Review & Compliance: Standing Structures- Preservation Associate

Standing Structures- Preservation Associate (Open)

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. 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. The comments provided by this position serve as the official comments of the State Historic Preservation Office. With these responsibilities comes the opportunity to travel throughout the state to visit project sites, interact with a wide range of federal agencies, consultants, and tribal entities, and have an impact on Nebraska's changing landscape and its preservation of cultural resources.

The Nebraska State Historical Society (NSHS) is a statewide historical agency that connects people to the past through our library and research center, conservation facility, interpretive sites, collections, and the state archeology and historic preservation offices. NSHS's mission is to "collect, preserve, and opens to all the histories we share." The SHPO and its department programs strive to fulfill this mission by empowering Nebraskans to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities by connecting to the people, places, and points of pride that define our state.

Look at what we have to offer! 13 paid holidays Vacation and sick leave that begin accruing immediately Military leave 156% (that's not a typo!) state-matched retirement Tuition reimbursement (Depending on Agency Budget)Employee assistance program 79% employer paid health insurance plansDental and vision insurance plans Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service Training and Development based on your career aspirations Fun, inviting teammates A safe and secure environmentAt the State, we stand by our core values of treating others with dignity and respect, acting ethically in all situations, and creating an environment where our customer is our top priority. Apply to join our team today!

Job Duties:

• 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 36CFR800.
• 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.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree in history, archeology, 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.

"The Nebraska State Historical Society collects, preserves, and opens to all; the histories we share."

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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 state agency staff, consulting parties, and the public regarding compliance responsibilities.
• Familiarity with the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and Historic Survey to aid with the evaluation of sites to aid with determination of eligibility and items of significant character.
• Capable of working predominantly within an office environment but able to conduct out-of-office site visits when determined necessary.
• Must be committed to the organization's core values and demonstrate them regularly in their work.