Are you an archaeologist who would enjoy utilizing your experience to conduct a wide range of environmental review projects?  If so, the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (PA SHPO) is eager to welcome a Historic Preservation Specialist with a discipline in archaeology to join the Environmental Review Division.  

Don’t miss out on this opportunity! PA SHPO can now work from home except for days when you’ll be out visiting Pennsylvania’s historic places and one day a month in the office with your colleagues in Harrisburg.

Apply today through 4/14/2025 to become an essential part of our team where you will play a vital role in our mission to discover, protect, and share Pennsylvania’s past, inspiring others to value and use our history in meaningful ways.

Description of Work

The PA SHPO uses its resources to educate, encourage, and enable Pennsylvanians to value and preserve Pennsylvania’s history and culture. Our dedicated team of preservationists, historians, and archaeologists work with Pennsylvania’s historic communities to achieve positive preservation outcomes. Our role is to identify, promote, and protect the architectural and archaeological resources of the commonwealth.

The primary responsibility of this position is consideration of archaeological properties that may be affected by state and federal projects.  Archaeological research experience, including but not limited to compliance-related field work and artifact analysis in the U.S., is essential as is knowledge of state and federal preservation programs, regulations and legislation and consistency with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Archaeology and Historic Preservation.  Additional responsibilities include assisting with archaeology education and outreach, as well as conducting and assisting with proactive research, documentation, and survey efforts.

Interested in learning more?  Additional details regarding this position can be found in the job posting and position description.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements
  • Two or more years of experience working on an architectural survey, an architectural restoration and preservation project or program, and a bachelor’s degree in architectural history, American history, art history or course work in Pennsylvania history; or
  • Any equivalent combination of experience and training.
Additional Requirements
  • Master’s degree (or greater) in Anthropology, Archaeology, Historic Preservation, or a closely related field.
  • You must meet or exceed the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology. Standards can be found here.
  • You must have at least 1 year of experience working with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the National Register of Historic Places, and the Pennsylvania State History Code.
  • You must have at least 6 months of experience advising and assisting state and federal agencies, organizations, and/or individuals with the consideration of archaeological historic properties in their project planning.
  • You must have at least 6 months of experience leading archaeological resource surveys.
  • You must have experience presenting research at conferences and/or to the public on at least one occasion.
  • You must have at least 1 year of experience using MS Office products and data management systems, preferably PA-SHARE and/or Surveyor/Survey 123.
  • You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Preferred Qualifications (not required)
  • At least 6 months of experience working with the pubic and/or volunteers to conduct research projects or training.
  • Successful completion of undergraduate or graduate coursework in Pennsylvania or Mid-Atlantic archaeology
  • At least 2 years of professional experience conducting archaeological fieldwork
  • Professional experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Professional experience in data management, records management, archaeological report writing, public education, development of training programs and materials, and public communication.
  • Experience interpreting and applying National Park Service guidance to assess the eligibility of archaeological properties for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

The commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Work Schedule and Additional Information

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

  • Full-time employment
  • Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
  • Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, and report to the office at least 1 day per month and for site visits/field work and leadership meetings as necessary.  Specific days will be determined according to bureau needs.  In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.  If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
  • Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
  • You will receive further communication regarding this position via email.  Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

How to Apply

  • Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.  Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). 
  • If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements.  Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
  • Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date.  Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
  • Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.  

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

Apply by 4/14/2024 11:59 PM EST. All applications must be filed online at http://www.employment.pa.gov.

For complete position description, salary, and benefits information, check the job posting.

 

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