Transportation Historical Architect

Working conditions:  Travel is estimated to be less than 20% of the work schedule. You will work primarily in the office in Olympia with flexible options for telecommuting. Field visits and travel may be required.

A little bit about us:
The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation prides itself on promoting the sense of belonging in the workplace and in the diverse communities we serve throughout Washington State. The cultural and historic resources of a community tell the full story of its past, a past that makes any single community distinct from all other places.  From lumber mills to schools, sacred landscapes to archaeological sites, rustic cabins to small business districts on Main Street, our historic and cultural resources provide everyone with a tangible link to persons and events that have shaped our communities and ourselves.  Preserving these physical reminders of our past creates a sense of place, the result being an environment that instills civic pride and community spirit.
 
By preserving cultural and historic resources, we are able to learn from past achievements (as well as mistakes) in order to improve, enrich, and even enliven, the Washington State that is passed to future generations.  To learn more about the vision and role of historic preservation in the State of Washington, download our current Statewide Historic Preservation Plan (Download PDF reader).
   
What you will be doing:

You will be working collaboratively with transportation project planners and state facility planners to identify historic and cultural resources to assess impacts made by publicly funded capital projects. This will include making determinations of National Register eligibility and effects in communities across the State, and by serving as a subject matter expert in architectural design review.  You will also advise stakeholders on ways to minimize, mitigate, or avoid adverse impacts in order to facilitate telling the full story of Washington State’s incredible historical tapestry of people and culture.  Bring your authentic self and be part of the effort to preserve Washington State history.

Who we are looking for:
You must be energetic and passionate about historic preservation.  You are a motivated person that is able to switch gears and reprioritize as things come up.  You need to be a good communicator and excel at working with a wide variety of stakeholders.  You need to be interested in learning and growing and looking for new and better ways to accomplish tasks and goals.  You apply a progressive and adaptable attitude to your work.

Why you would want this job:
In addition to a comprehensive benefits package we also offer a flexible work environment, including the option to telework from anywhere in the State.
 
You will be working with a small state agency with close connection to its mission and stakeholders.  If you love to learn and grow, you will enjoy the variety that every day offers you.  You are viewed as a subject matter expert and will have plentiful opportunities for professional growth and networking throughout the State, the Pacific Northwest, and the Nation.  We put people first and place a high value on the importance of creating a pro-equity and anti-racist state by fostering a sense of belonging and continuously improving the way we serve Washingtonians.

If you are passionate about historic preservation and Pacific Northwest history, this may be the job you've been waiting for!

Some of what you'll enjoy doing includes:

• Conducts complex reviews of transportation project impacts to historic and cultural resources 
• Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with transportation agency cultural resource staff to enhance programmatic workflow and effectively advise project stakeholders about potential impacts to historic and cultural resources
• Advise project stakeholders about potential impacts to historic and cultural resources 
• Works collaboratively with Archaeology Unit staff on analysis of identification, avoidance, treatment, and mitigation of impacts to historic and cultural resources to advise external transportation project planners
• Works collaboratively with GIS Unit staff to maximize spatial analysis tools to best inform project stakeholders of impact avoidance, minimization, and mitigation.
• Provides input on data collection, integrating review process workflow into digital platforms, and making process improvement recommendations
• Provides preservation design expertise and technical assistance to the agency, external government agencies and external stakeholders to advise on preservation best practices and treatment recommendations following design processes
• Travel to sites or jurisdictions in order to conduct field assessments of historic and cultural resources being affected by transportation projects 
• Works collaboratively with developers, planners, project managers, and agencies to develop solutions to complex identification, avoidance, treatment, and mitigation measures
• Serves as a subject matter expert in architectural design review
• Maintains and searches for documents as needed to assist the Public Records Office in fulfilling public records requests and meeting state and agency record management laws and policies
• Conducts complex reviews of impacts to historic and cultural resources by state funded projects and local projects subject to SEPA on behalf of the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO)
• Represents the agency at selected professional, local, state, regional, and national meetings, trainings, and conferences
• Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with state agency facility planners and architects to effectively advise project stakeholders about potential impacts to historic and cultural resources. 
• Recommends avoidance, minimization, and mitigation treatments for state funded projects in collaboration and cooperation with project planners
• Serves as a subject matter expert in architectural design review
• Assists in reviewing requests for proposals, capital grant contract scopes of work, and other documents as required in order to ensure alignment with contractual obligations and preservation standards for state and Federally funded contracts
• Develops, coordinates and conducts workshops or seminars related to department programs based on expertise and stakeholder needs
• Tracking and reporting to the SHPO and DSHPO on performance measures pertaining to this position
  
  

REQUIRED:
Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards (36 CFR 61) for either Architecture or Historic Architecture: 

A Bachelor’s degree in architecture, historic preservation, or closely related field

AND
At least three (3) years of full-time experience in architecture or related field

OR
A State license to practice architecture

OR
One year of graduate study in architectural preservation, American architectural history, preservation planning, or closely related field

AND
At least two year of full-time professional experience on historic preservation projects

NOTE:  Such study or experience shall include detailed investigations of historic structures, preparation of historic structures research reports, and preparation of plans and specifications for preservation projects

Additional preferred skills and competencies include:

• Experience using spatial analysis tools in GIS databases strongly preferred.
• Commitment to pro-equity and anti-racism thinking
• Exhibits competencies in diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Clear and effective communication skills
• Strong ability to work collaboratively, cordially, and professionally with DAHP staff, constituents, stakeholders, and represent the agency in a positive, professional manner
• Public presentation abilities
• Self-motivated
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Strong knowledge of building systems, materials, crafts, and techniques
• Expertise with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and implementing regulations 36 CFR 800
• Familiarity with National Historic Preservation Act and related standards and guidelines with advanced experience and understanding of the treatment of historic and cultural resources

Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

• A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting; 
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education; and 
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)

NOTE:  The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the “duties summary” section of your application in Careers.wa.gov, completeness of the application material submitted, and the supplemental questionnaire.  A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the application. Responses to the supplemental questionnaire regarding work experience must be reflected in the "duties summary" section of the application.  By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed.  

Conditions of Employment: 

• COVID Vaccination Requirement: Per Governor Inslee's Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader), state employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. If you are selected to serve in this position, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination before you are able to begin work.  Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status, having an approved medical accommodation, or having an approved religious accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation.