Heritage Historian & Research Lead (Stellenbosch)

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive contract rate

UNESCO World Heritage Site region

Flexible working arrangements

Collaborative environment

Historic Stellenbosch setting

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch invites an Architectural Historian to lead research, documentation and evaluation of historical buildings in the Western Cape. You will contribute to conservation strategies, HIAs, CMPs, and heritage assessments within a UNESCO World Heritage Site region.

The ideal candidate holds a Masters or PhD in Architectural History, with 3–5 years' experience, knowledge of NHRA, and strong report writing, archival research, and stakeholder liaison skills.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Architectural History, Art History, Heritage Studies, or related field with focus on architecture.
• 3–5 years of architectural history research and heritage consulting experience.
• Proven experience in HIAs and familiarity with SA heritage legislation.
• Excellent research, analytical, and report-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth historical and architectural research on buildings and sites.
• Prepare Heritage Impact Assessments (HIAs) and Conservation Management Plans (CMPs).
• Document building stock through measured and photographic surveys and archival research.
• Evaluate historical, architectural and cultural significance of structures and areas.
• Provide expert heritage advice to clients, developers and regulators.
• Liaise with provincial and municipal heritage authorities.
• Develop conservation guidelines and policies.
• Prepare reports, presentations and documentation for heritage applications.
• Undertake archival research at national, provincial and local archives.
• Develop interpretive materials and contribute to public heritage engagement.

Skills

Archival research

Heritage research

Report writing

NHRA knowledge

Stakeholder liaison

Communication skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Architectural History or related field

Job description

Placements24 in Stellenbosch invites an Architectural Historian to lead research, documentation and evaluation of historical buildings in the Western Cape. You will contribute to conservation strategies, HIAs, CMPs, and heritage assessments within a UNESCO World Heritage Site region.

The ideal candidate holds a Masters or PhD in Architectural History, with 3–5 years' experience, knowledge of NHRA, and strong report writing, archival research, and stakeholder liaison skills.