Architectural Historian, Project Lead (Hybrid/Remote)

SWCA, Incorporated; Lombard, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants in Chicago, IL is seeking an Associate Project Architectural Historian to support our team with historic research, documentation of properties, and assessments. Hybrid work near Chicago or Cincinnati, or remote within the Midwest, is available.

The role involves leading fieldwork, guiding junior historians, and managing project deliverables while ensuring regulatory compliance under federal, state, and local preservation laws. Travel up to 35% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Historic Preservation, Public History, Heritage Conservation, Architectural History, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in cultural resources management as an architectural historian or similar.
• A working knowledge of federal and state cultural resources and historic preservation laws and practices, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills.
• Travel may be required up to 35% of the time.

Responsibilities

• Conducts intensive level, primary, and secondary research to analyze data on the built environment.
• Writes historic context sections, building descriptions, property histories, and historic resource evaluations with minimal edits.
• Leads fieldwork and documents historic properties with proficiency in recording and evaluating resources.
• Manages assigned projects including planning, execution, and oversight of deliverables.
• Directs other architectural historians and provides guidance to junior staff.
• Assists in task management of history-specific sections of projects and ensures regulatory requirements are met.

Skills

Research

Writing

Communication

Travel

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Historic Preservation

Master's degree in Historic Preservation

Job description

SWCA Environmental Consultants in Chicago, IL is seeking an Associate Project Architectural Historian to support our team with historic research, documentation of properties, and assessments. Hybrid work near Chicago or Cincinnati, or remote within the Midwest, is available.

The role involves leading fieldwork, guiding junior historians, and managing project deliverables while ensuring regulatory compliance under federal, state, and local preservation laws. Travel up to 35% may be required.