Remote/Hybrid Architectural Historian — Historic Preservation

SWCA, Incorporated; Lombard (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants in Chicago, IL is seeking an Associate Project Architectural Historian to support our Midwest team. The role covers historic research, documenting properties, and preparing evaluations, with hybrid work options near Chicago or Cincinnati, or remote distribution in the Midwest.

You will lead fieldwork, manage projects, mentor junior historians, and ensure compliance with 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.
• Knowledge of federal and state cultural resources and historic preservation laws and practices, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the history/architectural history of the region.
• Strong research, writing, and communication skills.
• Travel may be required up to 35% of the time.
• Applicants must have valid driver’s license and meet SWCA’s driver requirements.

Responsibilities

• Conducts intensive level, primary, and secondary research on the built environment.
• Documents historic properties and prepares historic resource evaluations.
• Leads fieldwork and documents historic resources with minimal edits.
• Manages assigned projects, including planning and oversight of deliverables.
• Directs other architectural historians and mentors less experienced staff.
• Assists in task management of history-specific sections of projects to meet client and regulatory requirements.
• Communicates effectively with clients, agencies, the public, and other stakeholders in interdisciplinary settings.
• Follows federal, tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations and standards.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Communication skills

Project management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Historic Preservation

Master’s Degree in Historic Preservation (preferred)

Job description

SWCA Environmental Consultants in Chicago, IL is seeking an Associate Project Architectural Historian to support our Midwest team. The role covers historic research, documenting properties, and preparing evaluations, with hybrid work options near Chicago or Cincinnati, or remote distribution in the Midwest.

You will lead fieldwork, manage projects, mentor junior historians, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local preservation laws. Travel up to 35% may be required.