National Register Specialist (Architectural Historian)

The State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation (DOT), Bureau of Policy and Planning is recruiting for a National Register Specialist – Architectural Historian in the Environmental/Historic Document Unit of Environmental Planning. We are looking for a self-motivated, collaborative professional to join our team. The position is located at the Department of Transportation Headquarters in Newington. This position reports directly to a Transportation Supervising Planner or other employee of higher grade within Environmental Planning.

This position requires knowledge and experience in guiding projects through the laws and procedures necessary to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act as well as knowledge of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) as they all apply to FHWA, FTA and FRA funded projects.

This position will be responsible for performing and overseeing field work, research, studies and reports needed to identify historic and cultural resources which may be affected by transportation improvement projects as well as aiding in identifying avoidance and mitigation strategies for such impacts. Among the duties will be conducting reviews of transportation projects, evaluating impacts to historic architectural resources, and determining eligibility of resources for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. This position will involve on-site field work to assist in determining transportation project impacts upon cultural resources; reviewing and assessing historic sites, districts, buildings, bridges or structures in regard to their potential eligibility for sensitivity and / or inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Projects of sensitive nature also oftentimes require oversight during construction and in carrying out mitigation activities. This position will be responsible for ensuring that cultural resource issues are incorporated into the planning, design, construction and maintenance of Connecticut’s transportation facilities. Related assignments will include historical research, and coordination with project managers, historic and archaeological consultants as well as other stakeholders and regulatory agencies such as the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office.

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications and the Preferred Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.

Applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application. Ensure that your application is complete before submitting it. Applicants will be unable to make revisions once their application is submitted into the JobAps system.
Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.

Due to the volume of applications anticipated, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account.

Direct questions pertaining to this recruitment to jennifer.brame@ct.gov. Reference #112226.

In the Department of Economic and Community Development and the Department of Transportation, this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks participating in the implementation of the State's historic preservation program in accordance with the National Register Program of the National Park Service.

• Conducts or supervises documentary research and on site evaluation of historic sites, buildings, bridges, structures and districts;
• Assists in planning and review of projects falling under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act as well as the National and Connecticut Environmental Policy Acts;
• Conducts onsite inspections and makes assessments;
• Prepares or reviews National and State Registers of Historic Places nominations;
• Performs complex tasks and assignments in developing, coordinating and reviewing transportation planning programs and projects;
• Assists in preparation and negotiation of agreements and contracts;
• Participates in corridor studies;
• Prepares and reviews reports, studies and surveys in compliance with department standards and needs as well as state and federal laws and regulations;
• Coordinates activities or projects with local, regional, state and federal agencies, consultants and stakeholders as required;
• Reviews consultants’ work;
• Investigates and responds to public inquiries and complaints regarding transportation plans, programs and/or projects;
• May make presentations at legislative or public hearings;
• May include supervisory responsibilities; and,
• Performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of relevant State and Federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge in architectural history and historic preservation; knowledge of American history with particular emphasis on history and architectural history of Connecticut; knowledge of restoration techniques and practices; considerable oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; ability to read and interpret written materials.

A Master's degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or closely related field and coursework on a graduate level in American architectural history.

A bachelor's degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or closely related field plus one of the following may be substituted for the General Experience.

1. At least two years of full-time experience in research, writing, or teaching in American architectural history or restoration architecture with an academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution;

OR

2. Substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in the field of American architectural history.

Candidate should have:

1. Knowledge of relevant State and federal laws, statutes and regulations particularly in regard to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act;
2. Experience in Cultural Resource Management including familiarity with Architectural History and Historic Preservation principals;
3. Experience interpreting laws and regulations
4. Experience dealing with other State agencies, outside stakeholders and the public;
5. Considerable knowledge of contemporary transportation issues, policies and practices;
6. Strong interpersonal skills, oral and written communication and collaboration skills;
7. The ability to utilize GIS and related software and interpret other published documents and media such as historic mapping and aerial photography; and
8. The ability to meet the Professional Qualifications Standards set forth by the National Park Service as a qualified individual according to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines (per 36 CFR Part 61).

Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.