Architectural Historian - North/Central CA

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Project Architectural Historian for Northern/Central California. The role involves managing architectural history projects, conducting historic resource evaluations, and preparing compliance documentation. The position is full-time and offers a hybrid work environment, allowing for remote work for highly-qualified candidates in California or Reno, NV. Candidates will also assist with marketing efforts and maintain high technical standards.
About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is looking for a Project Architectural Historian to support projects in Northern/Central California. We are expanding our Cultural Resources team and are looking for a dynamic individual who is following their passion in delivering the highest-quality project work. This position will perform a variety of office and field tasks including historic research, completion of historic resource evaluations/assessments, property documentation, and working with and developing new clients.



This is a regular (with benefits), full-time position, and it offers the flexibility of a "hybrid" work environment, with a few days in the office. The position is based in Sacramento, CA but those near our Half Moon Bay or San Luis Obispo offices, or highly-qualified distributed (= remote) employees based in California or the Reno, NV area will be seriously considered.



Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.


What you will accomplish

Independently manage stand-alone 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 projectsPlan and complete historic resource surveys of residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, and institutional properties using tablet computers, digital photography, and other survey methodologies.Preparation of defensible compliance documentation in support of CEQA, NEPA, and NHPA/Section 106 review.Documenting survey results in reports and recording historic resources on California DPR 523 forms.Conduct archival research, focusing on primary and secondary sources, and write historic narratives and context statements.Evaluate resources under National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) criteriaPrepare defensible compliance documentation in support of NHPA/Section 106 review.Carry out project-level review for compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, in support of NHPA and local permitting projectsAssist local governments with creating and revising planning regulations, including historic preservation ordinancesDevelop and manage project budgets and staffContribute to proposal and marketing effortsMaintain SWCA’s high standard of technical ethics and quality assurance and ensure that project deliverables meet agency and industry standards, and be motivated to identify and resolve problems in creative waysManage quality and completeness of data collection, analysis, and report completion from start to finishPerform mid-level technical peer review of documentsWork closely with the Cultural Resources Director and/or Cultural Resource Team Lead(s), as well as project managers, directors, and principal investigators throughout the company to promote SWCA’s business interests in adherence to its mission, vision, and valuesWork with clients to identify project needs and make recommendations for management of historic resourcesCollaborate with SWCA’s Historic Preservation Working Group and architectural historians throughout the companyTake responsibility for team safety, develop safety plans (when applicable), and anticipate potential safety hazards.


Experience and qualifications for success

Required Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Historic Preservation, Public History, Heritage Conservation, History, Architectural History, or a closely related fieldMinimum of five (5) years of experience in cultural resources management as an architectural historianPrior experience managing projects (schedules, budgets, RFP's)A working knowledge of federal and California cultural resources and historic preservation laws and practices, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Demonstrated knowledge of the history/architectural history in California 

Preferred Qualifications: 

Seven (7) years of experience in cultural resources managementStrong research, writing, and communication skillsExperience with application of The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation (36 CFR Part 67) and Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record documentation and procedures are preferred.Experience working on National Register Nominations preferred.

Why Work at SWCA:



We are #OneSWCA and collaborate across all our offices, programs, and disciplines. We are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack. We are 100% employee-owned, and we build our success together. It is imperative for the successful candidate to fit SWCA's unique culture. Do you appreciate sustainability and environmental awareness? Is giving back to your community a priority? SWCA is a team of scientists, planners, technical experts, and corporate services professionals that are committed to our culture.



Purpose: Our company purpose is to preserve natural and cultural resources for tomorrow while enabling projects that benefit people today. You are invited to be a part of our success story.



SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing employee-owned firm, providing a full spectrum of environmental services. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms.



If you need assistance accessing SWCA’s website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.



SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges in all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.



An employee in this Sacramento, California based position can expect a salary of: $77,728-$99,420/year. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive benefits package (https://www.swca.com/careers/benefits-wellness/), forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more. 



EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.



SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.



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