Associate Project Architectural Historian

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an Associate Project Architectural Historian to support our Chicago IL team. This position will perform a variety of office and field tasks including historic research documentation of historic properties completion of historic resource evaluations/assessments and assisting in developing new clients.

This is a regular full-time hourly/non-exempt position with benefits. Qualified individuals can either work in a hybrid work environment near our Chicago or Cincinnati offices or be distributed ( remote) in the Midwest.

Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews may be scheduled as qualified candidates may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool isestablished.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm providing full spectrum environmental services across the United States. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability delivering sound science and creative solutions to complex environmental challenges.

We are guided by our core values every day. We collaborate as #OneSWCA we are #AlwaysLearning we #NeverSettle and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices nationwide SWCA offers a collaborative team focused environment where employees can build meaningful and long-term careers.

• Conducts intensive level primary and secondary research using both digital and in-person methods to gather and analyze data on the built environment.
• Demonstrates understanding of the appropriate national state and local regulatory nexuses ensuring compliance with laws and regulations governing historic preservation and cultural resource management.
• Writes historic context sections building descriptions property histories and historic resource evaluations with little to no oversight requiring minimal edits demonstrating strong writing and analytical skills.
• Leads fieldwork and effectively documents historic properties showcasing proficiency in identifying recording and evaluating historic resources.
• Manages assigned projects demonstrating project management skills including planning execution and oversight of project deliverables.
• Directs other architectural historians on tasks providing guidance and leadership to less experienced team members fostering skill development and project contributions.
• Assists in task management of history-specific sections of projects contributing to the successful completion of project deliverables and meeting client and regulatory requirements.
• Communicates effectively with diverse groups including clients agencies the public and individuals connected to the history of a resource or area in interdisciplinary settings.
• Innovates and adapts methods to meet future client needs staying ahead in their field discipline.
• Follows applicable federal Tribal state local industry contractual and company regulations standards and specifications.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Additional Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Conducts and oversees historic resource evaluations and significance assessments using applicable local state and National Register of Historic Places criteria.
• Prepares and reviews defensible compliance documentation supporting Section 106 and other historic preservation regulatory requirements.
• Ensures technical accuracy defensibility and consistency of work products in accordance with professional agency and industry standards.

Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelors degree or higher. Three years of relevant progressively responsible experience. Five years of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience performance training and/or education.

• Bachelors Degree in Historic Preservation Public History Heritage Conservation Architectural History or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in cultural resources management as an architectural historian or similar.
• A working knowledge of federal and state cultural resources and historic preservation laws and practices including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the history/architectural history of the region.
• Strong research writing and communication skills.
• Travel may be required up to 35% of the time.
• Applicants must have valid drivers license and be able to meet SWCAs driver requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in Historic Preservation Public History Heritage Conservation Architectural History or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in cultural resources management as an architectural historian or similar.

Safety Expectations

Takes responsibility for team safety developing safety plans (when applicable) and anticipating potential safety hazards.

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this Chicago based position is $31.36 to $40.02 per hour. Actual pay may vary based on experience qualifications geographic location and other factors permitted by law. Eligible employees may also receive performance based bonuses.

As a 100% employee owned company we invest in your future. Our Total Rewards package includes an Employee Stock Ownership Plan 401(k) with profit sharing medical dental and vision coverage paid time off wellness programs and professional development opportunities.

If you need accommodation due to a disability please contact or call 1 .If you require assistance with the application process please contact

Use of Technology in Hiring

SWCA may use approved technology including AI-assisted tools to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair transparent and human-centered hiring experience.

Candidate Use of AI

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However all application materials assessments and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience skills and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience complete assessments on their behalf or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women minorities veterans and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCAs continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within where possible providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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