Architectural Historian- Preservation Associate

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE
•Onsite

About The Position

The Nebraska State Historical Society is seeking an Architectural Historian to join its Architectural Team and contribute to documenting, evaluating, and preserving Nebraska’s historic built environment. The position is part of the Highway Archeology Program (HAP), which operates within the State Archeology Office through a partnership between NSHS and the Nebraska Department of Transportation. HAP supports NDOT in meeting its responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. The Architectural Historian conducts research and fieldwork throughout Nebraska, identifies and documents historic buildings and structures, and evaluates their historical significance. The role involves collaboration with cultural resource professionals, Tribal representatives, government agencies, and the public. Travel is required, and the incumbent must have a valid driver’s license or another form of reliable transportation. Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Requirements

  • Master’s degree in history, archeology, architectural history, or a closely related field; OR a bachelor’s degree in one of these fields plus either two years of experience in research, writing, or teaching in a related field, or a substantial contribution through research and publication to scholarly knowledge as determined under the Secretary of the Interior Professional Qualifications Standards (36 CFR Part 61, Appendix A).
  • Knowledge of cultural resource management methodology and standards for architectural survey, inventory, and evaluation.
  • Ability to understand, interpret, and apply historic preservation and cultural resource regulations, policies, procedures, and laws.
  • Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, including the ability to set priorities and make decisions independently.
  • Effective interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Commitment to the organization’s core values and regular demonstration of them at work.
  • Ability to travel; must present a valid driver’s license or another form of reliable transportation.
  • Regular and reliable attendance.

Nice To Haves

  • Familiarity with Great Plains history, especially architectural and engineering styles and trends over time.
  • Experience writing technical reports and providing quality-control review of field documents and site forms.
  • Experience with cultural resource management regulatory frameworks, including Section 106, Section 4(f), and NEPA.
  • Demonstrated experience in architectural survey, including archival research and photography analysis.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct in-depth research on architectural history and context using primary and secondary source materials.
  • Identify and evaluate architectural properties for potential eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places through archival research, field survey, written documentation, and photography.
  • Assess impacts of proposed undertakings on historic properties under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act.
  • Prepare and submit technical reports summarizing architectural surveys and evaluations.
  • Use ArcGIS Pro and other ESRI GIS tools to document project data and produce accurate, professional maps.
  • Support other departments or teams as needed, participate in interdepartmental committees or working groups, and engage in community outreach and public education related to historic preservation.
  • Perform other duties assigned within the scope of the classification.

Benefits

  • Retirement plan with a 156% match on the first 4.8% contribution.
  • 13 paid holidays.
  • Generous leave accruals and benefits.
  • Career development and learning opportunities.
  • Work-life balance.
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