Research Historian

SWCA Environmental Consultants is hiring a Project Architectural Historian for its Cultural Resources team in Sacramento, CA, with a hybrid work model that allows remote work for qualified candidates in California and Reno, NV. The role involves managing architectural history projects, conducting historic resource surveys, and preparing compliance documentation. Applicants will engage in both office and field tasks and contribute to project budgets and marketing efforts.
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 planning, and components of multi‑disciplinary projects


Plan 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) criteria


Prepare 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 projects


Assist local governments with creating and revising planning regulations, including historic preservation ordinances


Develop and manage project budgets and staff


Contribute to proposal and marketing efforts


Maintain 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 ways


Manage quality and completeness of data collection, analysis, and report completion from start to finish


Perform mid‑level technical peer review of documents


Work 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 values


Work with clients to identify project needs and make recommendations for management of historic resources


Collaborate with SWCA's Historic Preservation Working Group and architectural historians throughout the company


Take 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 field


Minimum of five (5) years of experience in cultural resources management as an architectural historian


Prior experience managing projects (schedules, budgets, RFPs)


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 management


Strong research, writing, and communication skills


Experience 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


Compensation
An employee in this Sacramento, California based position can expect a salary of $77,728 to $99,420 per 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, forward‑thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award‑winning career development, and more.


Equality, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
SWCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. SWCA Environmental Consultants celebrates diversity and is 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.


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