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.

• →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 bachelor's 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.

• Bachelor’s 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 driver’s license and be able to meet SWCA’s driver requirements

• Master’s 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.

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 accommodations@swca.com or call 1 480 581 5378. If you require assistance with the application process, please contact recruiting@swca.com.

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. 

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. 

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 SWCA’s 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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