Job Description

The Nebraska State Historical Society is seeking a motivated, organized, and detail-oriented archeologist to serve as the State Historic Preservation Office’s (SHPO) Preservation Archeologist. As a member of SHPO, this position serves as the State of Nebraska’s recognized expert, commenter, and coordinator for reviewing archeology based Section 106 and other federal and state projects. This position is accountable for conducting project reviews for federal agencies per Section 106 requirements, consulting with federal agencies to minimize impacts on archeological resources, and interacting with and educating the public and government officials on archeology topics as they relate to historic preservation. With these responsibilities comes the opportunity to travel 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. Fieldwork opportunities are limited but are a possibility. Position will lead or contribute to the state’s archeological survey efforts.

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, the State Archeology Office, and the State Historic Preservation Office. NSHS’s mission is to “collect, preserve, and open to all the histories we share.” The Nebraska SHPO and its department 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. NSHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. At 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!

Pay Rate or Range: Minimum Hiring Rate $22.405

Our five core values are:

• Accountability. We make decisions based on the best interest of the public and own those decisions.

• Adaptability. We adapt to change and find ways to succeed.

• Customer Service. We serve the public and put the needs of the public first.

• Integrity. Our ethics and actions are based on returning a profit to the taxpayer.

• Teamwork. We treat all members of our team and the public with respect and equality.

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).

Preferred: At least one (1) year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archeological research, administration, or management; At least 4 months of supervised field and analytic experience in general North American archeology; and demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.

Other: Position requires occasional travel. Must possess a valid driver’s license, be able to provide independent authorized transportation, preferably driving a state vehicle as necessary.

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 36 CFR 800.

• Conduct detailed reviews and recommend edits for Programmatic Agreements and Memoranda of Agreement and provide guidance in the development of Phase III archeological data recovery plans.

• Provide written and/or oral comments on Section 106 review determinations, cultural resource survey reports, archeological site forms, and other documents.

• Consult and promote collaboration with Tribal Nations and THPOs 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.

• Plan and administer archeological survey programs, including hiring and managing contractors and evaluating deliverables.

• Other duties as assigned, including but not limited to helping other departments, contributing to the Comprehensive Statewide Historic Preservation Plan, planning archeological survey projects, participating in interdepartmental committees and working groups, or participating in community outreach events.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of Great Plains or North American Archeology.

• Ability to plan, maintain strong organizational skills, and prioritize time and workload to accomplish tasks and meet deadlines.

• Capacity to conduct outreach activities including in-person meetings, workshops, and trainings for federal and state agency staff, consulting parties, and the public regarding compliance responsibilities.

• Knowledge and/or ability to learn contemporary archaeological methods and theory; federal laws pertaining to cultural resources and antiquities on public lands; archeological survey and site excavation techniques; and how to analyze projects for potential effects on archeological resources.

• Capacity to work with spatial data, including GIS data, making and reading maps, and familiarity with ArcGIS software.

• Familiarity with the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and ability to evaluate the eligibility of sites for listing in the NRHP.

• 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.

• An understanding of the unique cultural considerations for Tribal Nations, NAGPRA, and unmarked human remains.

• 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.

Look at what the State of Nebraska has 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

• Employee assistance program

• 79% employer paid health insurance plans

• Dental and vision insurance plans

• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government

• 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 environment

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