Find your Career at Northern Illinois University! Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications Overview Northern Illinois University is collaborating on a long-term partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation ( IDOT ), serving the environmental and cultural compliance needs of the northern third of Illinois. With direction from IDOT , the partnership conducts regulatory compliance work to advance transportation infrastructure while protecting natural and cultural resources and the communities that depend on them for their wellbeing and resiliency.

Position Summary This position supports IDOT’s cultural resource compliance program by reviewing Environmental Survey Requests (ESRs), archaeological eligibility assessments, and consultant-prepared reports to ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 4(f), and relevant state laws.

The Cultural Resources

Specialist works within NIU’s Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability ( NICCS ) and coordinates regularly with IDOT , the Illinois State Archaeological Survey ( ISAS ), the State Historic Preservation Office ( SHPO ), and other professional partners to complete required regulatory reviews. The position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage high volumes of documentation while maintaining accuracy and timeliness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Regulatory Review and Compliance - Reviews and processes ESRs, archaeological eligibility determinations, and related project documentation

- Evaluates consultant archaeological reports for methodological soundness, regulatory compliance, and adherence to federal and state standards
- Determines when projects can be cleared internally and when additional archaeological survey is necessary
- Maintains current knowledge of federal and state preservation laws, regulations, and procedural guidance Project Coordination and Communication - Prepares technical correspondence and compliance documents for IDOT and SHPO under Section 106.
- Communicates with the IDOT Cultural Resources Unit staff regularly to receive assignments, coordinate workloads, and discuss how to best meet IDOT regulatory needs
- Coordinates with IDOT , ISAS , SHPO , FHWA , and other partners on archaeological review matters
- Manages multiple project reviews simultaneously and ensures timely project delivery Program Development and Technical Support - Assists in developing or updating guidance materials, instructions, and compliance procedures
- Provides training or technical guidance to IDOT and project staff as needed Other Duties as Assigned - Performs additional compliance-related duties as assigned Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service) n/a Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service) n/a Specialty Factors (Civil Service) n/a Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service) n/a Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS) - Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology (36 CFR Part 61), which includes: A graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology,



or a closely related field; at least one year of full-time professional experience in archaeology; and at least four months of supervised field and analytical experience in North American archaeology.
- Demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.
- For prehistoric archaeology: at least one year of full-time professional supervisory experience in prehistoric archaeological studies.
- For historic archaeology: at least one year of full-time professional supervisory experience in historic-period archaeological studies.
- Two years of professional experience in archaeological survey, analysis, report preparation, resource identification, or compliance review.

Additional

Requirements (SPS) - Knowledge of federal and state historic preservation laws, regulations, and guidance

- Knowledge of archaeological field methods, laboratory analysis, site identification, eligibility evaluation, and documentation standards for prehistoric and historic-period resources.
- Knowledge of archaeological research design, report preparation, professional standards, and accepted practices for evaluating archaeological resources and consultant deliverables.
- Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of agencies and stakeholders involved in cultural resource review, including IDOT , consulting parties, and resource agencies.
- Skill in preparing clear, concise, and technically accurate correspondence, compliance findings, guidance documents, and review comments for diverse audiences.
- Skill in organizing, prioritizing, and managing multiple concurrent project reviews while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
- Skill in collaborating stakeholders to resolve compliance issues and advance project delivery.
- Ability to exercise sound professional judgment in evaluating archaeological resources.
- Ability to analyze complex archaeological and regulatory issues, identify solutions, and develop recommendations consistent with skilled standards.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, adapt to changing assignments, and deliver accurate work within established timeframes.
- Ability to communicate complex technical information effectively, both orally and in writing, to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to stay current with changes in preservation law, archaeological methods, agency guidance, and professional standards.

Preferred Qualifications (SPS) - Working knowledge of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

- Archaeological fieldwork or research experience in Illinois or surrounding states.
- Experience conducting or reviewing archaeological surveys and reports.
- Familiarity with transportation or cultural resource compliance workflows.
- Using computer/electronic equipment for extended periods of time.




- May require occasional overnight travel to meetings and workshops (less than once per month).
- Occasional lifting and moving items weighing up to 40 lbs. Appointment and Compensation Details Appointment and Compensation Details Anticipated Appointment Start Date Anticipated Appointment Start Date 09/15/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours Working Hours Monday-Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm, one-hour lunch - Cover Letter – Please include your interest in employment with NIU and how your previous experiences and education position you for success in the role for which you are applying, especially related to qualifications and desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
- Resume or Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Unofficial Transcripts (official transcripts will be required within 30 days of start date). Applications submitted after August 27, 2026 are welcomed, due to the expertise and experience needed for the candidate to be successful, the position will remain open until filled. Applicants without all listed qualifications or experience may be considered. In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator Health Services Building Room 230 [email protected] (phone hidden) In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. ADA Accommodation NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of affirmative action and equal opportunity ( AAEO ) at [email protected] .
- Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
- List of at least 3 Professional References - Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
- List of at least 3 Professional References - Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
- Other Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

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