Cultural Resource Specialist

Provide advice to the State Conservationist (STC) and principal staff, assist in determinations of significance findings, consult with SHPOs and THPOs on the National Register of Historic Places eligibility, oversee reviews of NRCS undertakings, field surveys, provide guidance to field personnel on identification and avoidance of cultural resources, complete compliance documentation for SHPO and THPO, provide training, and conduct quality assurance and control reviews. *This role is designed as hybrid (combination of telework/office work and field deployment). Travel is intrinsic to performing field views and stakeholder meetings statewide; assign final travel expectations based on NC workload and program coverage (25-50% travel may be required, with occasional higher periods).

• Lead Section 106 Compliance & Consultation (Primary SHPO/HPO interface): Consult directly with the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (HPO/SHPO) for all applicable undertakings in NC, ensuring timely submittals and coordination consistent with the HPO?s environmental review process and timeline. Ensure NRCS compliance with its General Manual (GM 420 401) responsibilities (lead agency duties, documentation, qualifications, and coordination with ACHP/SHPO/THPOs). 30%
• Statewide Travel & Stakeholder Coordination: Travel across North Carolina to conduct field views, site meetings, and interagency coordination as needed; position is hybrid with telework/office duties plus regular instate travel. (CRS roles may require 25?50% travel, occasionally exceeding 50%, depending on State needs.). 30%
• Field Views, Reconnaissance & Intensive Cultural Resource Surveys: Conduct on-site field views across North Carolina to identify and evaluate historic properties and archaeological resources; prepare or oversee Historic Structure Survey Reports (HSSR) and archaeology survey deliverables in accordance with NC HPO standards and OSA guidelines Document site conditions, integrity, and potential eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places; coordinate with qualified consultants when needed. 20%
• Technical Review, Effects Findings & Compliance Documentation: Prepare and submit complete project review packages to NC HPO following the Project Review Checklist and respond to HPO review comments (30 day cycle). Maintain clear, complete records (APE maps, eligibility determinations, findings of effect, and consultation correspondence). Draft Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) or Programmatic Agreements (PA) when adverse effects cannot be avoided, in coordination with SHPO/ACHP and other parties. 10%
• Government to Government & Tribal Coordination Support: Support and, where appropriate, facilitate consultation with federally recognized Tribes/THPOs per NRCS guidance and 36 CFR Part 800, ensuring respectful and timely engagement on undertakings that may affect tribal interests. 5%
• Training, Technical Assistance & Partner Engagement: Provide training and day to day guidance to NRCS field staff, conservation partners, and local sponsors on cultural resources compliance, survey standards, and consultation protocols. Align training with NRCS GM 420 401 personnel responsibilities and qualification standards. 3%
• Data Management, GIS Mapping & Records Access: Maintain geospatial datasets (APE, surveyed resources, prior investigations), ensure accessibility of reports and data consistent with NRCS policy on access to data and reports, and secure sensitive locational information. 2%

• GSA Fleet Training.
• AgLearn Training as it relates to the position.
• Overnight travel: Typically, 1-2 overnight trips per month, with occasional periods of higher frequency during peak project seasons.
• Health and Safety Considerations: The incumbent must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local health and safety regulations, agency policies, and site-specific requirements. Job Hazard Analysis (JHA): Conduct or review a JHA prior to field activities; identify hazards, mitigation measures, emergency procedures, and required PPE. Maintain readiness for extended field days, variable weather, uneven terrain, and remote locations. Immediately report incidents, near-misses, hazards, and unsafe conditions through established agency channels.
• Required Safety Gear: Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on tasks and environment (e.g., safety footwear, high-visibility vest, hard hat, eye/ear protection, gloves, sun protection, insect repellent, and weather-appropriate attire).
• Physical requirements: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.