Architectural Historian II

Minnesota Historical Society; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and sick time

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) seeks applicants to conduct historical research, develop historic contexts and evaluate historic resources protection for a public agency to ensure compliance with state and federal preservation law.

This project-based role involves archival and field work, managing research tasks, and delivering professional reports with independent initiative while collaborating with public and private partners. The position is full-time at the History Center in St. Paul.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in history, heritage studies, historic preservation, or a closely related field.
• Four years of experience in research, writing, teaching, interpretation, or equivalent professional activity; or notable publications.
• Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for history or architectural history (36 CFR 61).
• Knowledge of Minnesota history and geography.
• Knowledge of state and federal historic preservation law and regulation.
• Ability to conduct research independently and bring projects to completion on time.
• Experience with project reviews under preservation law and regulation.
• Familiarity with transportation system development in Minnesota.
• Ability to build cooperative relationships with diverse organizations and the public.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and strong prioritization under changing priorities.
• Computer skills to develop quality project documentation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct archival and field research for context studies.
• Identify, evaluate, and protect historical resources in agency projects.
• Document and report on all research phases to meet contractual obligations.
• Manage historical research projects to ensure compliance with preservation laws.
• Analyze data to understand research results and provide expertise to others.
• Provide professional input to colleagues and stakeholders.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in history or related field

Graduate degree in history/heritage studies

Independent research ability

Project management / multitasking

Effective communication

Tools

Computer skills

Job description

LOCATION: History Center - 345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102

TYPICAL

STARTING PAY: $59,841.60- $65,332.80 annually

STATUS & HOURS: Full-time, (approximately 2,080 annual hours) project position through June 30, 2027. This is an ongoing position with MNHS, designed to complete a scope of services (Project) on contract with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

BENEFITS: Eligible to participate in the State Employee Group Insurance Program and a retirement program with employer contribution. Generous vacation and sick time accruals with additional paid holidays.

DESIGNATION: Bargaining Unit AFSCME Local 3173

POSTING DATE: October 15, 2026

DEADLINE DATE: November 5, 2026

DESCRIPTION: The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) seeks applicants to conduct historical research, develop historic contexts and evaluate historic resources protection for a public agency to ensure compliance with state and federal preservation law.

SUMMARY OF WORK

1. 1) Conduct archival and field research directed towards preparation of historic context studies for specified project areas;
2. 2) Conduct historical research to identify, evaluate and protect historical resources in areas of agency undertakings;
3. 3) Document and prepare reports on all phases of research to satisfy contractual and professional obligations;
4. 4) Manage historical research projects to ensure agency compliance with historic preservation law and agency policy;
5. 5) Conduct analysis of archival and field data to document and understand the results of research;
6. 6) Provide professional expertise to others

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in history, heritage studies, historic preservation, or a closely related field.

Four years of experience in research, writing, teaching, interpretation, or other demonstrable professional activity within an academic institution, historic organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution; OR, substantial contribution to the field through research and publication.

Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for history or architectural history, published in 36 CFR 61.

Knowledge of Minnesota history and geography.

Knowledge of state and federal historic preservation law and regulation.

Demonstrated ability to conduct research independently.

Demonstrated ability to bring projects to completion in a timely manner.

Experience conducting project reviews under state and/or federal historic preservation law and regulation.

Familiarity with the development of transportation systems in Minnesota.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with a variety of representatives of public and private organizations; governmental officials and agencies, members of boards, foundations, commissions, and support groups; organizational managers; museum and historic site staff; and the general public.

Ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing situations.

Computer skills necessary to develop quality project and program documentation.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and take individual initiative while also being able to collaborate effectively and contribute positively in a team environment.

Demonstrated ability to multitask, work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines, prioritize and adapt to changing priorities.

Demonstrated ability to think imaginatively and problem solve.

Ability to spend extended periods of time outside in all weather conditions.

Ability to bend, crouch, kneel, reach, push, and pull.

Ability to travel extensively during the week.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate degree in history, heritage studies, historic preservation, or closely related field.

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.