Historic Preservation Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Historic Preservation Specialist position serves as a subject matter expert regarding historic preservation regulatory compliance for Amtrak’s projects with federal involvement. This position provides technical expertise to support fulfillment of requirements under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, and its implementing regulations under 36 CFR 800 (Section 106), and related historic preservation regulations, as required for Amtrak’s nationwide capital program and other company initiatives. This position is responsible for guiding typical projects through the Section 106 process for which above-ground historic properties are the primary resource type in coordination with other regulations, internal customers and outside stakeholders, on schedule, with limited supervision. Work includes facilitating and tracking historic preservation approvals; providing historic preservation technical support and guidance to Amtrak’s staff and design/technical consultants regarding regulatory procedures and application of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties; conducting technical reviews of consultant submittals; functioning as the project point of contact on historic preservation regulatory matters; and collaborates with the Amtrak National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) staff to coordinate historic preservation compliance with NEPA processes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts project screening related to cultural resources, evaluates regulatory pathways – including application of program comments and other program alternatives, and guides Section 106 compliance for projects from screening through construction
• Guides Section 106 consultation for routine projects and some more complex projects, and may assist senior staff with Section 106 tasks related to particularly intensive or complex projects
• Coordinates with Amtrak staff and design consultants to provide procedural direction, expectations for deliverables, and technical review of/quality control for Section 106 analyses and communications
• Works with architects, engineers, and others to develop design strategies in conformance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
• Educates internal project stakeholders and others on the Section 106 process and related requirements
• Serves as Amtrak’s project point of contact for State Historic Preservation Offices and other consulting parties related to Section 106 consultation for assigned projects
• Works with Amtrak NEPA staff to coordinate reviews and maintain a record of the Section 106 and NEPA status of Amtrak projects in Amtrak electronic systems  
• Stays current on changes to Section 106 and related historic preservation regulations, policies, and tools as they relate to Amtrak projects

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in architectural history, historic preservation or related field or equivalent combination of training, education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
• Experience that meets the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualifications Standards for Architectural History (36 CFR 61) (https://www.nps.gov/articles/sec-standards-prof-quals.htm)
• Prior experience supporting historic preservation aspects of all phases of project development and delivery including planning, scoping, design, and construction in a fast-paced environment with projects ranging in size and complexity, including managing/guiding consultants and serving as subject matter expert/technical representative.
• 3 years of prior experience required 

PERFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Graduate degree in architectural history, historic preservation or related field preferred.
• Familiarity with historic railroad stations, bridges, and other rail infrastructure
• Familiarity with the ACHP’s Program Comment to Exempt Consideration of Effects to Rail Properties Within Rail Rights-of-Way, as amended
• Familiarity with USDOT agency NEPA procedures, coordinating Section 106 with NEPA, and contributing to NEPA documents
• Familiarity with Federal Communications Commission nationwide programmatic agreements and Positive Train Control Program Comment, and other non-USDOT federal agency Section 106 and NEPA procedures that may be relevant to railroad projects.
• Familiarity with Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act
• Working knowledge of GIS software and use for cultural resources data

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES 

• Strong organizational and time management skills, and demonstrated experience working simultaneously on multiple projects with competing schedules and priorities; able to set and follow through on priorities and adhere to project schedules
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication, and relationship building skills, with demonstrated experience closely coordinating with environmental and archaeological colleagues, project managers, and varied technical disciplines
• Demonstrated experience providing technical support to internal colleagues and leadership
• Demonstrated experience interacting with regulators and consulting parties
• Demonstrated experience preparing Section 106 studies and related documentation, and successfully leading the Section 106 consultation process
• Demonstrated experience evaluating properties for National Register eligibility and assessing effects on historic properties resulting in agency concurrence 
• Ability to understand architectural and engineering drawings and specifications
• Demonstrated experience applying the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties resulting in a no adverse effect finding under Section 106.
• Comfortable using enterprise tracking systems, spreadsheets, or other electronic tools to manage and document project status and workflow
• Ability to clearly explain the Section 106 process to those not knowledgeable in historic preservation-related regulatory issues or procedures; enjoys educating others.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and strong quality control skills

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Work is office-based with periodic travel to project sites at stations, facilities, or along the railroad right-of-way, primarily in the Northeast Corridor but also potentially nationwide.

The salary/hourly range is $78,600.00 – $101,844.00. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. Depending on an employee’s assigned worksite or location, Amtrak may consider a geo-pay differential to be applied to the employee’s base salary. Amtrak may offer additional incentive and pay programs to recognize and reward our employees, including a short-term incentive bonus based upon factors such as individual and company performance that is commensurate with the level of the position. 

Health and WellbeingFinancial and RetirementWork and Family Life SupportHealth, Dental, and Vision Insurance401K with Employer MatchGenerous Paid Time Off Wellness ProgramsRailroad Retirement BenefitsPaid Caregiving Days and Backup CareHealth Savings AccountPublic Service Student Loan ForgivenessFertility and Family Building BenefitsNo-cost Personal Health AdvocateStudent Loan AssistanceAdoption and Surrogacy AssistanceMedical Plan Opt-out CreditTuition and Education ReimbursementPaid Family Leave Life InsuranceRail Pass Privileges Short- and Long-term Disability InsuranceEmployee Assistance Program No-cost Financial Advisor SessionsCommuter and Flexible Spending Accounts

Learn more about our benefits offerings here.

Requisition ID:167038

Work Arrangement:06-Onsite 4/5 Days Click here for more information about work arrangements at Amtrak.
Relocation Offered:No
Travel Requirements:Up to 25%

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Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre-employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screen.

Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Amtrak's pre-employment drug testing program is administered in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable law.

In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR § 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.

In accordance with federal law governing security checks of covered individuals for providers of public transportation (Title 6 U.S.C. §1143), Amtrak is required to screen applicants for any permanent or interim disqualifying criminal offenses.

Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

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