialized coursework in historic preservation or cultural resource management.
• Five (5) years of experience with relevant federal preservation statutes, guidelines, and cultural resource management principles.
• Master's degree as specified above may substitute for 18 months of experience as described.
• Working knowledge of administering federal historic preservation laws, including Section 106, and the roles and responsibilities of federal, Tribal, state, and local governments; and other stakeholders.
• Experience managing team members and engaging in performance management-based conversations.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to negotiate, mediate, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders with varying backgrounds, education, skills, and interests.
• Advanced problem-solving skills related to identifying and protecting historic properties and navigating controversial or complex situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (such as Word, Access, Excel, Outlook, and Teams), Adobe Acrobat, or similar software.

Preferred qualifications:

• Advanced degree in history, historic preservation, archaeology, urban and regional planning, law, or related field with specialized coursework in historic preservation or cultural resource management.
• Working knowledge of Minnesota's historic preservation laws, administrative rules, and broader environmental review process.
• Experience drafting or evaluating Section 106 agreements.
• Specialized training in Section…