Working Title: Transportation Liaison, Architectural Historian
Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal/Coordinator
Agency: Administration Dept
Job ID : 98305
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 11/13/2026
Closing Date : 12/03/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
Division/Unit : SHPO-Review and Compliance
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - up to 5%
Salary Range - SPA Prin: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,477 / annually
Salary Range - SPA Coord: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
This vacancy is being announced at two (2) different classification levels: Principal and Coordinator. Final classification will be based on the selected finalist's qualifications. This position is primarily funded through an ongoing agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).
The Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) (https://mn.gov/admin/shpo/) promotes best preservation practices so all people can share in the enduring environmental, social, and economic benefits of Minnesota's cultural heritage. Our team draws on cooperative approaches and professional expertise to support individuals, organizations, communities, and governments in meeting their preservation goals and responsibilities under law.
We are seeking a Transportation Liaison, Architectural Historian/Historian, to provide expertise, leadership, and coordination for the review of transportation projects that receive federal or state funding or permits from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and MnDOT. Work includes reviews of above-ground (built environment) historic resources, identifying and evaluating properties, determining eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places, reviewing federal and state undertakings, and preparing review responses submitted by the MnDOT Cultural Resources Unit (MnDOT CRU).
The Transportation Liaison collaborates closely with MnDOT CRU staff and consultants, MnDOT offices and districts, FHWA staff, other federal and state agencies, local agencies, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs), and the public. Duties support federal historic preservation responsibilities established under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, as well as relevant requirements under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 138 (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/138) .
This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, additional onsite attendance may be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) for details.
In addition, traveling of up to 5%, including overnight stays, will be required to meet with stakeholders, partners, and customers at their preferred location(s) and/or project sites. Actual overnight travel is adjustable based on service needs.
Minimum Qualifications
The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their application materials how they meet each required qualification listed below to be considered for the position.
State Program Administrator Principal
Applicants must meet the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualifications Standards (https://www.nps.gov/articles/sec-standards-prof-quals.htm) in Architectural History as follows:
Architectural History: Bachelor's degree in architectural history, historic preservation, art history, or closely related field; or graduate degree in architectural history, historic preservation, art history, or closely related field with coursework in American architectural history PLUS one of the following:
At least two (2) years of experience for graduate degree applicants or four (4) years of experience for Bachelor's degree applicants 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; OR
Substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in the field of American architectural history.
Additionally, applicants will be further evaluated on the following:
Working knowledge and experience with the Federal Preservation program, including the National Register of Historic Places, identification and evaluation of historic resources, Section 106, and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Archaeology and Historic Preservation .
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to consult and collaborate with diverse partners and stakeholders.
Ability to work constructively and collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, and to problem-solve complex situations.
Ability to attend meetings, visit project sites, and participate in professional development activities.
State Program Administrator Coordinator
Applicants must exceed the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualifications Standards (https://www.nps.gov/articles/sec-standards-prof-quals.htm) in Architectural History as outlined above under the Principal classification.
Additionally, applicants will be further evaluated on the following:
Advanced knowledge and experience with the Federal Preservation program, such as the National Register of Historic Places, identification and evaluation of historic resources, Section 106, and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Archaeology and Historic Preservation .
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to consult and collaborate with diverse partners and stakeholders.
Ability to work constructively and collaboratively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and to problem-solve complex situations.
Ability to attend meetings, visit project sites, and participate in professional development activities.
Preferred Qualifications
Field experience conducting architectural surveys, evaluating sites for National Register eligibility, preparing reports, and working with consulting parties.
Familiarity with Programmatic Agreements and Memorandum of Agreement.
Knowledge of the Minnesota Historic Sites Act, Field Archaeology Act, and other Minnesota environmental laws and administrative rules related to historic property preservation.
Meet the Secretary of the Interior's minimum Professional Qualifications Standards in Archaeology.
Ability to read and interpret maps, architectural plans, and engineering drawings.
Additional Requirements
Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American DataBank and employment reference checks prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.
Applicants must possess a valid driver's license with acceptable motor vehicle record or have reliable transportation.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
