Architectural Historian 1

GAI Consultants Inc; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hotel lodging and per diem for travel

Vehicle provided for field work

Competitive benefits package

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

GAI Consultants, Inc. is seeking an Architectural Historian to support our Pittsburgh area office. The role offers flexibility with remote or hybrid work arrangements and occasional travel for field surveys and site visits.

Ideal candidates will have experience in archival research, architectural history, and preparing survey reports, with proficiency in Esri tools such as Field Maps and Survey123. A driver’s license is required and exposure to large-scale energy projects is a plus.

Qualifications

• Requires degree in History or Historic Preservation; related disciplines acceptable.
• Able to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures and regulations.
• Excellent writing and communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct archival and background research.
• Perform architectural and historical field surveys (overnight travel).
• Prepare architectural inventory forms.
• Publish architectural and historical resources reports.
• Prepare Determination of Eligibility forms.

Skills

Archival research

Architectural history

Historical surveys

Inventory forms

Compliance reports

Strong writing

Communication skills

Field maps reading

Esri Field Maps

Survey123

Section 106 NHPA

Overnight travel

Project coordination

Driver's license

Education

A.S./B.S. or M.A. Degree in History, Historic Preservation, American Studies, or associated degree

Tools

Esri ArcGIS

GPS devices

Job description

GAI Consultants, Inc. is looking for an Architectural Historian. This position can be staffed in our Pittsburgh (Homestead), PA office or other GAI locations and can be remote or hybrid. The ideal candidate would be experienced in conducting archival research, architectural and historical resource surveys, preparing architectural inventory forms, and preparing compliance survey reports.

Duties:

• Conduct archival and background research.
• Conduct architectural and historical field surveys (requiring overnight travel).
• Prepare architectural inventory forms.
• Author architectural and historical resources reports.
• Prepare Determination of Eligibility forms.

Requirements:

• Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree or a Master’s Degree in History, Architectural History, Historic Preservation, or a related discipline preferred.
• Must be organized and write concisely and clearly.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures and governmental regulations.
• Ability to demonstrate strong writing and communication skills.
• Candidate must have a current driver's license
• Ability to read and navigate field maps.
• Experience and knowledge of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
• Experience working on large-scale power and energy projects, including pipeline, electric transmission, renewable energy, and related infrastructure projects.
• Experience using Esri software, including Field Maps and Survey123.

Physical Demands:

• Please note that this position requires frequent non-local and overnight travel. Candidates must be willing and able to travel extensively throughout the month, with travel occurring outside of their local area for the majority of assignments. Most of the survey work will not be limited to public roads and may require collecting data from project right-of-ways.
• GAI provides hotel/lodging, a vehicle, and per diem to cover food costs.

General Characteristics

• Begins to acquire intermediate skills; follows procedures; good organizational skills; work in weather conditions (heat, cold, etc.)
• Works with safety in mind and must be flexible with work hours. Position requires frequent travel, potentially up to 100% during weekdays, with occasional weekend travel and/or work depending on project needs.
• Conduct applicable field work for extended hours, solid understanding of database software, Excel, PowerPoint and Word; must do a variety of administrative functions via use of the computer.

Minimum Years of Experience

• 4+ Years of Experience

Education

• A.S./B.S. or M.A. Degree in History, Historic Preservation, American Studies, or associated degree

Certification/Licensure

• Driver’s License

Technical Responsibilities

• Basic understanding of National Historic Preservation Act, knowledge of architectural styles, trends, and date identification, architectural attributes and materials, excellent field skills, strong photography skills, strong mapping skills, excellent note taking skills, accurate completion of field forms, strong archival research skills, sketch maps, navigation skills, assists in writing sections of reports, preparation of report figures.
• Employee is responsible for obtaining and maintaining a basic field kit and must possess steel-toed boots, as required for many project sites and client safety programs, particularly on pipeline, transmission, and other active construction projects. Employees are also responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of company-issued field equipment.
• Basic knowledge of GPS locational equipment.

Project and Task Management

• Responsible for personal task management and adherence to deadlines and scope.

Management Responsibility

• Quality control of field work and documentation, required to conduct field surveys independently, responsible for staying on budget and schedule, discusses work performance with supervisors, ability to work independently.
• Ability to work with or without a supervisor present; ability to take direction from a leader, can work independently.

Communication Skills

• Possess strong oral and written communication skills; interacts professionally with staff, clients, agency personnel, landowners, contractors, and other stakeholders.

“Why GAI?”

GAI offers an exceptional place to do meaningful work, grow your career, and make a real impact in communities nationwide. You’ll join a collaborative, multidisciplinary firm bringing together engineering, planning, and environmental expertise to deliver projects across transportation, infrastructure, power, and energy markets. Working alongside accomplished colleagues, you’ll help move projects from vision through construction, creating solutions that keep people moving, power essential systems, and support responsible development.

At GAI, you’ll work in a team-driven environment grounded in integrity, respect, and shared success, with the flexibility, resources, and career support that reflect a real and lasting commitment to our people. That commitment includes comprehensive benefits, wellness programs, and employee discounts. With opportunities across the U.S., GAI offers the collaboration and client focus of regional teams, supported by the stability, resources, and career-development opportunities of an established and growing firm.

Benefits To Working at GAI Include:

Competitive Pay & Recognition

• Performancedriven recognition and development bonuses
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability
• Company-paid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources
• Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays
• Anadditionalfloating holiday—use it for what matters to you
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• 401(k) with company match
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications

#GAI

Qualifications

Education

Required

Associates or better in Anthropology or related field.

Preferred

Bachelors or better in Anthropology or related field.

Experience

Required

4 years:

Related Experience

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Driver's License

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.