Provides technical expertise and professional guidance in the identification, evaluation, documentation, and interpretation of historic resources in support of infrastructure, environmental, and development projects. Leads and supports historical research, archival investigations, and field documentation efforts to assess impacts to cultural resources and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local preservation laws.
Collaborates with project managers, engineers, environmental scientists, and regulatory agencies to integrate historical preservation considerations into project planning and execution. Prepares accurate and defensible documentation, evaluates resource significance, and applies professional historical methods to address complex compliance and mitigation challenges.
Ensures work products meet or exceed industry standards, regulatory requirements, and KLJ’s commitment to quality and responsible stewardship.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
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Conduct historical research including archival review, deed research, cartographic analysis, and evaluation of historic structures, landscapes, and districts.
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Identify, document, and evaluate historic properties in accordance with applicable regulations including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), NEPA, and related federal and state guidelines.
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Prepare and contribute to technical reports including cultural resource inventories, historic property evaluations, effects determinations, mitigation plans, and documentation packages.
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Assess potential project impacts to historic resources and provide recommendations to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects.
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Conduct field investigations including architectural surveys, photographic documentation, and site assessments.
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Utilize GIS platforms, GPS units, mapping tools, and spatial data technologies to support field documentation and reporting.
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Support permitting activities and regulatory coordination with agencies such as State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO), Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPO), and other stakeholders.
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Develop clear and defensible findings regarding eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
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Collaborate with cross-functional project teams to integrate preservation strategies into construction, infrastructure, transmission, and environmental projects.
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Assist with scoping, budgeting, and proposal development for small- to mid-sized projects.
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Maintain quality control standards for research methodology, documentation, and reporting.
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Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making in alignment with company policies and professional standards.
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Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s Degree in History, Historic Preservation, Architectural History, or a closely related field.
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Master’s Degree preferred.
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3–5 years of relevant experience in historical research, historic resource surveys, compliance documentation, or cultural resource management.
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Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Historian (preferred).
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Demonstrated knowledge of Section 106 compliance, NEPA, and applicable preservation regulations.
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Experience preparing National Register evaluations and technical compliance reports.
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Proficiency with GIS software, Trimble GPS units, ArcGIS platforms, Survey123, and related field technologies.
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Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
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Effective written and verbal communication skills for both technical and public audiences.
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Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
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Willingness to travel and work flexible schedules based on project requirements.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described represent those required to successfully perform essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made.
The employee is regularly required to:
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Sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl
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Use hands to handle tools and equipment
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Communicate clearly and effectively
The employee must:
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Walk on uneven terrain up to ten miles per day
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Frequently lift and move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds
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Possess close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
Hours and Travel
What else you need to know
At KLJ, we have a vested interest in the personal, financial, and professional goals of our employees. The salary for this position is expected to range between $70,000 - $105,000. Factors that may be used to determine actual salary include education (or applicable experience), training, job location, competencies relevant to the role, and internal equity. We offer a competitive full suite benefit package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, performance bonus, 401k, employee stock ownership program and a flexible work environment that gives you options to support excelling both professionally and personally. The options available for the current year are described at www.kljeng.com/careers/benefits.
This job description is not meant to be all-inclusive or restrictive and other duties may be assigned. It is a description of the job as presently defined and is subject at any time to revision. This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities, as needed.
All applicants must be authorized to work in the US, without employer-sponsorship. KLJ does not offer employment based VISAS.
KLJ will not be partnering with third-party recruiters on this position. Please review our third-party recruiting policy at www.kljeng.com/careers.
Position will be posted until filled.
