Architectural Historian II

Minnesota Historical Society•St. Paul, MN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Minnesota Historical Society seeks an Architectural Historian II to conduct historical research, develop historic contexts, and evaluate historic-resource protection for a public agency to ensure compliance with state and federal preservation law. The role is based at the History Center in St. Paul and supports a project under contract with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. It is an ongoing MNHS position designed to complete the project’s scope of services through June 30, 2027. The position conducts archival and field research in specified project areas, identifies and evaluates historical resources in areas affected by agency undertakings, analyzes research data, and prepares documentation and reports. It also manages research projects to support agency compliance with historic-preservation law and policy and provides professional expertise to others.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in history, heritage studies, historic preservation, or a closely related field.
Four years of experience in research, writing, teaching, interpretation, or other demonstrable professional activity within an academic institution, historic organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution; alternatively, substantial contribution to the field through research and publication.
Meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for history or architectural history, published in 36 CFR 61.
Knowledge of Minnesota history and geography.
Knowledge of state and federal historic-preservation law and regulation.
Demonstrated ability to conduct research independently and bring projects to completion in a timely manner.
Experience conducting project reviews under state and/or federal historic-preservation law and regulation.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with varied public and private organization representatives, government officials and agencies, board and commission members, organizational managers, museum and historic-site staff, and the public.
Ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing situations and priorities.
Computer skills needed to develop quality project and program documentation.
Ability to work independently and take initiative while collaborating effectively and contributing positively to a team.
Ability to multitask, work under pressure to meet deadlines, prioritize, and adapt to changing priorities.
Demonstrated ability to think imaginatively and solve problems.
Ability to spend extended periods outdoors in all weather conditions.
Ability to bend, crouch, kneel, reach, push, and pull.
Ability to travel extensively during the week.
Valid Minnesota driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree in history, heritage studies, historic preservation, or a closely related field.
Familiarity with the development of transportation systems in Minnesota.

Responsibilities

Conduct archival and field research for historic-context studies in specified project areas.
Research, identify, evaluate, and protect historical resources in areas of agency undertakings.
Document research phases and prepare reports to meet contractual and professional obligations.
Manage historical research projects to support agency compliance with historic-preservation law and policy.
Analyze archival and field data to document and understand research results.
Provide professional expertise to others.