Associate Architectural Historian

Job Objective 

The Associate Architectural Historian (AAH) provides essential support to historic architectural survey and planning projects as a member of PAL’s Historic Preservation Team (HPT).

Specific duties include archival research, historic architectural field survey (resource identification, mapping, data collection, and photography support), data entry, graphics production, technical writing, and administrative tasks. The AAH’s work is performed according to the regulatory standards and guidelines of cultural resource management and historic preservation planning and involves thorough, accurate, and well-documented archival and general research for a variety of project types.

Essential Functions

Fieldwork

• Conducts field surveys to identify historic architectural properties, including buildings, sites, structures, objects, landscapes, and districts

• Records identified properties using appropriate field methodology

• Maintains complete, accurate, and detailed field notes

• Takes clear architectural digital photographs that meet state and federal standards for format and coverage

• Adheres to PAL’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Protection Plan and demonstrates awareness of physical conditions that may pose safety hazards to team members

Research and Writing

• Conducts historical research at local, state, and federal archives and using online sources 

• Prepares historic property inventory forms and contributes to reports by preparing architectural descriptions, property histories, and historic context statements

Administration

• Collects, organizes, documents, and presents information related to field work/investigations

• Performs word processing and data entry tasks quickly and accurately

• Understands the format and requirements for producing historic property inventory forms, state-level historical documentation, and other products for the states where PAL works and prepares them for distribution

• Monitors and orders HPT supplies as needed

• Maintains HPT manuals and performs other administrative tasks as assigned

Education Requirement and Experience

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in historic preservation, history, art history, or a related field

• Through coursework or relevant work experience, possesses knowledge of broad patterns in United States history and architectural history 

• Demonstrated independent study or other experience relevant to historic preservation 

• Experience conducting property-level historical research

Core Competencies and Qualifications 

• Capability to assess the approximate construction date, style, and basic integrity of historic architectural properties

• Solid historic research abilities that demonstrate imagination and initiative in collecting, organizing, documenting, and presenting information required to meet project goals

• Proficient with digital photography and MS Office applications

• Flexibility in responding to changes in assignments and priorities

• Capability to collaborate productively with other team members to meet project goals and deadlines

• Excellent organizational and time management skills and detail-oriented approach to work tasks

• Possesses a valid driver’s license

Physical Demands and the Work Environment

The employee must be able to meet the following physical demands within 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) 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

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