Staff Architectural Historian

About the opportunity SWCA Environmental Consultants seeks a Staff Architectural Historian to support cultural resources projects in Northern California and potentially throughout the state. This regular, hourly, non‑exempt, full‑time position offers benefits and a hybrid work model. The role reports to the Sacramento, CA office. What you will accomplish Support and contribute to architectural history and historic preservation projects, including multi‑disciplinary efforts. Conduct historic resource surveys of residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, and institutional properties using digital tools such as tablets and photography. Perform archival research and write compelling historic narratives and context statements using primary and secondary sources. Evaluate historic properties using National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) criteria. Prepare high‑quality compliance documentation for NHPA/Section 106 review. Conduct resource inventories, property descriptions, and draft California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) 523 series forms. Conduct project‑level reviews to ensure compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. Assist municipalities and local governments with planning regulations and preservation ordinances. Develop and manage project budgets and supervise field crews and staff. Support proposal writing and marketing efforts to help grow our cultural resources services. Maintain high standards of technical excellence, ethics, and quality assurance in all project deliverables. Oversee and ensure completeness and accuracy in data collection, analysis, and report preparation. Perform mid‑level peer reviews of technical reports. Collaborate with Cultural Resources Directors, Team Leads, Project Managers, and Principal Investigators across the company. Work closely with clients to understand project goals and provide strategic recommendations for historic resource management. Engage with SWCA’s Historic Preservation Working Group and architectural historians nationwide. Adhere to the safety program and look out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards. Depending on the project, supervise a field survey crew, including: Assigning and directing activities of others on behalf of SWCA, ensuring quality and on‑time delivery. Ensuring crew members understand responsibilities and holding them accountable for performance and safety. Communicating issues to senior managers and resolving complaints. Monitoring productivity, providing performance feedback, and delivering discipline when necessary. Experience and qualifications for success Bachelor’s degree in Historic Preservation, Public History, Heritage Conservation, History, Architectural History, or a related field. Minimum of one (1) year of experience in cultural resources management as an architectural historian required; two (2) years preferred. Solid understanding of federal and state historic preservation laws and regulations, especially Section 106 of the NHPA and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. history and architectural history. Strong research, writing, and communication skills. Valid driver’s license and ability to meet SWCA’s driver safety requirements. Willingness and ability to travel up to 35% of the time. Compensation and benefits Pay rate: $26.94–$34.37 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, and client requirements. Regular‑status employees are eligible for performance bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and forward‑thinking workplace flexibility. Equal Opportunity Employer SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. EOE – women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. SWCA celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr SWCA Environmental Consultants