Historian

KLJ•Eagan, MN

14h•$70,000 - $105,000

About The Position

Provides technical expertise and professional guidance in the identification, evaluation, documentation, and interpretation of historic resources in support of infrastructure, environmental, and development projects. Leads and supports historical research, archival investigations, and field documentation efforts to assess impacts to cultural resources and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local preservation laws. Collaborates with project managers, engineers, environmental scientists, and regulatory agencies to integrate historical preservation considerations into project planning and execution. Prepares accurate and defensible documentation, evaluates resource significance, and applies professional historical methods to address complex compliance and mitigation challenges. Ensures work products meet or exceed industry standards, regulatory requirements, and KLJ’s commitment to quality and responsible stewardship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in History, Historic Preservation, Architectural History, or a closely related field.
3–5 years of relevant experience in historical research, historic resource surveys, compliance documentation, or cultural resource management.
Demonstrated knowledge of Section 106 compliance, NEPA, and applicable preservation regulations.
Experience preparing National Register evaluations and technical compliance reports.
Proficiency with GIS software, Trimble GPS units, ArcGIS platforms, Survey123, and related field technologies.
Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills for both technical and public audiences.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
Willingness to travel and work flexible schedules based on project requirements.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree preferred.
Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Historian (preferred).

Responsibilities

Conduct historical research including archival review, deed research, cartographic analysis, and evaluation of historic structures, landscapes, and districts.
Identify, document, and evaluate historic properties in accordance with applicable regulations including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), NEPA, and related federal and state guidelines.
Prepare and contribute to technical reports including cultural resource inventories, historic property evaluations, effects determinations, mitigation plans, and documentation packages.
Assess potential project impacts to historic resources and provide recommendations to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects.
Conduct field investigations including architectural surveys, photographic documentation, and site assessments.
Utilize GIS platforms, GPS units, mapping tools, and spatial data technologies to support field documentation and reporting.
Support permitting activities and regulatory coordination with agencies such as State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO), Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPO), and other stakeholders.
Develop clear and defensible findings regarding eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
Collaborate with cross-functional project teams to integrate preservation strategies into construction, infrastructure, transmission, and environmental projects.
Assist with scoping, budgeting, and proposal development for small- to mid-sized projects.
Maintain quality control standards for research methodology, documentation, and reporting.
Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making in alignment with company policies and professional standards.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.