Architectural Historian

Job Objective 

As a member of PAL’s Historic Preservation Team (HPT), the Architectural Historian (AH) conducts field survey, historical research, and analyses to identify, record, and evaluate historic properties, including buildings, sites, structures, objects, landscapes, and districts.

The AH synthesizes and presents the results of investigations in clear and concise documents that conform to PAL’s editorial standards and applicable federal and state guidelines for format, content, and scholarship. The AH reports directly to a Senior Architectural Historian and supervises Associate Architectural Historians.

Essential Functions

Fieldwork

  • Identifies, records, and evaluates historic properties within defined project areas

  • Organizes the technical and logistical aspects of fieldwork in accordance with PAL’s standards and procedures

  • Reviews and understands the scope of each project and conducts fieldwork in a logical and efficient manner to ensure that project goals are met 

  • Prepares clear and accurate field notes, sketch maps, and high-quality digital photographs to document field investigations

  • Adheres to PAL’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Protection Plan and prioritizes safety for team members during fieldwork

  • Uses sound judgment and problem-solving skills to resolve unanticipated circumstances during fieldwork

Research

  • Applies professional research methods to obtain property-specific and contextual historical information at a level of detail commensurate with the scope of a project

  • Demonstrates knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal repositories likely to yield historical information relevant to a project

  • Maximizes the use of online search methods and databases 

  • Takes initiative to investigate leads and understands how to determine the value of collected data  

  • Takes complete, accurate, and detailed research notes to document sources of information and compiles the information in a consistent and readily accessible manner for use by other HPT members

  • Prepares lists of source citations and bibliographical references using a product’s required style and format

Analysis and Reporting

  • Analyzes information collected during research and fieldwork and evaluates the results for identified historic properties using the National Register of Historic Places Criteria for Evaluation 

  • Assesses the potential effects of a project on historic properties

  • Under the direction of a Senior Architectural Historian or Planner, drafts thorough and concise survey reports and effects assessments, inventory forms, National Register nominations, historic tax credit applications, and other documentation that clearly convey the results of PAL’s investigations and conform to state and federal standards, including the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation and Standards for Rehabilitation

Other Tasks

  • Supervises PAL’s Associate Architectural Historians in conducting research and fieldwork 

  • Contributes to HPT administrative operations by helping organize PAL research resources and archiving project information and materials

  • Seeks opportunities to present the results of PAL investigations at industry conferences, local history events, and other educational venues

Education Requirement and Experience

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in historic preservation, architectural history, public history, American history, art history, or a closely related field

  • Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards (36 CFR Appendix A to Part 61)

  • Minimum of three years of professional experience conducting surveys and evaluations of historic architectural properties and applying the National Register Criteria for Evaluation

  • Experience conducting projects that require review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and state historic preservation laws and regulations   

Core Competencies and Qualifications 

  • Outstanding historic architectural property identification and recordation fieldwork skills 

  • Ability to organize and conduct thorough and targeted historical research at local, state, and national repositories and using online sources

  • Understanding of the National Register Criteria for Evaluation and aspects of integrity and the ability to apply them to a wide variety of property types

  • Strong technical writing skills and the ability to clearly convey the findings of investigations in concise narratives that reflect a high level of scholarship, knowledge of the subject, and a thorough understanding of project-specific objectives and goals

  • Knowledge of significant American history trends and events and New England architectural history and the ability to apply that knowledge in evaluating historic properties

  • Ability to allocate time effectively and handle multiple concurrent tasks and assignments to meet project budgets and deadlines

  • Effective communication and teamwork skills

  • Proficiencies in digital photography and the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Acrobat software

Physical Demands and the Work Environment

The physical demands described below are those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in the work environments described. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions:

  • Office work is performed in a semi-private area in the PAL office building and is subject to usual and typical office conditions

  • Fieldwork may require hiking over rugged terrain or work in urban settings while carrying light equipment (up to 20 pounds) in a variety of weather conditions  

  • Movement typically involves walking, standing, and bending on a regular basis  

  • Certain projects may require personal protection equipment, including composite toe safety work boots, safety vests, safety glasses, hard hats and/or ear protection; PAL will provide safety vests and glasses, hard hats, and ear protection.

  • Specialized training (e.g., OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER, 29 CFR 1910.120) or security clearances may be required for the employee to work at certain types of job sites

  • Specific physical fitness and medical examinations may be required for the employee to work at certain types of job sites

  • First aid and adult CPR certification training (provided by PAL on a biannual basis) is mandatory

  • Must possess a valid driver’s license and be capable of operating PAL vehicles.

Travel and Availability

Some fieldwork and/or research tasks require day or overnight trips primarily in the Northeast. Travel assignments of up to two weeks to destinations throughout the United States are infrequent but may be necessary. The ability to travel and work a variety of weekly schedules is a condition of employment. 

Background Checks

Clients may require PAL to perform a thorough background check of its employees, including a Consent Based Social Security Number Verification, a criminal history background check, residential address verification, employment verification, and a motor vehicle driving record check. Employees will be asked to sign an acknowledgement of this background check at the start of the process.

Position Status:

This is a full-time, hourly position with benefits.

EEO Statement:

The Public Archaeology Laboratory, Inc. (PAL) is an equal opportunity employer. Our workplace prohibits discrimination, harassment, or workplace violence of any kind. All are welcome, and we promote equity and inclusion regarding race, ethnicity, sex, gender/self-identity, sexual orientation, national origin, native heritage/language, religion, age, abilities, veteran status, family or marital make up, economic status, citizenship, or other characteristics that make a person unique.

Disclaimer

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work performed by incumbents in the job and is not intended as an exhaustive list of responsibilities. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Please submit interest via email:
employment@palinc.com

Updated: August 2025

Reports to: Senior Architectural Historian

Job Status: Non-Exempt

Updated: August 2025

Please submit interest
via email:
employment@palinc.com