Visiting Scientific Specialist, Architectural History
Illinois State Archaeological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Illinois State Archaeological Survey (ISAS) is part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. For 80 years, the University of Illinois has studied the state’s archaeological heritage. ISAS incorporates that knowledge in its programs to protect, preserve, and interpret these irreplaceable and non-renewable resources within the context of Illinois’ need to encourage and promote sustainable development. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
ISAS is seeking to hire a Visiting Scientific Specialist, Architectural History to conduct historical research on architectural and archaeological resources (standing buildings and architectural structural remains encountered during archaeological investigations) to identify and evaluate those eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places in accordance with Illinois state and federal historic preservation regulations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Research – Survey/Data Collection
- Survey and document properties potentially impacted by proposed transportation projects.
- Assist with the production of Historic Resources Inventories (HRI), Historic Resources (NRHP Evaluations (Intensive Level Surveys), and Historic Resources Survey Forms (HSRFs).
Research – Data Analysis/Interpretation
- Conduct historical research on standing historic structures and archaeological structural remains.
- Identify and evaluate those resources eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places in accordance with various State and Federal environmental laws and regulations.
- Coordinate findings with teams of researchers and IDOT to ensure historic preservation matters are incorporated into the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of transportation facilities.
- Respond to requests for information related to historic architectural resources and provide technical expertise to staff at government agencies, academia, industry, and the public.
Other
- Attend scientific conferences and educational events to present results.
- Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Minimum Qualifications:
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in architectural history, preservation, historic archaeology, or closely related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Experience conducting historic architectural research and analysis. Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred:
Master’s degree in architectural history, preservation, historic archaeology, or closely related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Preference given to Midwestern specialists. Experience with report preparation meeting state and federal historic preservation compliance standards. Demonstrated architectural field survey experience such as, but not limited to, large-scale surveys of corridors, cities, municipalities, and rural areas. Demonstrated experience in carrying out compliance tasks associated with Federal Section 106 and State ILCS 3420 historic preservation activities. As IDOT concurrently issues environmental survey requests to assess potential impacts to both architectural and archaeological resources within a project area, experience with both archaeological survey and historic archaeological site investigations in the Midwest.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Required: Basic knowledge of U.S. history, architectural history, and historic period archaeology. Working knowledge of documentary and archival research methods, familiarity with both print and electronic media sources, and ability to report findings in standard academic formats using both digital photography, and computerized word, data processing formats (e.g. Word, Excel, Photoshop, etc.). Effective communication, interpersonal, collaborative, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Preferred: Detailed knowledge of the archaeological resources of Illinois. Methodological specialization, skills, and research interests relating to the recovery or analysis of archaeological sites, or materials. Familiarity and/or experience with federal and state of Illinois historic preservation, burial laws, and regulations.
Working Conditions:
Work is conducted in both office and field settings. Fieldwork may require working in adverse conditions (inclement weather, remoteness) and occasional travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois in both rural and urban settings.
Appointment Information:
This is a full-time visiting academic professional appointment. Position may become a regular position at a later date depending on funding and a programmatic need. The budgeted amount for this position is $45,000 to $55,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position.
Benefits: The University of Illinois offers a wide variety of benefits https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/benefits, including paid leave https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave and holidays https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/leave/holidays
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 p.m. (CST) Wednesday, August 6, 2025. To apply: please visit https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/14553?c=illinois&sq=1031605 and select the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the page. Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional (not personal) references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For further information about this specific position, please contact Jill Billerman at jrandell@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, including technical issues, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.