Compliance Historian/Historic Preservation Specialist

This position is only open to Colorado state residents.

• New employees to the State will be paid biweekly. There are 26 biweekly pay periods in a year. 

About CDOT 

CDOT employees make a difference by providing freedom, connection, and experience to the traveling public, while also keeping them safe. The State of Colorado offers competitive medical, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending and health savings accounts. Visit the State of Colorado benefits for details, current premium rates and a summary video about benefits. The state also offers PERA retirement, great optional PERA plans such as 401K, a generous paid time off package of annual, sick, holiday and other leave, strong career growth, tuition reimbursement and professional development. Perks include Colorado Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) counseling, wellness, credit union membership and employee discount program. Visit CDOT Benefits for details. Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

CDOT for All

CDOT’s strength is our people, and our commitment to our people is to shape, support, and sustain the employee experience, and ultimately, create a supportive workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, socio-economic status, or any other identity, has the opportunity to thrive.

The eligible list created from this announcement may be used to fill current and future vacancies for a period of up to 6 months.

About the Work Unit

The Region 1 Environmental Unit ensures that the guiding principles of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other federal, state, and local laws are followed in our transportation planning and project development process, as well as maintenance and operations of the Region 1 transportation system. The Environmental Unit works to design, construct, maintain and operate the Region 1 transportation system in a manner which helps preserve the environmental resources present within our Region. We accomplish this through careful planning: identification, avoidance, minimization, and mitigation of impacts during the project life cycle process. 

About the Position

This position is part of the CDOT Region 1 Environmental Unit . This position ensures compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 4(f) of the US Department of Transportation (DOT) Act of 1966 and the Colorado State Register Act for transportation related projects for Region 1. The position coordinates clearances with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), other federal agencies, and consulting parties following a range of specified standards and established practices. The position provides guidance to local agencies, CDOT personnel and consultants on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) clearance process.  The position participates in various meetings and may manage environmental project clearances and/or applied research for environmental streamlining and mitigation for projects.    
 
Major Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: 

• Provides guidance regarding the NEPA, specifically regarding Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 4(f) of the US DOT Act of 1966, and Colorado State Register Act at the regional and/or statewide level.       
• Responsible for compliance with Section 106 and Historic Section 4(f), which involves coordination with multiple federal, state and local agencies (e.g. the SHPO, ACHP, FTA, and FHWA).
• Prepares full Section 4(f) evaluation reports with input and direction from an EPS III/IV.
• Defines initial Area of Potential Effect (APE), identifies consulting parties, and establishes survey methodology to support transportation project delivery within cost, scope, and schedule.
• Conducts research and evaluates significance and integrity of the resources for National Register (NR) eligibility. This can include historic or historic archaeological sites, structures, objects, buildings or districts.  
• Prepares detailed Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (OAHP) inventory forms for historic resources, including well referenced and written narrative site-specific historical summaries needed to provide a basis for evaluating the historical significance for individual properties or resources. 
• Evaluates and determines project-related effects to historic properties.
• Sends formal determinations, along with supporting documentation, to appropriate state, federal and local governments as well as interested non-governmental organizations for comments or concurrence.
• For assigned projects, develops and implements mitigation and/or minimization for adverse effects applying a specified range of acceptable alternatives. Includes development of agreements (e.g. Memorandum of Agreement) for the satisfactory mitigation of adverse effects.
• For assigned projects, drafts and writes environmental documents [i.e. categorical exclusions (CatEx), Environmental Assessments (EA) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)] and Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) reports for completeness and accuracy, and participates in comment resolution meetings to finalize these studies.
• Advises engineers and project teams on appropriate actions to avoid and minimize impacts to historic resources, or to develop acceptable mitigation to offset negative impacts.  
• Explains effects and mitigation at public hearings and meetings concerning transportation projects that impact historic resources.  
• Participates in coordination meetings between CDOT, SHPO, FHWA, FTA, local agencies, and other stakeholders as needed;
• Provides guidance in the fieldwork and research required for compliance with Section 106 and Section 4(f).
• Conducts fieldwork taking photographs and uses GPS devices, unmanned aerial vehicles and cameras to gather data in the field and uses a variety of GIS software and satellite imagery to develop and analyze project data
• Assists with special research projects that streamline historic properties identification and regulatory compliance and meet mitigation requirements;
• Assists with larger research projects  that focus on specific historic property types an collaborates in presentations of CDOT historic properties research projects and findings at professional conferences;
• Assists with CatEx, EA, EIS and PEL NEPA project management ensuring that legal requirements and regulations, including public outreach and public meetings are met;
• Coordinate with consultants at all stages of the compliance process for assigned projects, including project scope, schedule, and budget, project timeline, APE, level of effort, eligibility and effect determinations, consultation, etc.;
• Attends professional training to maintain up-to date knowledge and expertise in the laws, regulations and best practices for historical work;
• Conducts visual sight assessments;
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

• Your schedule will primarily be 8:00 am – 5:00 pm work hours, Monday-Friday, but we are flexible to meet your work/life balance needs while ensuring CDOT business needs are met.
• You will likely work a hybrid schedule with a combination of in-office and remote work.
• Travel-Required to drive to meetings, training, and project site visits. 
• Occasional overnight travel 1-3 times a year throughout Colorado
• Required to operate CDOT Vehicles

Minimum Qualifications 
Experience Only:
Atleast Six (6) years of professional experience with a focus in history, architectural history, historic preservation, cultural resource management, which includes historical resources investigation. 

OR

Education and Experience:
A combination of relevant education and/or experience equal to  atleast six (6) years

• Education from an accredited college or university with coursework in history, architectural history, historic preservation, or another field of study related to the duties of this position will be considered. A copy of your transcript showing degree conferral MUST be submitted to verify this requirement. 

• Experience with a primary focus in history, architectural history, historic preservation, cultural resource management, which includes historical resources investigation, will be considered. 

 
Please Note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. “See Resume” statements on the application or resumes in lieu of a complete application may not be accepted. Additional information submitted after the closing date of this announcement will not be considered in the review of your application. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a pre-employment screening which may include social security number trace, criminal records check, public court records check, educational records, and driving records checks. More information in the supplemental information section
• Occasional field work may be required on CDOT right of ways often in hot or cold, wet weather, steep or uneven terrain.

Preferred Qualifications
 The exceptional applicant will possess the proven ability or accomplishment in the following: 

• Demonstrated success with the duties listed in the Description of the Job section;
• Meets the Secretary of the Interior's Standards in the fields of History and/or Architectural History per 36 CFR 61  https://www.nps.gov/articles/sec-standards-prof-quals.htm 
• Years of State service experience related to the duties of this position;
• Highest work/personal ethics and integrity;
• Strong, effective listening, interpersonal and relationship building skills;
• Knowledge of the NEPA and environmental policy and regulations;
• Ability to take constructive feedback to improve documents;
• Ability to organize and be able to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and verbal manner;
• Ability to utilize excellent interpersonal communication skills to work cooperatively with colleagues with conflicting needs; 
• Ability to be a team player and ability to coordinate closely with other disciplines and stakeholders, and to work efficiently, retain adaptability, and maintain records/notes;
• Possess critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to work on multiple projects concurrently;
• Ability to learn and apply applicable federal, state, local, CDOT environmental and related policies, procedures, laws, and regulations as it relates to developing construction documents, answering questions, and developing manuals, specifications, guidance, and policies;
• Demonstrates a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency;
• Strong time and project management skills;
• Strong attention to technical detail and accuracy;
• Passion for safety;
• Ability to use GIS, preferred:

• Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Gmail and Google Applications, SAP, and the ability to quickly learn other software systems.
  
  
  

Applicant Checklist

Complete Applications must include the following documents:

1. A complete CDOT Application for Announced Vacancy (please submit online using the green 'APPLY' button at the top of this announcement)

2. A complete Supplemental Questionnaire (The questionnaire is part of the online application. You will be prompted to answer them as you are completing your online application.)

3. A cover letter that describes your interest in this position, how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Cover letters must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application. Cover letters will not be accepted after the closing date and time of the announcement. 

4. A detailed chronological resume. Resumes must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application. 

5. If you are using education to qualify, a copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing completed coursework and credit hours, that your degree has been conferred (if applicable), and the name of your school, or your NACES accreditation. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.

6. If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.

Please note that you may redact information on your attachments that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Only complete applications submitted by the closing date for this announcement will be given consideration. Every effort must be made to submit all application materials by the announcement close date. Where unusual circumstances prevent timely acquisition of transcripts, they must be submitted within five business days of the announcement close date. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date of this announcement may result in your application being rejected.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

Notifications:

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be via email. Include your current working email address on your application and check your email frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "[email protected]" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email. Immediately after you submit your application you should receive an email that confirms that you successfully submitted an application for this position. If you do not, try submitting again until you receive the confirmation email. Be sure to also check your junk folder for email communications from the State of Colorado's website.

The Hiring Process:

1. All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the minimum qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step. 

2. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

• Part, or all, of the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.

• Be sure your application materials specifically address your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the Major Duties, Minimum Qualifications, and Preferred Qualifications sections as listed above. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the deadline for application may result in your application not being accepted for this position and may affect your inclusion as a qualified candidate in any step of the selection process and placement on the eligible list. 

3. A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

Transfer, Non-Disciplinary Demotion or Reinstatement 

If you believe that you are eligible to be considered as a transfer, non-disciplinary demotion, or reinstatement to this vacancy, you must submit a completed application following the directions in this job announcement and you will be included in the selection process along with other qualified applicants. If you are the finalist for this position after the selection process, Human Resources will confirm your eligibility to be appointed as a transfer, non-disciplinary demotion, or reinstatement applicant. 

Employment Screening

If an applicant reaches the finalist stage of the hiring process, the Colorado Department of Transportation may procure a consumer report and/or investigative consumer report on the applicant in connection with his/her application for employment purposes, as defined under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. These reports may be obtained at any time after receipt of the applicant's authorization. As part of the employment screening an applicant will be requested to disclose any deferred judgments and convictions as well as an explanation of the circumstances around any arrest or conviction. In the event that a screening returns information that the applicant believes is not accurate, he or she will have an opportunity to dispute the information with “Accurate.”

Accurate, a consumer reporting agency, will obtain the report for CDOT. Further information regarding Accurate including its privacy policy, may be found online at www.accurate.com. Accurate is located at 200 Spectrum Center Drive Suite 1100, Irvine, CA  92618. 

The report may contain information bearing on the applicant's character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and mode of living.  The information that may be included in the report includes social security number trace, criminal records check, public court records checks, educational records, and driving records checks. CDOT will only request credit reports insofar as they relate to the position for which the applicant is applying. The information contained in the report will be obtained from private and/or public record sources. The applicant will have the right, upon written request made within a reasonable time after receipt of a notice, to request disclosure of the nature and scope of any investigative consumer report.

Appeal Rights

If you receive notice that you have been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. Email address: [email protected]. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov. 

ADAAA Accommodations

CDOT is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Priya Kumar at [email protected]

Former State Employees

Former employees of the Colorado Department of Transportation System or any other State of Colorado Department or Agency, who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination, must disclose this information on his/her application.

PK(SAP #50004833/PCR #66961)