Job Details 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 : Yes
Job Summary 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) 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 .
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 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.
Qualifications 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 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 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.
Application Details How to Apply Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .
Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Ly Her at ly.her@state.mn.us or 651-201-2434 .
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title, and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Ly Her at ly.her@state.mn.us .
About the Department of Administration The Department of Administration is a core service agency serving the Governor, Legislature, state agencies, local governments, and the public. Our mission is to provide leadership, innovation, solutions, and support to help our partners succeed.To learn more about us, please visit mn.gov/admin .
Benefits As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include: - Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals: - Training, classes, and professional development
- Tuition reimbursement
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support: - A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources, and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
