Architectural Historian

Merjent, Inc.; United States; Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work options

Hybrid work model

Generous vacation and 10 holidays

Job summary

Merjent, Inc. is seeking an Architectural Historian to join the Cultural Resources Group. The role involves historic research, resource evaluations, field documentation, and client development across the United States. Hybrid work options are available, with travel to project sites as needed.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree (or Bachelor’s with extensive experience) in historic preservation or related fields, with strong NHPA/NEPA expertise and excellent writing skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Historic Preservation, Public History, Heritage Conservation, Architectural History, or related field with 3+ years of experience.
• Bachelor's degree in one of these fields with 5+ years of experience.
• Meet the Secretary of the Interior's 36 CFR Part 61 Qualifications in Architectural History.
• Experience with NHPA/NEPA and cultural resources management.

Responsibilities

• Assist project managers and coordinate compliance with NHPA/NEPA and related regulations.
• Assess NRHP eligibility for resources and districts.
• Write architectural descriptions, histories, contexts, significance, and effects determinations.
• Conduct historic property research using primary/secondary sources and records.
• Engage with the public and stakeholders.
• Prepare compliance documentation for NHPA/Section 106 reviews.
• Prepare technical reports for above-ground surveys.
• Conduct field surveys with travel (~20%).
• Independently manage architectural history projects and mentor staff.
• Train and supervise junior staff.

Skills

NHPA/NEPA compliance

Research & writing

Project management

Client development

Education

Master's degree in Historic Preservation or related field

Bachelor's degree in Historic Preservation or related field

Job description

Merjent, Inc. (Merjent) is currently seeking an Architectural Historian. The Architectural Historian will work within the larger Cultural Resources Group and perform a variety of office and field tasks, including historic research, completion of historic resource evaluations/assessments, field survey and property documentation, and working with and developing new clients.

This is a full-time, benefits eligible opportunity that can be based anywhere in the U.S. or from Merjent's Minneapolis, MN or Appleton, WI offices. The anticipated salary for this position is between $72,100 and $111,300, depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. This position is also bonus eligible.

Merjent is a medium-sized consulting and engineering company dedicated to creating an environment where both people and projects succeed. Merjent has staff located across the United States who may choose a remote, in-office, or hybrid work arrangement. All full-time employees enjoy a generous paid vacation package, pro-rated according to start date. In addition, employees receive 10 paid holidays and competitive benefits and compensation packages. Merjent supports annual career-related training for employees to become or continue as leaders in their field of expertise. Merjent facilitates organic growth within the company and encourages employees to bring their ideas forward to grow existing and create new service lines within and beyond the currently served sectors of energy, mining, transportation, manufacturing and construction, land development industries, and government. Merjent also invests in its company culture by supporting travel for remote employees to attend in-person team meetings and all-staff events.

The Merjent difference is real – it's based on a commitment to our values, which guides us in how we work with clients and each other. Our commitment to quality and professional integrity encompasses everything we do. We are proud of our reputation for delivering quality work and building long-term, trusting relationships with our clients and with regulatory agencies.

responsibilities

• Assist project managers and coordinate compliance with National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and state environmental regulations and other laws relating to the protection of cultural resources.
• Assess the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility of individual resources and/or districts.
• Write architectural descriptions, property histories, historic context statements, statements of significance, and effect determinations.
• Conduct historic property and context research, including primary and secondary sources, census records, historic maps, newspapers, city directories, building blueprints, tax records, etc.
• Engage with the public and stakeholders.
• Prepare defensible compliance documentation in support of NHPA/Section 106 review.
• Prepare technical reports for above-ground property surveys.
• Conduct field surveys and site visits (approximately 20% travel required, including driving and/or air travel depending on project location and distance).
• Independently manage architectural history and historic preservation projects and assist other project managers in the execution of architectural history, historic preservation, preservation planning, and components of multi-disciplinary projects.
• Perform and analyze photographic surveys of historic resources and project viewshed impacts on resources.
• Train and mentor staff.
• Maintain qualifications to meet the guidelines of a PI in each state where they conduct fieldwork or review projects.

qualifications and experience

• Master's degree in Historic Preservation, Public History, Heritage Conservation, Architectural History, or a closely related field and 3+ years of relevant experience; OR a bachelor's degree in one of these fields and 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Meet the Secretary of the Interior's Professional 36 CFR Part 61 Qualifications in Architectural History.
• Minimum 3 years' relevant experience working with NHPA and NEPA. This includes experience in conducting historic property identification surveys and evaluating historic properties, including buildings, sites, structures, objects, and districts, in accordance with National Register Criteria for Evaluation.
• Experience in cultural resources management and the supervision of cultural resource projects from contract award to agency concurrence.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the history/architectural history of the Midwest and Eastern U.S. Experience working in these regions is preferred.
• Experience working in the consulting environment, able to handle multiple projects simultaneously, and responsive to both internal and external clients.
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills.
• Experience in visual landscape analysis and assessment, specifically the assessment of aboveground utility infrastructure impacts on land, human, tribal, and recreational uses, and how evaluation of the integrity of setting, feeling, and/or association contribute to the overall resource eligibility, is preferred.
• Documentation and research experience, including Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record documentation, historic contexts, and NRHP eligibility determinations and effects assessments, is preferred.

E-Verify

Merjent, Inc. participates with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) E-Verify program. We will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Merjent, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected factors. Disability-related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.

Merjent is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity.