Architectural Historian

Company: WSP
Location: Santa Barbara
Posted on: November 22, 2022

Job Description:

Our Business

We are a global leader in environmental consulting - made stronger with the recent acquisition of Wood's Environment & Infrastructure business and Golder - with world-class expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG), climate resiliency & sustainability (CRS), and earth sciences. Combined we have over 20,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide collaborating daily to protect and conserve natural landscapes, create firm foundations for communities to stand on, and champion sustainable development to combat climate change. As part of the team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from across the globe.

This Opportunity

WSP is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call with project managers, archaeologists, and other environmental staff to successfully complete projects and expand existing and new client relationships. The ideal candidate will contribute to WSP's capacity in the environmental and engineering marketplace. Superior performance may lead to full time employment. Employment will emphasize inventory, evaluation, and assessments of effects under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) for buildings, structures, and objects. This role requires experience with mitigation, visual impact assessments, and cultural landscapes within the built environment. Compensation Range: $35.00 - $40.00 per hour

Your Impact

The successful candidate will:

* Perform archival, informant, background, and digital historic research and prepare detailed analysis of all data
* Successfully complete field surveys and architectural study reviews
* Evaluate architectural resources within the built environment including assessment of potential effects, as required under Section 106 of the NHPA
* Prepare appropriate state or agency architectural inventory forms in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Idaho, and Arizona
* Manage the preparation of architectural reports for historic resources compliance with Section 106 requirements
* Prepare technical reports containing architectural resource assessments, and collaboration with project teams, and all project stakeholders including tribes and agencies
* Provide consultation support to various SHPOs throughout California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Idaho, and Arizona
* Assist in developing plans and policies to meet socio-economic, and physical needs of our communities including land use, transportation, city planning, transit planning, environmental planning, and development
* Fully understand mitigations for both horizontal and vertical impacts
* Conduct tasks with an emphasis on design and technical aspects of projects
* Oversee the work of junior staff
* Ensure quality control and compliance of all documents
* Assist with all aspects of cultural and historical assessment and planning
* Collaborate with staff archaeologists in the completion of cultural resource Class I, II, and III studies to establish and identify known cultural resources located within the Area of Potential Effects (APE)
* Assist in directing small-scale planning projects and portions of larger projects from concept development through submission drawings
* Accommodate limited task assignee duties and tasks associated with business development
* Perform other duties as assigned.

Accountabilities The successful candidate will report to a Senior Program Manager and work directly with environmental and cultural resources specialists throughout the West. Primary responsibilities will include field work, report preparation, presentation of findings and recommendations, contribution to environmental impact analyses per NEPA, CEQA, Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 permitting, etc. Fluent understanding of compliance with the NHPA, Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA), Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), and related guidelines is required. RPA certification is a plus. These roles can be based throughout the Western United States: California, Nevada, Washington, Utah, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, and Arizona #LI-Remote

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

* Master's Degree in Architectural History, Historic Preservation, Public History, Architecture, or closely related field
* Currently meets Secretary of the Interior's (SOI) Professional Qualifications Standards (36 Code of Federal Regulations, CFR Part 61) for architectural history (https://www.nps.gov/history/local-law/arch_stnds_9.htm)
* Minimum three years of experience in regulatory architectural history, history, or a related field Demonstrated experience preparing historic inventory reports, including completing NRHP eligibility evaluations
* Working knowledge of cultural resources management and environmental principles and standards
* Field experience using established methods and techniques for surveying historic buildings, structures, and landscapes
* Previous field experience recording, evaluating, and reporting on architectural resources
* Experience with application of The SOI Standards for Rehabilitation (36 CFR Part 67) and Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record (HABS/HAER) documentation and procedures is a plus, but not required
* Demonstrated experience in conducting mitigation in response to adverse effects on historic properties
* Flexible, team-oriented approach, with a commitment to working as a part of a multidisciplinary team
* Excellent oral and written communication skills
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
* Ability and willingness to travel to field sites
* Strong commitment to safety
* Must have a valid driver's license and be able to operate motorized vehicles

#LI-SS2

Keywords: WSP, Santa Barbara , Architectural Historian, Other , Santa Barbara, California