Project Review Architectural Historian
State Role Title: Project Review Architectural Historian
Hiring Range: $55,000 - $75,000
Pay Band: 5
Agency: Dept of Historic Resources
Location: Dept Historic Resources - Richmond, VA
Agency Website: www.dhr.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties: The Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) is the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Virginia. DHR is a state agency in the Natural and Historic Resources Secretariat. DHR fosters, encourages, and supports the stewardship and use of Virginia’s significant architectural, archaeological, and historic resources as valuable assets for the economic, educational, social, and cultural benefit of citizens and communities. The Department of Historic Resources (DHR) is seeking an experienced, full-time Project Review Architectural Historian to conduct reviews of federal and state projects and provide written comments regarding the project’s effects on historic and architectural resources.

Duties: This position serves as the main point of contact for assigned agencies; conducts timely and consistently accurate reviews based on critical analysis of available information; provides written comments regarding the identification of and effects to historic properties; promotes meaningful consultation and public involvement; interprets federal and state regulations and guidelines; reviews reports and survey materials for content and consistency with applicable standards and guidelines; applies the National Register criteria to evaluate historic architectural and cultural landscape resources; recommends appropriate treatment of significant architectural resources; provides technical assistance; performs field inspections; and provides training workshops in statutory requirements for historic resources and/or available preservation tools. May be assigned additional duties.

Minimum Qualifications:Applicants must meet the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards in History, Architecture, Architectural History or Archaeology through an advanced degree in archaeology, anthropology, history, architecture, architectural history or a closely related field. ***Qualifications in historic preservation and/or architectural history are strongly preferred.
Experience demonstrating comprehensive of knowledge of and experience in applying the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Experience demonstrating excellent oral and written communications skills; knowledge of United States and Virginia history and architectural history.
Experience demonstrating ability in planning, conducting, and assessing historic structure and cultural landscape surveys and National Register nominations.
Demonstrated contributions to the study of architectural history in publications, National Register nominations and/or CRM reports. Experience demonstrating considerable knowledge of technical, legal, and historic resources management practices and procedures as they apply to architectural history and historic buildings, structures, districts and landscapes. Demonstrated experience in Cultural Resource Management (CRM) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 review process. Demonstrated experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team and experience demonstrating the ability to instruct and guide others positively.

Additional Considerations: Previous governmental experience preferred. Limited teleworking may be possible, in accordance with policies of the Commonwealth, after the employee has successfully worked for the agency of a time no less than 6 months.

Special Instructions: You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position. Applicants must meet the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards in History, Architecture, Architectural History or Archaeology through an advanced degree in archaeology, anthropology, history, architecture, architectural history or a closely related field.

The Department of Historic Resources (DHR) will ONLY accept online applications for employment opportunities with DHR. To be considered, please submit a state employment application online. A hiring committee will review all applications received and select candidates who most closely meet the established criteria for interviews.

This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information received. Please refer to “Your Account” in your account to check the status of your application for this position. You may be required to respond to position specific questions at the end of this application.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the time of submission.
DHR does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

EOE; DHR is an equal opportunity employer who values diversity in the workforce. Women, Minorities, Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants are afforded equal opportunities without regard for race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, political affiliation or disability. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants in order to provide access to the application and/or interview process, please contact Human Resources at 804-482-6447.

As a certified V3 organization, Virginia Department of Historic Resources honors the Commonwealth’s veterans hiring preference. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are also encouraged to apply.

Contact Information
Name: Heather Smolka
Phone: 804-482-6447
Email: Heather.Smolka@dhr.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer.