State Historic Preservation Officer

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.

The future of history and the opportunity for leadership is available at the Wisconsin Historical Society. We seek passionate, fearless leaders to promote unparalleled access to history.

The appointed State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) assumes, on behalf of the State, the obligations imposed by the Historic Preservation Act, by the applicable regulations implementing the Act, and by the terms and conditions of the Historic Preservation Fund grant.

The State Historic Preservation Officer oversees the work and the state and federal responsibilities of the State Historic Preservation Office. This position administers and provides leadership for numerous preservation programs for the Office including, but not limited to, the state and federal historic preservation tax credit programs; the administration of federal surveys and subgrants through the Certified Local Government program; the maintenance of the state’s Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) and Archaeological Sites Inventory (ASI); the National Register of Historic Places and the Wisconsin State Register of Historic Places; the award of grants through the Fuldner Heritage Fund; the review of local, state and federal funded or permitted projects; and the study and protection of the State’s archaeological resources. This position supervises permanent and limited term staff of the State Historic Preservation Office at the Wisconsin Historical Society. The position provides leadership to the State Historic Preservation Office and within the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Starting hourly wage is between $50.00 and $55.00 per hour, depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. This position is in pay schedule and range 81-01, and the classification is Historical Society Manager. A 2-year Career Executive trial 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.

Certain positions within WHS may allow remote/work from home flexibility for a portion of their work schedule, depending on the needs of the position and the work unit. This job may have some flexibility, but it will mainly 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 professional work experience in all of the following:

• Demonstrated knowledge and professional application of federal laws and regulations relating to the function and work of the State Historic Preservation Office
• Demonstrated experience working in a professional capacity fulfilling historic preservation responsibilities (examples include but are not limited to: experience in a State Historic Preservation Office, within a state, federal or local government office charged with HP responsibilities, or professional work within a consulting firm charged with fulfilling HP work/projects)
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of professionals and the public to achieve positive preservation outcomes

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

• Experience supervising a department and cross-functional teams (e.g. create work plans for staff, hire and train staff, evaluate staff performance, establishing daily goals and tasks, overseeing employment functions)
• Demonstrated leadership in a professional position (for example, setting priorities, developing policy, and implementing long term goals)

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.

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Applications are due at 11:59PM on March 12, 2025.