Cultural Resources Specialist (39214)

Position Information

Posting Detail Information

Working Position Title Cultural Resources Specialist (39214) Classification Research Associate Position Number 00039214 Open Date 08/12/2026 Close Date Priority Review Date 08/27/2026 Employee Class Staff Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.00 Position Status Regular FLSA Exempt Job code 1620SPS04 Union Representation Non-Union Union Code N/A Unit/Department VP Research and Innv Prtnrshp College/Unit VP Research and Innv Prtnrshp Division Research and Innv Prtnrshp Location LH 301 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https://www.niu.edu/niccs/index.shtml

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 professional 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.

Physical demands/requirements

• 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 09/15/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours Monday-Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm, one-hour lunch Salary $80,000.16 - $86,000.16/Annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $3,333.34 - $3,583.34/Semi-monthly Earn Type Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

For full consideration, please visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/95340 to submit the following materials by August 27, 2026:

Required Documents:

• 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.

Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/95340 Is Background Check Required? Yes EEO Statement Summary

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

TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu

815-753-5560

Visa Policy

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 ada@niu.edu.

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
• List of at least 3 Professional References

Optional Documents

• Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
• Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).