Project Architectural Historian

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Project Architectural Historian for our Washington, DC office. Applicants living in the Mid-Atlantic and central Appalachian states are preferred. The role involves projects with our Heritage & Cultural Resources, Earth & Environment Team and a focus on client objectives and solutions.

• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise reporting, evaluation, and documentation.
• Assist with performing basic professional architectural history work relating to cultural resource management, assisting in research, report writing, and documentation of historic above-ground resources.
• Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures during resource surveys.
• Utilize National Park Service (NPS) and Secretary of the Interior’s guidance in evaluating the historic significance of above-ground resources and in determining effects of a project upon historic resources.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

• BA required, MA/MHP preferred in Historic Architecture, Historic Preservation, History, or related degree.
• 3 to 5 years of relevant post‑education experience working as an historian, architectural historian, or similar role.
• Meet the Secretary of the Interior Standards (36 CFR 61) in Historic Preservation and/or History; a thorough understanding of architectural resource significance recommendations and justifications.
• Good organizational skills and familiarity with standard office computer applications.
• Skills directly associated with standard above‑ground historic architectural and cultural historic surveys, including familiarity with historic American architectural forms, styles and details, archival research, standard documentation of field investigations, preparation of architectural reports including resource descriptions, maintenance and treatment plans, historic context, and significance assessments under National Register criteria.
• Ability to address project research questions through a synthesis of data from the field, analysis of archival research, and incorporation of relevant published research.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and pass a background check.

• Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Two years of demonstrable experience in Cultural Resource Management is preferred, including experience performing and writing reports on surveys with State Historic Preservation Offices in Virginia and surrounding states.
• A technical skill or specialty such as, but not limited to, American architecture, historic bridges, cultural landscapes, cemetery investigations, archival research, preservation planning, HABS/HAER/HALS recordation, National Register nominations, GIS, etc.

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on medical, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation; paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Expected Salary (all locations): $65K - $111K. This range reflects the company’s good‑faith estimate based on education, experience, skills, and geographic location. Final pay may vary.

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity

Employer:

Race, Age, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Disability, or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.