Senior Architectural Historian

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Senior Architectural Historian to join our Midwest/Northeast subregion to drive growth and uphold the highest standards of quality in architectural history.

 As a core member of our Cultural Resources program, the Senior Architectural Historian will collaborate with SWCA managers, directors, and vice presidents on technical and business development initiatives throughout the subregion, while coordinating with peers across the company. This individual will play a key role in expanding and supporting SWCA's architectural history practice throughout the region.

The ideal candidate combines technical expertise, commercial acumen, and leadership skills to support project delivery, foster client relationships, and contribute to strategic growth opportunities. Responsibilities include technical leadership, quality assurance and control, mentoring staff, supporting business development efforts, and managing projects.

This is a regular (with benefits), full-time, salaried/non-exempt position. SWCA offers the flexibility of a hybrid work environment; however, candidates local to the Philadelphia, PA office are highly preferred. Fully remote candidates with exceptional qualifications and relevant regional experience may also be considered.

• →Support regional growth by expanding SWCA’s client base, strengthening industry partnerships, and contributing to the pursuit of new architectural history and cultural resources projects throughout the Midwest/Northeast subregion.
• →Plan and complete historic resource surveys of residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, and institutional properties using accepted survey methodologies and digital documentation tools in accordance with State Historic Preservation Office standards.
• →Conduct and lead archival research using primary and secondary sources to develop historic contexts, narratives, and resource histories.
• →Evaluate historic properties and districts for eligibility under the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and applicable state historic preservation programs.
• →Prepare technical studies, historic resource evaluations, and compliance documentation supporting Section 106 consultation and other historic preservation reviews.
• →Prepare National Register nominations, Multiple Property Documentation Forms, and related preservation planning deliverables.
• →Provide technical review and quality assurance for historic preservation studies, evaluations, nominations, and regulatory compliance documentation.
• →Advise clients on the identification, evaluation, treatment, and management of historic resources.
• →Collaborate with architectural historians and preservation specialists across the company to support technical consistency, resource sharing, and project delivery

Eight years of relevant, progressively responsible experience, including some experience managing others. Ten years of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education. Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree; master's degree preferred.

• A Master’s degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation or a closely related field.
• Eight (8) years of experience in cultural resources management, including some experience managing others.  
• A working knowledge of federal and state cultural resources and historic preservation laws and practices, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and local/municipal regulations.
• Experience surveying architectural resources at the reconnaissance and intensive level and recording information on state-specific architectural inventory forms.
• Demonstrated writing skills, including applying the National Register criteria for evaluation and preparing NRHP/CRHR eligibility evaluations for architectural resources.
• Demonstrated track record of taking initiative and resolving problems to create improved procedures that ensure tasks are completed in an effective and efficient manner.

Drives compliance of safety policies and reporting requirements to ensure overall team safety.  

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this Philadelphia, PA-based position is $92,230.32 to $120,349.32 per year. 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. 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.

#LI-NC1