Architectural Historian
Job Summary
The Architectural Historian serves as the lead technical expert for historic architectural surveys and cultural resource compliance activities supporting disaster recovery efforts for a federal agency. This position is responsible for planning, managing, and implementing historic architectural surveys, directing field investigations, evaluating historic structures for National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility, and preparing and reviewing technical documentation in accordance with federal and state historic preservation requirements.
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Job Classification: Permanent; Full Time, Non Exempt
Duty Station: Asheville NC
Travel: Travel up to 75% (Travel required throughout the National Forests in North Carolina)
Duration: This role is anticipated to last 6 months, with the possibility of extension pending contract options.
Duties/Responsibilities
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Serve as Principal Investigator (PI) for historic architectural surveys and cultural resource compliance projects.
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Lead the planning, coordination, implementation, and completion of historic architectural surveys in collaboration federal agency staff.
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Supervise and provide technical direction to interdisciplinary survey teams conducting field investigations and historic structure documentation.
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Conduct and oversee literature reviews, archival research, oral history interviews, historic property inventories, and site identification activities.
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Direct field documentation, condition assessments, site evaluations, and post-project monitoring of historic structures and cultural resources.
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Evaluate historic structures and cultural resources for eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
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Prepare Determinations of Eligibility (DOE) that include historic context, period of significance, integrity assessments, statements of significance, and application of NRHP Criteria A–D.
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Provide technical recommendations regarding the significance of historic properties, potential project effects, and appropriate mitigation measures.
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Prepare and review NHPA Section 106 and Section 110 compliance documentation and technical reports.
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Support Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) investigations, damage assessments, artifact cataloging, and curation activities when required.
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Prepare architectural survey documentation in accordance with North Carolina Historic Preservation Office (NC HPO), Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), Historic American Engineering Record (HAER), and other applicable federal and state documentation standards.
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Review and edit draft and final technical reports prepared by project staff to ensure quality, consistency, technical accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
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Compile, interpret, and synthesize historical resources including Government Land Office (GLO) maps, historic photographs, land ownership records, Forest Service documentation, ethnographic information, archival materials, and published sources.
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Develop historic contexts supporting evaluations of historic properties and districts.
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Coordinate project implementation, schedules, deliverables, and quality assurance activities.
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Prepare mitigation recommendations, treatment plans, and preservation strategies for historic resources.
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This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Required Skills/Abilities
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Extensive knowledge of architectural history, historic preservation principles, and cultural resource management.
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Thorough understanding of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), including Sections 106 and 110.
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Knowledge of Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) requirements and federal cultural resource regulations.
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Expertise in National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) evaluation criteria and Determinations of Eligibility.
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Experience preparing historic architectural survey documentation meeting NC HPO, HABS, HAER, and related standards.
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Strong knowledge of North Carolina SHPO reporting requirements and historic architectural survey standards.
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Knowledge of Southern Appalachian archaeology, architectural history, and cultural landscapes.
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Excellent technical writing, editing, and quality control skills.
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Ability to interpret historical documents, maps, architectural plans, photographs, and archival resources.
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Strong project management, planning, and organizational skills.
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Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
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Excellent verbal communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
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Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
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Ability to work independently while maintaining project schedules and deadlines
Education and Experience
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Required: Master's in Architectural History, Historic Preservation, Architecture, Public History, or a closely related field
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Required: Meet the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards for Architectural History.
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Required: Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience serving as a Principal Investigator on historic architectural surveys
Physical Requirements
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This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, etc.
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Ability to conduct field investigations in remote and rugged environments.
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Ability to walk over uneven terrain and access historic structures in varying conditions.
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Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and navigate historic buildings where necessary.
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Ability to lift and carry field equipment, cameras, survey materials, and documentation weighing up to 30 pounds.
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Ability to sit and operate computer equipment for extended periods while preparing technical documentation.
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Ability to travel throughout North Carolina as required to support project activities.
Benefits
Eligible employees receive the following benefits:
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Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
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Health Savings Account (HSA)
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MDLIVE
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Benefit Hub
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Paid Annual Leave/PTO
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Paid Sick Leave
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Paid Holidays
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401(k)
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Basic Life
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Voluntary Life Insurance
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Accident Insurance
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Short Term Disability
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Long Term Disability
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Pre-employment Requirements
Due to the nature of Chloeta’s services, this position is contingent upon completing with a satisfactory outcome some or all of the following pre-employment background screenings: government security clearance, federal and state criminal background checks, drug test (urinalysis), Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review, educational history, employment history, and/or credit check. In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), pre-employment background screenings will require the employee’s written authorization and will occur after acceptance of an offer of employment and prior to commencing work. Additionally, employees are required to complete the federal I-9/E-Verify process.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy
Employees may be subject to undergoing additional drug screens and/or alcohol testing at any time during the period of employment, including without prior notice.
EEO Statement
Chloeta provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
About Chloeta
Chloeta is a Native American owned enterprise providing a diverse range of engineering, scientific, and technical solutions to support military, energy, homeland security, emergency preparedness, and critical infrastructure requirements.