Historian 2 - PAAD Section (PCN 10-3128)

State of Alaska • Anchorage, AK

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land & Water, is hiring a Historian 2 for the Public Access Assertion and Defense (PAAD) Section in Anchorage, Alaska. The position conducts historical research using primary and secondary sources, both published and unpublished, concerning historic use of identified Alaska waters and trails for trade, travel, and commerce. It interviews relevant living witnesses, prepares professional reports for administrative processes, litigation, and other state-title determinations, and provides expert historical testimony for the State of Alaska through affidavits, depositions, or live testimony.

The Historian 2 works closely with the Department of Law, the Department of Fish and Game, the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, and other Department of Natural Resources divisions. Work relates particularly to navigability for title, the public trust doctrine, and establishment of RS 2477 rights. The PAAD Section’s work spans law, history, archaeology, hydrology, geomorphology, and geology; includes litigation and administrative proceedings; uses current technologies and practices to collect and present data; and may involve remote fieldwork throughout Alaska.

The section is based on the tenth floor of the Atwood Building in Anchorage. The role also involves meetings, court and administrative proceedings elsewhere, and fieldwork in remote locations around the state. Fieldwork may involve multi-day camping, travel by ATV, small inflatable boat, small aircraft, or on foot, and long days of self-sustained work. Field training will be provided to the successful applicant as supplementation.

Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited college in history, architectural history, or a closely related field, and one year of experience collecting, synthesizing, evaluating, and presenting historical data as a State of Alaska Historian 1 or equivalent elsewhere.
• Additional graduate study in history, architectural history, or a closely related field beyond the specified master's degree may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Two years of professional historical research experience beyond a bachelor's degree may substitute for the required master's degree.
• Valid driver's license; proof of licensure is required before reporting to duty.
• The position requires use or possession of a firearm or ammunition. Applicants convicted of a qualifying misdemeanor crime of domestic violence may not hold the position.
• Competencies sought include research; clear, concise, organized, and convincing written communication; critical thinking; knowledge of history, archaeology, preservation, and archival techniques; and effective oral and written communication tailored to the audience.

Nice To Haves

• Field skills for working remotely in Alaska; field training will be provided to the successful applicant as supplementation.

Responsibilities

• Research primary and secondary published and unpublished sources on historic use of identified Alaska waters and trails for trade, travel, and commerce.
• Interview relevant living witnesses.
• Prepare professional historical reports for federal and state administrative processes, federal and state litigation, and other determinations of state title.
• Provide expert historical testimony for the State of Alaska through affidavits, depositions, or live testimony.
• Work with other state agencies and DNR divisions on issues including navigability for title, the public trust doctrine, and RS 2477 establishment.
• Participate in fieldwork as needed, including work in libraries, archives, and remote locations throughout Alaska.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work with experts and professionals in law, history, archaeology, hydrology, geomorphology, surveying, and mapping.
• Opportunity to participate in high-profile projects advancing state strategic public-access priorities.
• Opportunity to produce historical reports that can directly affect state ownership, management, and control of state lands in perpetuity.
• Opportunity to participate in remote fieldwork in locations across Alaska.
• Opportunity to be part of a specialized team within the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level