RGA is seeking a Senior Architectural Historian with at least 5 years' experience to be based out of our Cranbury, New Jersey or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania office. 

Richard Grubb & Associates, Inc. (RGA) is seeking a Senior Architectural Historian to be based out of our Cranbury, New Jersey or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania office. This is a hybrid position, and applicants must be within reasonable commuting distance to project sites in the NJ/PA area for site visits, research, and fieldwork duties. Prior work experience in the mid-Atlantic/Northeast is preferred but not required. The successful candidate should have at least 5 years’ experience (at a cultural resources management firm, SHPO, state/federal regulatory agencies, or similar), meet the qualifications set forth in the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Architectural Historians/Historians (36CFR61), and have a Master’s Degree in History, Architectural History, Historic Preservation, or closely related field. Experience with federal and state cultural resource management regulations, including a good working knowledge of NEPA and Section 106, is required.

This position offers the candidate the opportunity to excel in and contribute to a collaborative, team environment. RGA utilizes a range of digital tools to promote collaboration and foster a social, friendly atmosphere. Constructive ideas and input are actively encouraged and welcomed to improve day-to-day operations and workflow. The selected candidate will enjoy a wide variety of project types, such as historic architectural surveys, comprehensive documentation, interpretive and curatorial programming, and preservation planning, among others, while expanding their knowledge and understanding of many different types of architectural resources. Project-related tasks often include liaising with different agencies and stakeholders to meet project goals and secure necessary regulatory approvals. This may include engaging with federal and state agencies, state historic preservation offices, local governments, community organizations, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders. RGA is committed to supporting professional development through training, professional memberships, conference attendance, and continuing education.

Responsibilities:

Coordinate and have direct contact with federal, state, county, municipal, and private clients, and interface with regulatory agencies, which will include state historic preservation offices, local governments, community organizations, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders.

Direct, plan, organize, and manage historic architectural surveys and other related projects and deliverables.

Supervise project architectural historians and principal investigators on multiple complex projects.

Review and edit historic architectural survey reports and related projects, including technical writing.

Communicate with clients on survey progress and results, ensuring that projects are performed within budget, in accordance with project schedules, and following federal and state review agency guidelines.

Management of all aspects of cultural resource projects, including proposal and budget development, technical report review, and staff management.

Conduct primary and secondary source historical research and synthesize research into architecturally relevant background histories; analyze research results and contextualize historic resources within their relevant historical themes, geographical areas, and chronological periods.

Technical report writing.

Conduct National Register eligibility evaluations, including context development.

Prepare survey forms and reports.

Develop detailed physical descriptions for a variety of historic resources, including buildings, structures, objects, landscapes, etc.

Complete HABS/HAER/HALS documentation.

Develop and draft interpretive materials (i.e., signs/displays, historic context studies, pamphlets, etc.)

Conduct site visits to survey historic resources through field notes and digital photography.

--

Qualifications & Abilities: 

Master’s Degree or PhD degree in History, Architectural History, Historic Preservation, or closely related field OR meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for Architectural History/History.

Strong written and oral communication skills.

Experience with the architecture and history of the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast region (preferred).

At least 5 years of experience as a Principal Investigator (preferred) at a cultural resources management firm, SHPO, state/federal regulatory agencies, or similar (required).

Experience with various regional, state, and federal cultural resource management regulations, including a good working knowledge of NEPA and Section 106. 

Detailed, working knowledge of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, and the National Park Service’s guidelines for completing HABS/HAER/HALS documentation projects.

Technical writing, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Collegiality in working with archaeologists and historians as part of a team environment. 

Strong self-starter attitude with a keen attention to detail.

Effective multi-tasking abilities while managing priorities and meeting project deadlines and budgets.

Valid driver’s license.

Ability to traverse up to five miles per day for fieldwork.

--

This full-time position includes a competitive pay and benefits package. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications. Average salary range for this position is $60,000 – $80,000 and dependent upon experience and qualifications. Benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; group medical, dental, and vision insurance; and a 401k plan with matching. 

RGA is one of the largest cultural resource consulting firms in the Mid-Atlantic, with a staff of Historians, Architectural Historians, and Archaeologists. RGA is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish. RGA places a strong emphasis on fostering a healthy work-life balance for all employees. RGA is an equal-opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. RGA is a Drug-Free Workplace. RGA participates in E-Verify.

RGA is a certified WBE/DBE/SBE. Learn more about RGA at www.rgaincorproated.com. 

How to Apply:

To be considered for this opportunity, please email a cover letter, resume or CV detailing education and work, and relevant writing sample (maximum 3-5 pages) experience to:

Lynn Alpert and Allee Davis, Co-Directors of Historic Architectural Services
lalpert@rgaincorporated.com
adavis@rgaincorporated.com