The Wisconsin Historical Society, considered one of the nation's finest historical institutions, is a State of Wisconsin government agency as well as a mission-driven entrepreneurial organization.  The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. At its core, the Society believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. The Society’s values are to Embrace a Spirit of Service, Engage our Expertise, Spark Enthusiasm, Cultivate Inclusion, Exceed Expectations, and Think Big and Grow with Purpose. Its collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office and extensive educational programs are focused on enriching and transforming lives through unparalleled access to history.  

Click HERE for more information about working at the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Position Summary
The Museum Archeology Program (Program) conducts archaeological and historical research on behalf of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other entities as required under both federal and state historic preservation and environmental legislation. The Program is responsible for researching, planning, designing, and executing architectural and historical surveys of Wisconsin’s buildings, structures and landscapes.  The Program identifies and evaluates potentially significant historical resources, and makes recommendations regarding possible impacts to historic properties from proposed construction projects in the state of Wisconsin.  This research is critical to the identification of historic properties and assessment of effect under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, or determining the impact of public projects on cultural resources under Wisconsin historic preservation statutes.

The Architectural Historian performs a wide range of tasks that will vary in complexity from research to field settings. The incumbent will conduct historical research for specific topics, gather information from the Wisconsin Historic Preservation Database, prepare adequate notes and records documenting the consulted resources, historical data analysis, and report preparation.  The Architectural Historical will prepare documents regarding the research results, prepare written summaries of the analysis, and complete standardized forms to document the research. 

Under the direction of the Program director, the Architectural Historian will develop survey methodologies and conduct architectural and historical surveys in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Wisconsin State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) standards, and/or other Program client standards.  The Architectural Historian prepares documents summarizing the results of research and finding of effect documentation.  Examples include survey reports and historic building documentation, Determination of Eligibility, Finding of Effect, and Documentation for Consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.  The completed research and documents are reviewed by the Program Director and copies are submitted to the client and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)/ and Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPO) for their comments. This position may work closely with Program partners and provide additional historic preservation related services.  Furthermore, additional professional services (e.g. participation in public hearings, developing mitigation strategies, agency consultation) will be provided as requested by the client

The incumbent must meet federally mandated minimum qualifications for a professional architectural historian as outline 36 Code of Federal Regulations Part 61 of the US Secretary of Interior’s Standards.

Salary Information
The salary will be between $20.00 - $30.00 per hour ($41,600 - $62,400 annually) in accordance with the provisions of the current Compensation Plan. The Civil Service title is Historic Preservation Specialist, and the position is in pay schedule 13, range 04.  A 12-month probationary period will be required. 

Job Details
A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment to determine if the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job.
 
Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer, voluntary demotion, or former employees as a reinstatement) should complete the application process to apply.
 
WHS does not sponsor work visas.  Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant being able to prove valid status to work in the United States.
 
This position may allow some remote/work from home; however, this position will work primarily in the office.
 
Qualifications
Please make sure to describe the following qualifications within your resume and/or letter of qualifications in order to be considered for this position.
Minimally qualified candidate will meet the following:

Applicants must meet the standards of a ‘architectural historian’ according to the U.S. Secretary of Interior’s Standards and Guidelines (36 CFR 61) https://www.nps.gov/articles/sec-standards-prof-quals.htm

• Graduate degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or closely related field with coursework in American architectural history or a bachelor's degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation or closely related field; plus one of the following:

• 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.

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

In addition to minimum qualifications, a well-qualified candidate will additionally have experience in at least two of the following areas:

• Demonstrated experience in a professional capacity as an Architectural Historian, Historian, or Historic Architect 
• Demonstrated experience executing, implementing or reviewing Federal/State/Local programs and projects (e.g. Historic Preservation Tax Credit, Surveys and Subgrants, National Register of Historic Places)
  

How To Apply
To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process.  Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don’t have an account. Once you are logged in, click “Apply for Job.” Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application.
 
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications for your application and what should be included in these materials, click here for resume and letter of qualifications instructions..
 
Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process.
 
We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. 

Questions can be directed to jan.zadra@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 264-6409.

Please see the Commonly Asked Questions for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.

Deadline to Apply
Applications are due at 11:59PM on June 19, 2023.