Project Architectural Historian

WSP•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

WSP is initiating a search for a Project Architectural Historian for their Washington, DC office. Applicants living in the Mid-Atlantic and central Appalachian states are preferred. This role involves projects with the Heritage & Cultural Resources, Earth & Environment Team within a growing organization focused on meeting client objectives and solving challenges. Projects include a wide range of federal, state, and commercial clients with many new opportunities and interesting project locations. WSP Project Architectural Historians are survey field leaders, detailed researchers, and authors of technical reports. This position is a full-time, salaried position with benefits and opportunities to advance. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Requirements

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.
A 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.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree is preferred.
Two years of demonstrable experience in Cultural Resource Management is preferred.
Experience performing and report writing on surveys with State Historic Preservation Offices in Virginia and surrounding states.
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.

Responsibilities

Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise reporting, evaluation, and documentation.
Assist with performing basic professional architectural history work relating to cultural resource management, assisting in 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 the historic significance of above-ground resources and in determining effects of a project upon historic resources.
Complete training on assigned tasks.
Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.