Job Details

Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

The position is located in the office of Architectural History and Historic Preservation (AHHP), Office of Planning, Design, and Construction, Office of Under Secretary for Finance & Administration, Under Secretary for Administration at the Smithsonian Institution (SI).

AHHP is responsible for implementing the policies on preservation that impact historic properties undergoing major renovation, restoration or new construction. AHHP provides extensive guidance to Smithsonian staff through all stages of design development and construction. AHHP serves as a resource for education, training, publications and guidance on history and preservation both within the Smithsonian and to the broader preservation community nationally and internationally.

The Office of Architectural History and Historic Preservation (AHHP), is seeking an experienced candidate to fill the Historic Preservation Specialist position responsible for independently:

· Assists with Smithsonian project compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and federal agency design review.

· Writes documents or presents publicly. Research, documents, and evaluates complex projects for purposes of avoiding, minimizing and mitigating potential adverse effects.

· Serves as a liaison on major projects with the public, State Historic Preservation Office, and other agency staff as required.

· Historic Preservation Policy. Applies historic preservation policy to Smithsonian design and construction projects.

· Under the supervision of the Associate Director, the incumbent is responsible for (1) participating in public and in-house meetings on complex project proposals, often involving diverse stakeholders interested in the outcome of publicly visible and controversial cases; (2) utilizing alternate dispute resolution techniques to mediate conflicts and to seek outcomes that balance project needs and preservation values; and, (3) participating in on-site meetings to assess historic properties and to explore alternatives that would avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects on historic properties.

· Design Review and Construction Support. Reviews architectural plans, archival documents, and other documents to ensure that proposed work that will affect Smithsonian owned or leased facilities will be compliant with historic preservation policies.

· Participates in design review as an historic preservation subject matter expert in all stages of Smithsonian design projects.

· Provides field site visits to assist with the development of restoration work and conservation work.

· Research, Publications, and Outreach.

· Manages staff and public inquiries for advice and technical assistance on historic preservation issues. Researches the architectural history of the Smithsonian Institution buildings and grounds and current preservation methodology to assist in the design, construction, and stewardship of Smithsonian property.

· Publishes historic preservation information to the public through the Smithsonian's various websites.

· Serves on professional boards or committees and attends regional, national or international professional conferences, symposia, workshops, exhibits, lectures and courses. Writes articles for Smithsonian webpages, scholarly journals, or other historic preservation related publications.

Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience at or above the grade 11 level in similar positions. Specialized experience is experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the work of the position. This position has the promotional potential for an Historic Preservation Specialist IS-1001- 13.

Must possess a Masters (MA) degree in historic preservation, architectural history, conservation, history or allied field from an accredited four-year college or university and/or 3-5 years of related experience (described below); or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience required for this position is as follows:

· Knowledge of the National Historic Preservation Act, Secretary of the Interior's Standards, and other federal laws and regulations.

Experience leading complex design and environmental consultation projects. Experience working with the public and maintaining working relationships with stakeholders.

Experience providing professional assistance, advice, and policy guidance on historic preservation matters.

Knowledge of architectural history, historic preservation, preservation technology, and public policy.

Experience interpreting historic preservation and environmental policies to make complex judgements.

Ability to present and explain policy to negotiate historic preservation solutions.

Knowledge of Federal agency policies, procedures regulations and programs with experience in resolving conflicts between historic preservation requirements and other project needs.

Experience providing professional assistance, advice and policy guidance on historic preservation matters for design and construction projects.

Ability to read architectural plans and specifications.

Possesses excellent oral and written communication skills required to explain and negotiate the requirements of Section 106 and NEPA.

Experience researching and writing publications and presenting to historic preservation professional organizations.

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

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Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact ...@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's Accommodation Procedures.

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