Project Architectural Historian

About the role

WSP is seeking a Project Architectural Historian for our Washington, DC office. Applicants from the Mid-Atlantic and central Appalachian states are preferred. The role involves projects with our Heritage & Cultural Resources, Earth & Environment Team and contributes to a growing organization that meets client objectives and solves challenges.

Responsibilities

• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise reporting, evaluation, and documentation.
• Aid in performing basic professional architectural history work, including research, report writing, and documentation of historic above-ground resources.
• Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures during resource surveys.
• Utilize National Park Service (NPS) and Secretary of the Interior’s guidance in evaluating historic significance and determining effects of projects on historic resources.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, adhering to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (BA) required, Master’s degree (MA/MHP) preferred in Historic Architecture, Historic Preservation, History, or related degree.
• 3 to 5 years of relevant post-education experience working as an historian, architectural historian, or similar role.
• Meet the Secretary of the Interior Standards (36 CFR 61) in Historic Preservation and/or History.
• Thorough understanding of architectural resource significance recommendations and justifications.
• Good organizational skills and familiarity with standard office computer applications.
• Skills directly associated with standard above-ground historic architectural and cultural historic surveys, including familiarity with historic American architectural forms, styles and details, archival research, standard documentation of field investigations, preparation of architectural reports including resource descriptions, maintenance and treatment plans, historic context, and significance assessments under National Register criteria.
• Ability to address project research questions through a synthesis of data from the field, analysis of archival research, and incorporation of relevant published research.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree preferred.
• Two years of demonstrable experience in Cultural Resource Management preferred.
• Experience performing and report writing on surveys with State Historic Preservation Offices in Virginia and surrounding states preferred.
• A technical skill or specialty such as, but not limited to, American architecture, historic bridges, cultural landscapes, cemetery investigations, archival research, preservation planning, HABS/HAER/HALS recordation, National Register nominations, GIS, etc. preferred.

Benefits

WSP offers a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings. Additional benefits include paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid parental leave, and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Pay

Expected Salary (all locations): $65K - $111K

Schedule

Full-time, salaried position with benefits.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications: BA required, MA/MHP preferred in Historic Architecture, Historic Preservation, History, or related degree; 3 to 5 years of relevant post-education experience working as an historian, architectural historian, or similar role; Meet the Secretary of the Interior Standards (36 CFR 61) in Historic Preservation and/or History; Thorough understanding of architectural resource significance recommendations and justifications; Good organizational skills and familiarity with standard office computer applications; Skills directly associated with standard above-ground historic architectural and cultural historic surveys, including familiarity with historic American architectural forms, styles and details, archival research, standard documentation of field investigations, preparation of architectural reports including resource descriptions, maintenance and treatment plans, historic context, and significance assessments under National Register criteria; Ability to address project research questions through a synthesis of data from the field, analysis of archival research, and incorporation of relevant published research; Possess a valid driver’s license and pass a background check.
• Preferred Qualifications: Master’s Degree preferred; Two years of demonstrable experience in Cultural Resource Management preferred; Experience performing and report writing on surveys with State Historic Preservation Offices in Virginia and surrounding states preferred; A technical skill or specialty such as, but not limited to, American architecture, historic bridges, cultural landscapes, cemetery investigations, archival research, preservation planning, HABS/HAER/HALS recordation, National Register nominations, GIS, etc. preferred.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. We design lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With over 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper. Visit www.wsp.com to learn more.

Notice to Third Party Agencies

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.