ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIAN JOB DESCRIPTION

Explore curated Architectural Historian job descriptions covering Section 106 compliance, NRHP evaluation, field surveys, and CRM roles across the US.

Architectural Historian Job Description Template

1. About the Role

An Architectural Historian who does this work well is harder to replace than most professionals realize. Historic inventory forms filed incorrectly, NRHP eligibility determinations that don't hold up to agency review, or Section 106 consultation packages returned by SHPOs - these failures delay infrastructure and energy projects by months and expose clients to legal liability. The Architectural Historian is the practitioner who prevents that, carrying the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualifications Standards (36 CFR Part 61) and the technical judgment to produce defensible documentation. The role sits within multidisciplinary consulting teams alongside archaeologists, environmental planners, and engineers, serving federal agencies, transportation departments, and energy developers across regional markets.

2. Position Summary

As the Architectural Historian, you will evaluate historic properties for National Register eligibility, lead Section 106 compliance documentation, and deliver technical reports that allow infrastructure and energy projects to move forward within federal regulatory requirements. You will work within a cultural resources group, coordinating with SHPOs, tribal representatives, federal agencies, and project engineers, with scope spanning field survey through final agency submission.

3. Why Join Us

Career Impact: Carrying the 36 CFR Part 61 qualification and a track record of defensible NRHP determinations places an Architectural Historian among a small, credentialed specialist pool that transportation, energy, and federal clients specifically request by qualification standard.

Business Impact: When historic resource documentation is accurate and agency-ready, infrastructure and energy projects avoid the SHPO resubmission cycles and Section 106 consultation delays that cost clients schedule and budget.

Growth Opportunity: Mid-career work spanning Phase I/II surveys, Historic Structures Reports, and NEPA documentation builds the portfolio and multi-agency relationships needed to advance into lead or senior roles overseeing junior staff and managing client accounts.

Company Value: Several source employers offer remote or hybrid arrangements based on project location, reflecting the field-intensive nature of the work and the distributed geography of the regional project base.

4. Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct archival and field-based historic resource surveys to document buildings, structures, landscapes, and districts within defined Areas of Potential Effect.
  • Evaluate historic properties against National Register of Historic Places criteria, including assessments of integrity and eligibility, to support federal compliance determinations.
  • Prepare Section 106 technical reports, historic inventory forms, and assessment of effects documentation for submission to SHPOs and federal lead agencies.
  • Lead or assist reconnaissance and intensive-level surveys, including Historic Structures Reports and condition assessments, under senior staff supervision.
  • Coordinate Section 106 consulting party processes, including tribal and agency outreach, agreement document support, and response to review comments.
  • Support NEPA documentation and Planning and Environmental Linkages studies for transportation, energy, and infrastructure projects.
  • Partner with archaeologists, engineers, and project managers to integrate historic resource findings into overall project compliance packages.
  • Assist with business development activities including responding to RFPs and presenting findings to professional and public audiences.

5. Required Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Architectural History, Historic Preservation, History, or a closely related field, or equivalent work experience.
  • 3 or more years of cultural resources management experience, with demonstrated competency in Section 106 compliance and NRHP evaluation.
  • Currently meets or is eligible to meet the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualifications Standards under 36 CFR Part 61 for Architectural History.
  • Demonstrated experience preparing historic inventory reports, NRHP eligibility determinations, and assessment of effects documentation for agency review.
  • Working knowledge of federal and state historic preservation law, including the National Historic Preservation Act, NEPA, and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act.
  • Ability to conduct pedestrian field surveys across varied terrain and travel to project sites regionally, with a valid driver's license.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce agency-ready technical documents and respond to SHPO review comments.
  • Ability to manage multiple concurrent project deliverables within established schedules and to work effectively within interdisciplinary consulting teams.

6. Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience applying the SOI Standards for Rehabilitation (36 CFR Part 67) and HABS/HAER/HALS documentation procedures on historic tax credit or federal undertaking projects.
  • Familiarity with state-specific historic contexts and inventory forms across one or more regional markets, including transportation or energy project compliance experience.
  • Experience drafting Section 106 agreement documents, including Programmatic Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding, in coordination with federal agencies.
  • Active membership or leadership in a regional or national historic preservation professional organization.

7. Success Metrics & Environment

  • SHPO acceptance rate of submitted historic inventory forms and assessment of effects packages, reflecting documentation accuracy.
  • Number of Section 106 consultation cycles completed without resubmission, measuring agency-ready report quality.
  • Field survey coverage rate against project schedule, tracking timely completion of Phase I/II survey assignments.
  • Client delivery schedule adherence across concurrent projects, reflecting workload management and prioritization.
  • NRHP determination defensibility, measured by rate of eligibility findings upheld through agency and public comment periods.
  • Typical tools: GIS mapping platforms (commonly ArcGIS or ArcPro); office productivity suites (commonly Microsoft Office).

8. Compensation & Benefits (US Market Benchmark)

  • Base Salary Range: $55,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience and region.
  • Bonus: Project-based or annual performance bonus, typically 3 to 7 percent of base.
  • Equity: Not typical at this level in consulting; profit-sharing offered at some firms.
  • Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by firm.
  • PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, plus federal holidays standard across most consulting employers.
  • Common Perks: Mileage reimbursement for field travel, professional development allowance for SOI qualifications maintenance, conference attendance support.


Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

9. EEO & Legal

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Candidates who require a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process are encouraged to request one. All offers are contingent on successful completion of a background check and, where applicable, drug screening. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Architectural Historian Job Description Examples

1. Architectural Historian (Cultural Resources Compliance)

The Architectural Historian owns the full cycle of archival research, field surveys, and Section 106 compliance reporting across California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Idaho, and Arizona. Working with project teams, tribal stakeholders, and SHPOs, the role ensures that architectural resources within the built environment are accurately evaluated and documented to meet federal and state historic preservation requirements.


Key Responsibilities

  • Perform archival, informant, background, and digital historic research and prepare detailed analysis of all data.
  • Successfully complete field surveys and architectural study reviews.
  • Evaluate architectural resources within the built environment including assessment of potential effects, as required under Section 106 of the NHPA.
  • Prepare appropriate state or agency architectural inventory forms in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Idaho, and Arizona.
  • Manage the preparation of architectural reports for historic resources compliance with Section 106 requirements.
  • Prepare technical reports containing architectural resource assessments, and collaboration with project teams, and all project stakeholders including tribes and agencies.
  • Provide consultation support to various SHPOs throughout California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Idaho, and Arizona.
  • Assist in developing plans and policies to meet socio-economic and physical needs of communities including land use, transportation, city planning, transit planning, environmental planning, and development.
  • Fully understand mitigations for both horizontal and vertical impacts.
  • Conduct tasks with an emphasis on design and technical aspects of projects.
  • Oversee the work of junior staff.
  • Ensure quality control and compliance of all documents.
  • Collaborate with staff archaeologists in the completion of cultural resource Class I, II, and III studies to establish and identify known cultural resources located within the Area of Potential Effects.


Required Qualifications

  • Master's Degree in Architectural History, Historic Preservation, Public History, Architecture, or closely related field.
  • Currently meets Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualifications Standards (36 CFR Part 61) for architectural history.
  • Minimum three years of experience in regulatory architectural history, history, or a related field, including demonstrated experience preparing historic inventory reports and completing NRHP eligibility evaluations.
  • Working knowledge of cultural resources management and environmental principles and standards.
  • Field experience using established methods and techniques for surveying historic buildings, structures, and landscapes, including recording, evaluating, and reporting on architectural resources.
  • Experience with application of The SOI Standards for Rehabilitation (36 CFR Part 67) and HABS/HAER documentation and procedures is a plus.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Flexible, team-oriented approach with a commitment to working as part of a multidisciplinary team, with excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability and willingness to travel to field sites with a valid driver's license and ability to operate motorized vehicles.
  • Strong commitment to safety.

2. Architectural Historian (Transportation & Environmental Planning)

Reporting to project leadership, the Architectural Historian leads technical documentation for cultural resources compliance under Section 106, Section 4(f), and applicable state historic preservation laws across New England and the Northeast. Partnering with federal, state, and local transportation agencies, State Historic Preservation Offices, energy entities, and military clients, the role builds client relationships that expand the organization's regional planning services.


Core Functions

  • Lead tasks related to the preparation and development of technical documentation for cultural resources compliance under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act, and applicable state historic preservation laws.
  • Lead reconnaissance and intensive-level surveys, historic contexts, NRHP nominations and determinations of eligibility, assessment of project effects on historic properties, Historic Structures Reports, condition assessments, and other technical work, under supervision.
  • Assist with tasks related to Section 106 consulting party coordination and development of Section 106 agreement documents.
  • Assist with preparation and development of NEPA documentation, Planning and Environmental Linkages studies, and feasibility and supporting studies for environmental planning projects.
  • Develop and successfully manage relationships with internal and external clients, including federal, state, and local transportation agencies, State Historic Preservation Offices, energy entities, the military, and local governments.
  • Use unique skill sets and experience to expand planning services locally and regionally across New England and the Northeast.
  • Meet the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualifications Standards in the field of architectural history or history.


Skills & Qualifications

  • Master's degree, or a bachelor's degree in a relevant field with 3–5 or more years of applicable experience.
  • Experience directly related to Section 106 review, environmental review, and transportation planning.
  • Familiarity applying the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Rehabilitation (36 CFR 67) and experience applying the NRHP Criteria to write defensible nominations and determinations of eligibility.
  • Experience determining effects on historic properties.
  • Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills, with extensive critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
  • Must be flexible to a variety of schedules and able to prioritize responsibilities and quickly adapt to change in a pressure work environment.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

3. Architectural Historian (Georgia Transportation & Mobility)

Sitting at the intersection of historic preservation and transportation planning, the Architectural Historian supports the multi-discipline Atlanta Mobility Environmental Group by conducting field surveys, background research, and NRHP evaluations in accordance with Section 106 of the NHPA and the Georgia Environmental Policy Act. Operating across state and federal agency relationships, the role delivers technical reports and resource maps that enable compliant and well-coordinated project outcomes.


Primary Duties

  • Support the multi-discipline Atlanta Mobility Environmental Group.
  • Conduct historic resource field surveys including day trips and some overnight trips.
  • Conduct background research on historic resources using a variety of primary and secondary sources.
  • Evaluate historic resources for the NRHP in accordance with Section 106 of the NHPA, the Georgia Environmental Policy Act, and other relevant laws and regulations.
  • Assess project-related effects to historic resources, working with engineering professionals and the overall project team to avoid or minimize impacts.
  • Prepare technical reports for distribution to state and federal agencies, including creating project and resource maps in ArcGIS.
  • Maintain internal and external delivery schedules for all assigned projects, prioritized by project baseline schedule dates.
  • Provide project status updates at meetings and serve as the point of contact for historic resources.
  • Adhere to company practices including quality and safety standards.
  • Coordinate meetings, resources, and presentations with excellent, clear, and concise oral and written communication skills.


Education & Experience

  • Graduate degree in History, Architectural History, Historic Preservation, or a closely related field.
  • Meets the Secretary of the Interior's Qualification Standards 36 CFR 61 as an Architectural Historian or Historian.
  • 4+ years of professional Architectural Historian experience, including conducting historic resource surveys and background research, applying NRHP eligibility criteria and aspects of integrity, and demonstrated technical writing abilities.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the NHPA and Section 106 regulations, including familiarity with Section 4(f) of the USDOT Act and Statewide Historic Contexts for Georgia.
  • General understanding of transportation, state and local governments, and regulatory and compliance industries, including familiarity with reading transportation engineering plans.
  • High proficiency with ArcGIS or ArcPro, with experience writing historical contexts and developing and implementing mitigation measures.
  • Must work well in a collaborative environment with attention to detail and active participation in regional or national professional associations.
  • Valid driver's license with a driving record that meets company policy.

4. Architectural Historian (Historic Tax Credit & SOI Standards)

A key member of the historic preservation compliance team, the Architectural Historian leads guidance on the preservation and rehabilitation of historic properties through interpretation of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, with a focus on historic tax credit programs and Section 106 undertakings. Collaborating across property owners, Certified Local Governments, developers, and preservation professionals, the role builds the technical and regulatory foundation that enables compliant treatment of historic properties.


Duties

  • Provide guidance in the preservation and rehabilitation of historic properties through interpretation of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
  • Review architectural designs and project proposals to provide information on appropriate treatments and technical assistance in accordance with the SOI Standards.
  • Assure compliance with state and federal preservation regulations related to historic property treatments under historic tax credit programs, Section 106 undertakings, and monitoring of state held easements and covenants.
  • Advise property owners and project contacts on providing sufficient documentation to ensure proposals or applications are compatible with federal standards.
  • Evaluate the significance of cultural resources and their eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Develop, prepare, and present presentations regarding design and technical issues related to application submission and the SOI Standards for Certified Local Governments, property owners, preservationists, developers, and other professionals.
  • Visit historic properties, attend meetings, and prepare site visit reports under conditions that may involve abandoned buildings, uneven surfaces, stairs, low light, and dust.


Requirements

  • Graduate degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or closely related field, or a bachelor's degree in these fields plus at least two years of full-time professional experience as an architectural historian per SOI Standards for Professional Qualifications.
  • Strong understanding of each of the treatment standards under the SOI's Standards and ability to interpret them for various building situations.
  • Familiarity with the National Historic Preservation Act, its implementing regulations, and the four-step Section 106 review process.
  • Knowledge of architectural design, construction detailing, construction procedures, and building materials and systems with an emphasis on historic projects.
  • Technical ability to skillfully review and interpret architectural styles, types, drawings, terms, construction systems, and materials.

5. Lead Architectural Historian (Historic Preservation & CRM)

Embedded within the Cultural Resource Team, the Lead Architectural Historian leads large-scale architectural history and historic preservation projects from start to finish, serving as the technical lead across the Northeast Region. Working closely with project managers, directors, principal investigators, SHPOs, and federal agencies, the role shapes business development outcomes and upholds the organization's standards for technical ethics and quality assurance.


Leadership Responsibilities

  • Responsible for all aspects of project execution, including conducting and leading historic resources surveys and archival research, historic building assessments, architectural view-shed studies, preparing historic context statements, evaluating resources under National Register of Historic Places significance criteria, preparation of historic resources technical reports and nominations.
  • Independently lead large architectural history and historic preservation-specific projects from start to finish, serving as the technical lead.
  • Provide consultation support to various lead federal agencies, SHPOs, and local governments throughout the Northeast Region.
  • Oversee junior staff and provide technical input into project planning and execution.
  • Ensure that appropriate preliminary research is conducted and organized prior to fieldwork, and that necessary equipment, staff, and other resources are ready for fieldwork.
  • Take initiative, resolve problems, and create improved procedures to ensure tasks are completed in the most effective and efficient manner.
  • Maintain high standards of technical ethics and quality assurance, and identify and resolve problems in creative ways.
  • Work closely with Cultural Resource Team Leads, project managers, directors, and principal investigators to promote business interests in adherence to mission, vision, and values.
  • Assist Team Leads in business development, reviewing and responding to RFPs, and pursuing and building relationships with clients.
  • Collaborate with architectural historians and the company's historic preservation working group.


Qualifications & Experience

  • Master's Degree in architectural history, historic preservation, public history, or a closely related field.
  • Must meet Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualifications Standards (36 CFR Part 61) for Architectural History and History.
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in cultural resources management, with a thorough knowledge of federal and state cultural resources and historic preservation laws and practices, including Section 106 of the NHPA.
  • Extensive field experience recording, evaluating, and reporting on buildings, structures, landscapes, and districts in New England, with a strong understanding of regional architectural styles.
  • Experience recording resources on state-specific inventory forms and with Historic Preservation Offices in New England states.
  • Experience with application of The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation (36 CFR Part 67) and HABS/HAER/HALS documentation and procedures.
  • Experience drafting agreement documents such as Programmatic Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding.
  • Experience reviewing and responding to RFPs, RFQs, and other solicitations.
  • Prior experience documenting and managing Colonial architectural resources in New England.
  • Active membership in technical and industry organizations, with leadership roles at the sub-regional level.

6. Architectural Historian (Energy & Federal CRM Compliance)

Compliant cultural resources programs for energy and federal infrastructure projects depend on the Architectural Historian, who researches and develops historic contexts, National Register nominations, and Section 106 compliance documents in collaboration with archeologists and interdisciplinary environmental teams. Based within an eastern U.S. practice focused on wind, solar, gas pipeline, and electric transmission projects, the role advances program management standards and agency-directed policy implementation.


Functions

  • Research and develop historic contexts, National Register nominations, and produce cultural resource compliance documents in collaboration with archeologists.
  • Assess impacts and effects to historical resources and properties.
  • Provide cultural resources program support including experience with Section 106 compliance working directly with federal agencies, NEPA experience, and Section 4(f) of the USDOT Act.
  • Work as part of an interdisciplinary team with cultural resource and environmental professionals on short deadlines.
  • Support energy projects including wind, solar, gas pipeline, and electric transmission projects.
  • Review, recommend, author, and implement procedures, policy, and guidance.
  • Travel on short notice and work extended hours as needed.


Experience & Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Architectural History or Historic Preservation.
  • Must meet the Secretary of the Interior's qualifications for Architectural Historian (36 CFR, Part 61).
  • Minimum 3–5 years of experience as a lead Architectural Historian, including Section 106-driven projects, survey and identification, National Register evaluation, and HABS/HAER documentation.
  • Broad knowledge of cultural resources program management including Section 106 compliance and experience working in the eastern U.S.
  • Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team on short deadlines, with experience on energy projects such as wind, solar, gas pipeline, and electric transmission preferred.
  • Ability to travel on short notice and work extended hours as needed.

7. Architectural Historian (Mid-Atlantic & Eastern Midwest CRM)

Architectural Historian to support Skelly and Loy, A Terracon Company's Pittsburgh, PA office under the direction of the Cultural Resources Group Leader. This position has the potential to be remote or hybrid under certain circumstances or based out of another Terracon location in the region. This is a full-time position with benefits.


As the Architectural Historian, this role delivers all phases of architectural history investigations under Section 106 of the NHPA across the Mid-Atlantic Region and Eastern Midwest, from Phase I/II surveys and NRHP eligibility assessments through report writing and client regulatory coordination. The Cultural Resources group relies on this work to maintain quality standards, grow client relationships, and advance Skelly and Loy's presence with professional societies and new business contacts.


Accountabilities

  • Follow safety rules, guidelines, and standards for all projects, participate in pre-task planning, and report any safety issues or concerns to management.
  • Maintain quality standards on all projects.
  • Design, conduct, and report on all phases and types of architectural history investigations under Section 106 of the NHPA, primarily in the Mid-Atlantic Region and Eastern Midwest.
  • Prepare Phase I/II historic and architectural resource surveys, NRHP eligibility assessments, effect evaluations, minimization and mitigation measures, and NRHP nominations.
  • Coordinate field methodologies and logistics for Phase I and II historic and architectural resource surveys.
  • Conduct background research and synthesize findings into written reports and deliverables in accepted formats using Microsoft Office software.
  • Respond to review comments on reports and deliverables from clients and regulatory agencies.
  • Coordinate and assist internal and external clients with cultural resources regulatory compliance under Section 106 of the NHPA.
  • Promote Cultural Resources services to existing and new clients, including authoring and presenting professional papers, posters, and articles to professional societies and journals.
  • Apply basic project management skills including budget and schedule tracking while multi-tasking within flexible schedules.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Architectural History, Public History, History, or Historic Preservation.
  • Minimum two years of experience with a professional cultural resource, environmental, architectural, or engineering firm, or a federal or state agency such as a Department of Transportation or State Historic Preservation Office.
  • Intimate knowledge of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely using both written and verbal skills, and multi-task within flexible and fluid schedules and project needs.
  • Eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship, with ability to pass drug screening.
  • Valid U.S. driver's license with acceptable violation history.
  • Professional experience as an Architectural Historian in the Mid-Atlantic or Eastern Midwest region is preferred.

8. Architectural Historian (Transportation Environmental Group)

Embedded within a multi-discipline transportation environmental group, the Architectural Historian performs fieldwork, archival research, and GIS-supported report preparation across a range of CRM and historic preservation projects. Working closely with senior staff and interdisciplinary colleagues, the role delivers Historic Resource Survey Reports, Assessment of Effects documents, and NEPA packages that support GDOT, FHWA, and FTA transportation compliance requirements.


Role Responsibilities

  • Perform unsupervised field tasks such as architectural history surveys and archival research.
  • Gather data and information for use in the preparation of environmental reports and investigations, and compile and organize data collected by others.
  • Prepare reports including Historic Resource Survey Reports, Assessment of Effects, and HABS/HAER documentation.
  • Prepare data and scientific documents including maps and figures, technical reports, assessments of effects, agency coordination, MOAs/MOUs, and NEPA documents.
  • Work under the supervision of senior staff while completing all but the most complex tasks with minimal supervision.
  • Assist senior staff with business development for the Transportation Group.


Knowledge Skills & Abilities

  • Master's degree in Architectural History, History, Historic Preservation, or related field, or a bachelor's degree with 1 or more years of related experience.
  • 1 or more years of experience in CRM and historic preservation, including working on a wide range of projects within interdisciplinary teams.
  • 1 or more years of experience with Federal and State CRM requirements including Sections 106 and 110 of the NHPA, NPS NRHP bulletins, Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, and the Georgia Environmental Policy Act.
  • Experience performing historic resources surveys and preparing reports for transportation projects administered by GDOT, FHWA, and/or FTA.
  • Excellent communication skills including both written and oral expertise.
  • High degree of professionalism, self-motivation, and ability to work in a fast-paced consulting environment.

9. Architectural Historian (Western US Federal & Military Projects)

Architectural Historian delivers cultural resources support across planning, engineering, and construction projects serving government, military, and commercial clients throughout the West and the United States, with work spanning desktop reviews, NRHP eligibility evaluations, NEPA documentation, and SHPO consultation. The work directly supports federal and state compliance outcomes across a multi-sector team of scientists, engineers, and project managers operating in a flexible hybrid model in Las Vegas or Reno.


Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Conduct desktop reviews and background research on cultural resources.
  • Evaluate buildings, structures, objects, landscapes, and districts for eligibility for the NRHP as well as for state and local registers.
  • Provide analysis and cultural resources content for NEPA documents and cultural resources technical reports.
  • Serve as a key team member working with scientists, engineers, project managers, and other project staff across business sectors.
  • Review undertakings for potential impacts to historic properties.
  • Coordinate consultation with State Historic Preservation Officers, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, Native American tribes, and multiple state and federal agencies.
  • Delineate areas of potential effects, complete primary and secondary source research, and develop historic contexts.
  • Identify periods of significance and character-defining features.
  • Complete architectural surveys and site forms, and prepare NEPA and NHPA technical reports.


Background & Experience

  • Master's Degree in Architectural History, Historic Preservation, Public History, Architecture, or a related field.
  • One to four years of professional experience in historic preservation or a related field.
  • Familiarity with the NHPA Section 106 consultation process and experience working in a consulting environment handling multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Knowledge of and experience with recent past resources.
  • Documentation and research experience including HABS/HAER documentation, historic contexts, and NRHP eligibility determinations and effects assessments.
  • Field experience using established methods and techniques of applied architectural research for historic buildings and structures.
  • Working knowledge of GIS and basic understanding of cultural resources mapping and data collection.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Must be willing and able to travel nationwide as needed, with oral and written English communication skills.

10. Senior Architectural Historian (California Historic Preservation)

The Senior Architectural Historian owns the identification, evaluation, and treatment of historic properties across municipal, state, and federal projects in California, leading surveys, NRHP and CRHR nominations, HABS/HAER/HALS documentation, and CEQA and Section 106 compliance. Working with a Bay Area team of historical resource professionals, the role shapes new business development and ensures the technical expertise needed to guide Mills Act applications, mitigation planning, and interpretive exhibits.


Strategic Responsibilities

  • Lead historic properties surveys and assessments of significance for municipal, state, and federal-related projects.
  • Ensure federal, state, and local level historic preservation compliance including NHPA Sections 106 and 110, NEPA, and CEQA compliance.
  • Prepare historic contexts, historic structure reports, cultural landscape reports, and HABS/HAER/HALS documentation.
  • Lead NRHP, CRHR, and local register nominations and historic properties management planning.
  • Develop and implement historic preservation plans, Mills Act applications, mitigation planning, and interpretive planning and exhibits.
  • Support historic resource photogrammetry and 3D documentation.
  • Identify and lead proposal development for new business activities.


Professional Experience

  • Master's degree in history, art history, historic preservation, or related field.
  • Exceed the SOI Standards for History or Architectural History.
  • Minimum of 10 years of professional experience.
  • Knowledge of and experience with CEQA, Section 106 of the NHPA, and the history and architecture of California.
  • Ability to conduct historical resource assessments and prepare associated documents and reports.
  • Excellent communications and project management skills.
  • Ability to conduct pedestrian surveys, walking in rough terrain and challenging weather.

Editorial Process and Content Quality

This content is developed by the Lamwork Editorial Team using structured analysis of real-world job data, skill requirements, and hiring patterns.

Research framework by Lam Nguyen, Founder & Editorial Lead.

Reviewed by Thanh Huyen, Managing Editor.

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