Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is seeking a full-time Route 66 Project Assistant to support preservation-focused GIS efforts for the Preserve Route 66 Initiative. This role involves digitizing historical surveys, creating public-facing tools, and assisting with mapping applications to document the condition of Route 66 at its centennial anniversary.
Responsibilities
• Digitize the locations and preservation attributes of places identified through historic surveys of Route 66 conducted in the 2010s across the 8 Route 66 states
• Compare and analyze these digitized locations with current on-the-ground conditions using street-level imagery that will be collected in June 2026
• Research and digitize the complex multiple alignments of historic Route 66
• Assist in the creation of StoryMaps and web maps
• Utilize ArcGIS tools (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, etc.) for editing and publishing datasets
• Identify, obtain, structure, and clean large datasets of significant locations along Route 66 from external sources
• Participate in meetings with internal and external partners to further research existing data
• Compile and create metadata for geospatial resources for inclusion in an open data repository
• Present and communicate research findings to internal and external partners
• Other GIS and Route 66 related tasks as needed
Skills
• 1-2 years of relevant experience in GIS/Geography, data/computer science, preservation, planning, urban studies, public policy, or another related field
• A demonstrated interest in GIS technology, historic preservation and cultural heritage, planning, and/or related field
• Strong research and investigative skills
• Basic proficiency in ArcGIS Pro and/or ArcGIS Online required
• Basic analytical and problem-solving skills, including issue identification and prioritization
• Basic project-organization skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to collaborate and achieve results with supervision, including ability to interact professionally with key internal and external stakeholders as needed
• Public contact and ability to work successfully in close proximity to others required
• Strong organizational skills required, with ability to prioritize, multi-task efficiently, and meet deadlines in a timely fashion
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment
• Ability to work effectively with frequent interruptions required
• Able to handle frequently changing and/or unscheduled tasks with accuracy
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Friendly and professional demeanor on the phone and in writing, with ability to speak and write clearly in English
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products required, including Outlook, Word, Teams, and Excel
• Ability to work effectively in a remote environment, maintaining productivity and communications to meet deadlines and goals, is required
• Preference will be given to candidates who live near, or have lived experience on, Route 66
• Connections to or experience helping to engage culturally diverse audiences and partners a plus
Benefits
• Health, dental and life insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Paid parental leave
• 3+ weeks of vacation
• Sick time
• Holidays
Company Overview
• For more than 75 years, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has led the movement to safeguard America’s historic places. It was founded in 1949, and is headquartered in Washington, DC, US, with a workforce of 201-500 employees. Its website is https://savingplaces.org/historicrestaurants.