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ODOT Cultural Resources Program Manager (Project Management)



The Cultural Resources Program Manger plans, organizes, administers, and monitors ODOT's statewide cultural resources program through leadership of a team of professionals. The Program Manager establishes standards and procedures related to programs areas in cultural resource management which includes: archaeology, architectural history, historic engineering, and statutory and regulatory compliance with regard to historic properties to ensure compliance with FHWA requirements.

This Position Will

Provide statewide planning, guidance and leadership for cultural resource program staff, ODOT Field Districts and ODOT Central Office.

  • Interpret and ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations and policies. 
  • Serve as ODOT subject matter expert for program issues in all areas of cultural resources practices and regulations, providing technical assistance when needed.
  • Develop, interpret and/or implement policies, standards and procedures relating to cultural resource programs.
  • Program Coordination- plan, organize, develop and maintain programmatic agreements designed to increase the efficiency of ODOT's cultural resource program. 
  • Represent ODOT at the state, regional, and national level on issues related to cultural resources and transportation.

Responsibilities

  • Manages and oversees the staff of the Cultural Resources Program
    • Oversee and manage the ODOT Cultural Resources Program, providing guidance, training, and coaching for a staff of full and part time individuals.
    • Ensures timely delivery of cultural resources (Section 106) consultation in accordance with established project schedules.
    • Establish and maintain effective communication between the Cultural Resources Program and all divisions of ODOT with an emphasis on providing a high level of service. This includes but is not limited to; timely response to all inquiries received by the program, adherence to established project deadlines, early and clear communication of any unforeseen delays, internal tracking of project progress and mitigation commitments, oversight of consultant work and deliverables, and serve as a technical resource for the program.
  • Develops and maintains standards, policies, procedures, and staffing requirements needed to execute programs. Ensures that the appropriate methodologies and evaluations are performed for cultural resources studies and that documentation standards are consistent with industry standard for field methods and reporting. Ensures that Section 106 consultation is presented to SHPO in an organized fashion.
  • Provides assistance to ODOT Field Districts and Central Office pertaining to cultural resources issues in the context of development and implementation of transportation projects and statewide programs.
    • Serves as a contact between ODOT CRP, SHPO, and FHWA assisting ODOT and FHWA with making determinations of eligibility and effect to SHPO. 
    • Submit all adverse effect determinations to FHWA.
    • Prepare Memoranda of Agreements (MOAs) to address and mitigate adverse effects to historic properties and coordinate the execution of those documents, working with FHWA, ODOT Central Office Divisions, Field Districts, stakeholders (consulting parties), other Federal Agencies, and SHPO in the development of MOAs.
    • Ensures that mitigation commitments are met in accordance with the timelines established in the MOA.
    • Oversee the successful completion of Programmatic and Individual Section 4(f) evaluations for historic properties for the Agency and provide these for FHWA Division Office and/or FHWA HQ Legal Office (for Individual 4(f)s) review and approval.
    • Oversee CRP Consultant contracts and services and review contract invoices for accuracy prior to submitting for approval.
  • Manages program budget
    • Co-Manages the ODOT Cultural and Natural Resources Program contract and budget with the University of Oklahoma. Develop budgets. review invoices, track expenses and handle all human resources matters with OU employees of the Program. Works closely with the ODOT Natural Resources Program Manager to ensure consistency and transparency of the two programs.
    • Provides a yearly budget by June 1 of every year. Review monthly invoices prior to submittal to ODOT. Work with University partners to resolve issues in a timely manner.
  • Serves as a technical resource providing guidance to ODOT and state or federal agencies to coordinate cultural resources activities related to transportation.
  • Provides assistance for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other federal state environmental laws and regulations, when necessary.
  • Reports to the ODOT Environmental Programs Division and Assistant Division Manager.
  • Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Required Education: Master's degree AND

  • 36 months related research experience, including supervision.

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 72 months related research experience in lieu of the Master's degree for a total of 108 months of related experience

Skills:

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office
  • Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines       
  • Ability to supervise staff and communicate directions and expectations effectively      
  • Advanced scientific knowledge in field of study   
  • Ability to work independently and as a member of the team
  • Project management experience    
  • Detail oriented and excellent organization skills

Advertised Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to engage in repetitive motions
  • Ability to work in varied settings and locations as determined by research goals. May be required to travel. Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.

Departmental Preferences:

  • Master's degree in history, archaeology, anthropology or closely related field. Work experience may substitute for advanced degree.
  • Experience in research, writing, teaching, interpretation or other demonstrable professional activity consistent with regulatory compliance with a state or federal agency, an academic institution, or a historic organization with responsibilities in cultural resource management.
  • Experience in project coordination and the ability to manage a heavy project load with dynamic schedules.
  • Personnel and task management experience and the ability to communicate effectively.
  • Possess a customer service mindset; leading by example with a focus on fostering a collaborative environment.
  • Thorough and demonstrated knowledge of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 4(f) of the USDOT Act and implementation of these regulations within a larger environmental compliance framework.
  • Knowledge of applicable state and local laws with regards to archaeological sites, cemeteries, and other cultural resources.

Supervision: This role will be responsible for the supervision of a team of researchers.

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.

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