Environmental Review Program Manager - State Program Administrator Director

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Saint-Paul; Hybrid; CAD 114,770 - 163,696; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is seeking an Environmental Review Program Manager to lead and oversee all aspects of the Environmental Review Program. This role provides strategic direction and subject matter expertise to ensure identification and protection of Minnesota's historic resources under federal and state laws.

Key responsibilities include directing staff, maintaining relationships with Tribal and governmental partners, and guiding complex undertakings through

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in history, historic preservation, archaeology, urban and regional planning, law or related field with specialized coursework in historic preservation or cultural resource management.
• Five (5) years of experience with relevant federal preservation statutes, guidelines, and cultural resource management principles. Master’s may substitute for 18 months of experience.
• Knowledge of administering federal historic preservation laws, including Section 106, and roles of federal, Tribal, state, local governments and stakeholders.
• Experience managing team members and engaging in performance management conversations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to negotiate, mediate, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with Tribal governments and agencies while guiding compliance with Section 106 and preservation laws.
• Direct and manage the Environmental Review Program and staff to ensure timely program delivery.
• Represent the SHPO in reviews of large, complex federal undertakings and negotiate agreements.
• Review proposals to ensure compliance with State historic preservation laws.
• Lead innovative projects, develop process improvements, and strengthen systems for preservation outcomes.

Skills

Historic preservation

Section 106

Team management

Interpersonal communication

Problem solving

MS Office

Adobe Acrobat

Education

Bachelor's degree in history

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Working Title: Environmental Review Program Manager

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Director

• Job ID: 95652
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 07/30/2026
• Closing Date: Open until filled. First review of applications/resume to begin after 08/17/2026.
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-MMA
• Division/Unit: SHPO
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - up to 5%
• Salary Range: $38.83 - $55.93 / hourly; $81,077 - $116,781 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) promotes best preservation practices and cooperative approaches so everyone can continue to benefit from the environmental, social, and economic value of Minnesota's cultural heritage. The team provides guidance and expertise to individuals, communities, and all levels of government to help them meet their preservation goals and compliance with state and federal laws.

SHPO is seeking an Environmental Review Program Manager to lead and oversee all aspects of the Environmental Review Program. This position provides strategic direction, subject matter expertise, and program leadership to ensure the identification and protection of Minnesota's historic resources under federal and state laws.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with Tribal governments, federal, state, and local government agencies; and other partners while guiding compliance with Section 106 of the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act and Minnesota's preservation laws.
• Direct and manage the Environmental Review Program and its staff, ensuring consistent, professional, and timely program delivery.
• Represent the State Historic Preservation Officer in reviews of large and complex federal undertakings, negotiating and developing Memorandums of Agreement and Programmatic Agreements.
• Review and consult on proposals submitted by State agencies, departments, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, and political subdivisions to ensure compliance with State historic preservation laws.
• Lead innovative projects, develop process improvements, and strengthen systems that support preservation outcomes.

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, this position also requires a willingness to travel (up to 5%), along with ability to work evenings and occasional weekends.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in history, historic preservation, archaeology, urban and regional planning, law, or related field with specialized coursework in historic preservation or cultural resource management.
• Five (5) years of experience with relevant federal preservation statutes, guidelines, and cultural resource management principles.
  • Master's degree as specified above may substitute for 18 months of experience as described.
• Working knowledge of administering federal historic preservation laws, including Section 106, and the roles and responsibilities of federal, Tribal, state, and local governments; and other stakeholders.
• Experience managing team members and engaging in performance management-based conversations.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to negotiate, mediate, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders with varying backgrounds, education, skills, and interests.
• Advanced problem-solving skills related to identifying and protecting historic properties and navigating controversial or complex situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (such as Word, Access, Excel, Outlook, and Teams), Adobe Acrobat, or similar software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in history, historic preservation, archaeology, urban and regional planning, law, or related field with specialized coursework in historic preservation or cultural resource management.
• Working knowledge of Minnesota's historic preservation laws, administrative rules, and broader environmental review process.
• Experience drafting or evaluating Section 106 agreements.
• Specialized training in Section 106.
• Experience coordinating with Tribal Nations in environmental reviews.
• Experience with data management systems, including organization, research, and analysis.
• Demonstrated success implementing process improvement or optimization initiatives.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to physically visit project and historic sites, which may be active construction sites or have uneven surfaces and temporary stairs. This position may also entail sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Repetitive movements will be required to perform word and data processing for extended periods of time. Working conditions in an office environment will primarily be under controlled temperatures. While outdoors, applicants may experience varying weather conditions and fluctuations in temperatures. While in transit, weather and road conditions may vary. Applicants must obey all traffic laws and safety rules.

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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Ly Her at [e-mail] or 651-201-2434.

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.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.