Historic Properties Researcher

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 (WHS), 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, WHS believes that increasing the public's knowledge of history has profound societal, cultural, and economic benefit. Its library, archives and collections, historic sites and museums, historic preservation office, and extensive educational programs and community outreach are focused on our vision to enrich and transform lives through unparalleled access to history. Click here for more information about WHS' mission, vision, and core values.

WHS is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization because we truly believe this is the most effective way to attract, engage, and retain the best talent and the most meaningful way to support our mission.

Click here for more information about working for WHS.

This position performs objective level Archeologist work for the Museum Archeology Program (Program) within the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS). The incumbent performs tasks related to the management and curation of documentation for Program projects under the general supervision of the Program Director and/or in coordination with the Field Coordinator. This Historic Properties Researcher is responsible for the design and execution of archaeological and architectural history research and facilitates projects for the program research and field staff. The incumbent participates in the recruitment, training, and oversight of the LTE employees. The Historic Properties Researcher gathers data and makes recommendations regarding the impacts on archeological properties from proposed undertakings in the state of Wisconsin. This includes facilitating and conducting research, developing appropriate recommendations and producing reports in accordance with programmatic and professional guidelines and standards. This research is the critical first step in the successful completion of historic property investigations under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Wisconsin Statutes §44.40 and §157.70. The Historic Properties Researcher may also be assigned tasks associated with project proposals, project initiation, project/financial database management, record keeping, and other administrative tasks pertaining to program operations and projects. This position will serve as a liaison with the professional archeology community, clients and public.

The Historic Properties Researcher duties will include participation in the development of research procedures, project proposals, record keeping according to policies, and project monitoring. This individual will research the state inventories for historic properties; compile tables of data; prepare written summaries of the results of analysis; complete standardized forms to document the research. The completed research is reviewed by the Program Director and submitted to the consulting agency or client for their information and to the State Historic Preservation Office for their historic preservation compliance review.

Starting hourly wage is between $23.00 and $28.00 per hour, depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. This position is in pay schedule and range 13-04, and the classification is Historic Preservation Specialist. A 12-month probationary period will be required.

Visit this link for a calculator of State of Wisconsin benefits: https://dpm.wi.gov/Pages/Employees/RewardsCalculator.aspx

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 will be working at the office.

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 have experience in all of the following:

• Demonstrated experience/education in historic preservation, anthropology, archeology, architectural history, and/or related field.
• General knowledge of and experience with professional, federal, and state archaeological and/or architectural history standards, guidelines and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering/construction plans, topographical maps, aerial photographs, historical plats, and atlas.
• Ability to engage and interact effectively with a wide range of people, internally and externally, to accomplish common goals, and to resolve potential conflicts

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

• Extensive knowledge of cultural resources (archeology and/or architectural history) in general, and of the Upper Great Lakes Region in particular.
• Demonstrated experience in project management and project management related software.
• Demonstrated knowledge of historic preservation laws and regulations such Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (36 CFR Part 800), Wis. Stats. §44.40 & §157.70

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.

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

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Applications are due at 11:59PM on April 28, 2025.