Architectural Historian

Overview

HDR, as an employee-owned company, emphasizes an inclusive environment where team members are valued and empowered to contribute their authentic selves and ideas. This role supports cultural resources projects and compliance activities, including fieldwork and desktop reviews for projects nationwide, with a focus on Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and related regulations.

This is a full-time position with generous benefits and can be located in Louisville, Kentucky;
Chattanooga or Nashville, Tennessee.

• Conduct fieldwork, including reconnaissance and intensive-level survey, to identify historic properties for clients in transportation, renewable energy, and government sectors.
• Assist with fieldwork preparation, perform record checks and research, review historical maps and aerial photographs, and prepare required equipment and data collection tools.
• Execute fieldwork activities, including photography, data management, and coordination with GIS analysts and other staff.
• Conduct archival research and develop historic contexts and other writing deliverables.
• Complete architectural survey forms, determinations of eligibility, and reports that meet the requirements of applicable State Historic Preservation Offices and clients.
• Define project objectives, understand the scope of work, and work independently on small projects or on larger Cultural Resources team efforts.
• Travel to project locations, predominantly within the Southeast, with potential additional nationwide travel as needed; adapt to varied weather conditions.
• Perform other duties as needed.

• Master's Degree in History, Architectural History, Historic Preservation, or closely related field.
• Experience on cultural resource-related projects and familiarity with GIS and ArcGIS Field Maps.
• Prequalified, or able to be prequalified with KYTC under Cultural Historic.
• Experience in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, as well as the general Midwest region.

• Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Architectural History, or closely related field.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong writing and communication skills; self-starter with the ability to work under varied weather conditions.
• Familiarity with field study design, regulatory framework for cultural resource management, and GIS utilities; proactive participation in our employee-owned culture.

HDR is our company. We value diverse life experiences and perspectives to enable great collaboration and trusted relationships with clients and communities.

As employee owners, we all contribute to an inclusive environment where everyone is welcomed, valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) foster belonging and engagement.

United States — Kentucky — Louisville

United States — Tennessee

Full-time

Regular

Business Class:
Cultural Resources

Jul 8, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories or records.

Ready to learn more? Let’s work together to make great things possible. We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges and are always looking for great talent to join our global teams.