Applications are due October 26, 2016.
THE POSITION:
This professional position within the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), a bureau of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), is responsible for the development, processing, and management of records pertaining to historic properties and the ongoing management of electronic data. This position assists the SHPO with supporting and promoting the Commonwealth’s archaeological site survey records including maintaining the integrity of archaeological site and survey information in the Cultural Resources Geographic Information System (CRGIS) and promoting and facilitating recordation of new sites in order to assist the SHPO, other agencies, and the public in evaluating the archaeological resources within the Commonwealth.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
- Assists the SHPO with developing and maintaining a long-term data management and Geographic Information System (GIS) vision and strategy.
- Assists in fulfilling the SHPO’s GIS needs including cartography, data management, and ensures the quality and utility of spatial data and products.
- Acquires, prepares, and maintains spatial data from a variety of sources.
- Digitizes data from the SHPO’s legacy paper records and all newly recorded cultural resources into a GIS program.
- Assists in the development and maintenance of the SHPO’s new data management system.
- Assists in computerized mapping of cultural resources including archaeological site and survey, from both paper and outside electronic sources; entry and updating of resource information; and facilitating the scanning, processing, and storage of resource images for linkage into the SHPO’s cultural resource database (CRGIS) and conversion of data to any newly-determined platforms.
- Conducts projects to analyze legacy data. This can result in updating information to meet current standards and needs and/or providing new interpretations. This includes historic research and evaluation and may include guiding and assisting interns or other researchers.
- Develops and provides public information about cultural resources through research, analysis, and development of web content, conference and educational programs, and periodic reports.
- Provides information and assistance to citizens and agencies involved in the identification and survey of archaeological resources to prepare resource information and documentation for inclusion in the CRGIS.
- Undertakes daily maintenance of electronic systems including: bug reporting/tracking, system testing, assisting internal and external customers, and monitor mailboxes (review and respond or distribute incoming emails and/or messages as required).
- Designs and produces publication-quality maps and other visual products for internal use, for reports, and for external distribution.
- Extracts data from the CRGIS to fill data requests and working with other agencies to facilitate data sharing agreements.
- Works with the public and local preservation partners on developing/updating site recordation methodology.
- Coordinates archaeological collections data management with the State Museum of Pennsylvania.
- Provides training on recordation techniques and data collection and the preparation and maintenance of paper and electronic records.
- Participates in the evaluation of the significance of cultural resources and their eligibility for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
- Assists in the maintenance of permanent paper files of the historic and archaeological surveys.
- Prepares information on records management or digital archive activities as needed.
- Participates in continuing education opportunities to maintain proficiency in current practices associated with the conversion, formatting, indexing, and integration of legacy documents to digital formats.
- Performs others duties as required to maintain the SHPO’s cultural resource database.
- Adheres to Commonwealth and PHMC general safety rules and any specific to this position and immediately corrects any safety hazards in the work area and report same to supervisor.
HOW TO APPLY:
This position is filled through a Non-Civil Service process coordinated through the Bureau of State Employment (BSE). All applications must go through BSE’s employment website at www.employment.pa.gov. We cannot accept any applications directly. Please see below how to apply:
From www.employment.pa.gov, click on the Job Opportunities tab under Non-Civil Service. Scroll to the chart and select the position titled “Historic Preservation Specialist”. If interested, click on “Apply.” If you are not currently registered with NEOGOV, you may create an account and apply for this or any other listed category. Registration is free. Returning applicants should enter their current username and password, and follow the steps to create a profile and apply under Historic Preservation Specialist category. If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the Bureau of State Employment at (717) 787-5703.
Required Experience:
Two or more years of experience working on an architectural survey, an architectural restoration and preservation project or program, and a bachelor’s degree in architectural history, American history, art history or course work in Pennsylvania history; OR Any equivalent combination of experience and training.
Additional Information:
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Compensation: $45,692-$69,477/annually
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is proud to be an equal opportunity employer supporting workplace diversity.