Architectural Historian

POSITION SUMMARY

The primary goal of the Architectural Historian is to guide federal aid projects through section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) on behalf of the client.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identifies the Area of Potential Effects (APE) for a project, understands engineering plans and potential impacts of a project.
• Physically performs site investigations gathering information pertaining to a project’s APE and above- ground resources within the APE. Takes clear photographs of above-ground resources within the APE and surrounding area.
• Conducts research about the history of a particular county, township, or area in order to develop the historic context. Possesses and maintains knowledge of the Section 106 process and with the Indiana Historic Bridge Programmatic Agreement and Minor Projects Programmatic Agreement. Maintains knowledge of research repositories and county histories, historic maps, historic photographs, and architectural surveys.
• Writes professional reports based on the gathered information that describe and evaluate the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility of resources within the APE. Communicates project information with INDOT’s Cultural Resources Office and the Indiana State Historic Preservation Office.
• Identifies potential consulting parties for a project and provides them timely, accurate project information. Balances needs of the client, agencies, and consulting parties with the appropriate treatment of historic resources.
• Organizes and manages consulting party meetings, if necessary.
• Writes documentation describing the APE, eligibility and effect finding for a given project. Places legal notices in local newspapers. Writes Memorandums of Agreement, if necessary.
• Analyzes project alternates in accordance with Section 4(f) of the DOT Act in order to determine the most feasible and prudent alternative. Produces professional reports describing the alternates for a given project.
• Writes or assists in the development of environmental studies for projects including road construction, road reconstruction, bridge rehabilitation, bridge replacement, trail and Greenway construction, traffic signalization, and street-scape improvements.
• Performs preliminary studies prior to the initial site investigation by physically performing site investigations and taking clear photographs of the project area. Organizes information gathered at the beginning of a project into a format for submitting to agencies for their comments regarding the nature and impacts of the project.
• Identifies and manages environmental problems that may arise during the development of the project. Writes environmental documents. Coordinates and participates in public meetings or public hearings, if necessary.
• Completes the work within a project’s established schedule and budget.
• The AH-II will also assist in developing the capabilities of an AH-I.
• Demonstrates ability to listen to complaints and use sound judgment in resolving issues.
• Demonstrates ability to be personable and customer-focused with clients and agencies

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in history, archeology, architecture, or historic architecture that meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for History (36 CFR Part 61) and be included in the roster of qualified professionals at the Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology. Continuing education to remain current with area of responsibility.
• Maintains NEPA certification with INDOT. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, GIS/mapping software, email, and the internet.
• Proficient with the Section 106 process and the Indiana Historic Bridge Programmatic Agreement and Minor Projects Programmatic Agreement.
• Strong verbal communications skills and the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public are necessary.
• Excellent technical writing skills are essential, with considerable time spent corresponding with customers via e-mail.
• An understanding of algebraic and geometric concepts.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to follow company QC/QA procedures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is typically indoors and usually sits for long periods of time. Reasonable accommodations can be made for temporary needs due to illness or injury.

Butler, Fairman, Seufert provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Butler, Fairman, Seufert complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer.