Job Listing
🔗Architectural Historian
Website Nebraska State Historical Society, State Archeology Office
The Nebraska State Historical Society (NSHS) was founded in 1878 by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed the Nebraska State Historical Society from a state institution to a non-code state agency. In 2024, NSHS was designated a code state agency. The organization is headed by Director Daryl Bohac. Our Mission: The Nebraska State Historical Society collects, preserves, and opens to all, the histories we share. Our Vision: Inspiring curiosity and discovery by welcoming all to explore Nebraska’s past, understand our present, and shape a better future together.
The position is part of the Highway Archeology Program (HAP), which operates within the State Archeology Office (SAO) through a longstanding partnership between NSHS and the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT). HAP supports NDOT in meeting its responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
As an Architectural Historian, you will conduct research and fieldwork throughout Nebraska, identify and document historic buildings and structures, and evaluate their historical significance. You’ll work collaboratively with cultural resource professionals, Tribal representatives, state and federal agencies, and the public.
Job Duties:
- 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 the impacts of proposed undertakings on historic properties in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
- Prepare and submit detailed technical reports summarizing the results of architectural surveys and evaluations.
- Utilize ArcGIS Pro and other ESRI GIS tools to document project data and produce accurate, professional maps.
- Perform additional duties as assigned within the scope of the classification which may include supporting other departments or teams as needed, participating in interdepartmental committees or working groups, and engaging in community outreach and public education efforts related to historic preservation.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of cultural resource management methodology and the 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 establish priorities and make decisions independently.
- Effective interpersonal skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Must be committed to the organization’s core values and demonstrate them regularly in their work.
Benefits
All NCPE interns received an hourly stipend, the rate is listed at each position description. Additionally, interns receive paid time off (PTO), paid Federal holidays if working full-time, and access to NCPE's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for career and personal counseling, coaching, and referrals. Project sites may also offer a housing allowance and/or commuting stipend; this information is also listed in the description or offered during the interview.
Eligible NCPE interns who successfully complete their internships may count their position towards earning a Public Land Corps (PLC) Non-Competitive Hiring Authority certificate. To be eligible to earn a PLC certificate, an intern must be 30 years old or younger (or 35 if a veteran). Once earned, the PLC hiring authority certificate may be used to apply for eligible Federal temporary, term, or permanent positions. Successful completion of a NCPE internship does not guarantee Federal employment. Contact manager@preservenet.org for more details.
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must be
*at least 18 years old;
*no older than 30 years of age (or 35 years if a Veteran) when beginning the internship; applicants who are 31 or older (or 36 or older if a Veteran) are not eligible;
*currently enrolled in a degree-seeking academic program at the college level (or recently graduated within the past 12 months)
*be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.
Interns are not allowed to work more than 1200 hours total in the program; previous interns must stay within this overall limit. The length of an internship can vary from 10 to 30 weeks if full-time (40 hours per week) or longer if on a part-time schedule. If selected, the exact starting date will be determined by you and the NPS supervisor. The stipend rate is $17.00 per hour unless otherwise listed.
The successful candidate is responsible for finding and paying for travel to and housing at the internship location; some exceptions apply. The supervising office may be able to assist in locating housing but it is ultimately up to the individual accepting the internship to find accommodation.
The National Council requires all interns working in-person at Federal facilities and/or with Federal employees receive the Covid-19 vaccination. Please be advised that you may also be required to wear a mask, depending on the protocols adopted by your work site. Also be aware that, due to Government-wide security requirements, a background check will be required if you are selected for a position. This will include providing information about recent housing and employment history. The position supervisor will have more information about these requirements and procedures at the time of hiring. You may direct any questions to NCPE's Internship Program Director, Julee Johnson, at manager@preservenet.org.
Please note that interns are not NCPE or NPS employees. Stipends are academic awards and taxes are not withheld, nor are social security contributions made on your behalf. These funds may be taxable, however, so consult a tax preparation professional if you have questions.
How to Apply
You may review NCPE's internship opportunities anytime without registering. Use the search function to find listings by location, keyword, or area of interest/category. Once you identify one or more positions of interest, there is a 3-step application process.
Step 1: Click on the Apply for Job button, then select Universal Application. Click on Register to create a User Account, which requires a username and email. A link will be sent to you from manager@preservenet.org to create a password. We suggest that you add this email to your safe senders list so you don't miss receiving this important link. You will be instructed to Log In to Preservenet using your username or email and password, which will take you back to the Universal Application.
Step 2: The Universal Application is required to apply for all NCPE internships. You fill out this form only once. In addition to contact information, educational status, work history, and experience, it requires two attachments: (1) the 2 most recent years of academic transcripts. These may be unofficial transcripts if official versions are unavailable. A PDF is preferred, labeled Your Your Last Name_Your First Name_Transcript. (2) a resume or CV (curriculum vitae). Please limit to a maximum of 4 pages; 2 pages are preferred. A PDF is preferred but jpg, png, doc, or docx file types are accepted. Label Your Last Name_Your First Name_Resume. This form may be saved as a draft and completed later. Use the link provided to return to the form.
Step 3: Once you submit the Universal Application, you may browse and apply for NCPE internships using the link provided. Complete the application process by clicking on the Apply for job button found at each internship listing and upload the required Essay. Use the essay to explain why you are applying for an internship, including how your interest areas will benefit the National Park Service (NPS) and how the internship will further your studies and career goals. Be as specific as possible; there is a 400-word maximum length. Submit the essay to finish the application for that position. You may apply for a maximum of 6 internships during an application round; there is no limit at other times of the year. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!
Logging in with a Registered User Account and completing the Universal Application is required to apply for NCPE Internships. Please visit the Universal Application page to register for an account and complete the form. After logging in and completing the form, refreshing this listing will display the Job Application to apply online.