Job Title: Architectural Historian
Reports to: Senior Architectural Historian
Job Status: Non-Exempt
Job Profile
The Architectural Historian (AH) conducts and manages the technical and logistical aspects of historical research, field survey, and analysis to identify and evaluate historic architectural properties, including buildings, structures, objects, landscapes, and districts. The AH synthesizes and presents the results of their investigations in report formats that are tailored to achieve specific project goals and meet applicable Federal and State standards and guidelines for content, accuracy, and scholarship.
Essential Functions
Fieldwork
- Identifies and records historic architectural properties within defined project areas
- Manages the technical and logistical aspects of preparing for and conducting fieldwork in accordance with PAL standards and procedures
- Prepares clear and accurate notes, sketch maps, and high-quality photographs to document field investigations and provide the basis for historic property evaluations and project effects assessments
- Supervises and mentors to associate architectural historians through effective communication and promoting a cooperative atmosphere
- Applies sound judgment and problem solving to resolve unanticipated circumstances that may arise during fieldwork
- Conducts fieldwork in compliance with PAL’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Protection Plan and demonstrates awareness of physical conditions that may pose hazards to one’s own safety and the safety of other team members
Research
- Applies appropriate research techniques to thoroughly document the history of properties and the context in which they were developed
- Understands the level of research required for a specific project and matches the effort to meet those standards
- Organizes and conducts research in local, state, and federal archives and other types of repositories and makes optimal use of online information
- Takes clear and accurate research notes that document sources and repositories consulted
- Prepares citations and bibliographical references in accordance with the style formats PAL uses in its products
Analysis and Reporting
- Analyzes information collected during fieldwork and research and applies the National Register Criteria for Evaluation to properties identified.
- Assesses project effects on historic properties
- Prepares thorough and concise survey reports, inventory forms, National Register nominations, and historical documentation that clearly convey the results of investigations and conform to state and federal standards, including the US Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation
Non-Essential Tasks
- May organize inhouse research resources, assist with marketing, and participate in industry conferences and events
- Other duties as assigned
Education Requirement and Prior Work Experience
- Master’s degree in architectural history, art history, American history, public history, historic preservation, or closely related field
- Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards (36 CFR 61)
- Minimum of three years of experience in conducting historic architectural property identification surveys and evaluating historic architectural properties, including buildings, sites, structures, objects, and districts, in accordance with National Register Criteria for Evaluation
- Experience managing projects and applying Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws and regulations relating to CRM and historic preservation planning
Core Competencies and Qualifications
- Outstanding historic architectural property identification and recordation skills
- Ability to coordinate and conduct thorough and targeted historical research at local, state, and national repositories and online sources
- Demonstrated experience in evaluating historic properties through the application of the National Register of Historic Places Criteria for Evaluation and aspects of integrity
- Strong technical writing skills and the ability to clearly convey the findings of investigations in concise written narratives that reflect a high level of scholarship and a thorough understanding of project-specific objectives/goals
- Ability to lead projects, supervise staff, effectively communicate, and contribute as a team member
- Strong knowledge of American history from the Colonial period through the present
- Ability to coordinate fieldwork and research efforts, allocate time effectively, and handle multiple concurrent tasks and assignments to meet project deadlines
- Proficiencies in digital photography, MS Office applications, ERP systems
- Possesses a valid driver’s license
Physical Demands and the Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment(s) described below represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions:
- Office work is performed in a semi-private work area within the PAL office and is subject to usual and typical office conditions
- Fieldwork may require hiking over rugged terrain or work in urban settings, carrying light equipment (up to twenty pounds) in a variety of weather conditions
- Movement typically involves walking, standing, and bending on a regular basis
- Certain projects may require personal protection equipment, including leather work boots, safety vests, safety glasses, hard hats and/or ear protection
- Specialized training (e.g., OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER, 29 CFR 1910.120) may be required for an employee to work at certain types of job sites
- Specific physical fitness and medical examinations may be required for an employee to work at certain types of job sites
- First aid and adult CPR certification training is provided by PAL on a biannual basis; attendance in this training is mandatory when offered
Travel and Availability
Fieldwork and/or research tasks require day and overnight trips primarily in the Northeast region. Longer term travel assignments of up to two weeks to destinations throughout the U.S. are infrequent but may be necessary. The ability to travel and to work a variety of weekly schedules is a condition of employment. In addition to possessing a valid driver’s license, must be capable of operating PAL vehicles.
Background Checks
Clients may require PAL to perform a thorough background check of its employees, including a Consent Based Social Security Number Verification (CBSV), a criminal history background check, residential address verification, employment verification, and a motor vehicle driving record check. Employees will be asked to sign an acknowledgement of this background check at the start of the process.
Position Status:
This is a full-time position with benefits.
EEO Statement:
The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc. (PAL) is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) in the workplace. Our workplace prohibits discrimination, harassment, or workplace violence of any kind. All are welcome, and we promote equity and inclusion regarding race, ethnicity, sex, gender/self-identity, sexual orientation, national origin, native heritage/language, religion, age, abilities, veteran status, family or marital make up, economic status, citizenship, or other characteristics that make a person unique.
Disclaimer
This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work performed by incumbents in the job and is not intended as an all in-inclusive list of responsibilities. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Pay Range: $58,000 – $65,000
Updated: October 2022
APPLYING FOR POSITION:
Qualified applicants should send a resume and cover letter to:
- employment@palinc.com – via email
- Must include ASSOCATE ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIAN in the email’s subject line.
- This position will remain open until filled. This job posting is also available on PAL’s website: https://www.palinc.com/careers