Architectural Historian
Requisition Number: 2026-1610-04
Our Cultural Resources team is seeking an Architectural Historian to contribute to projects that shape how historic resources are evaluated and preserved. This role in our Columbia, South Carolina office offers professional growth, increased responsibility, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through thoughtful, high‑quality work that supports clients and communities.
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What You Will Do:
As an Architectural Historian, you will play a critical role in shaping how historic resources are researched, interpreted, and presented, guiding complex projects from field investigation through final deliverables while serving as a trusted technical and client-facing leader. This role blends architectural history expertise with hands-on project leadership, mentorship, and strategic collaboration, ensuring high-quality outcomes that inform preservation decisions, regulatory compliance, and client success.
- Lead Complex Fieldwork and Research: Direct and perform architectural history field investigations, archival research, and data analysis, ensuring findings are thorough, defensible, and aligned with project objectives.
- Guide and Mentor Project Teams: Provide field-based leadership and technical direction to junior staff, overseeing work quality while fostering professional growth and consistency across project deliverables.
- Manage Projects and Client Relationships: Take an active role in client engagement, including developing work plans and proposals, managing schedules, tracking progress, and evaluating budgets to keep projects on scope and on track.
- Author and Finalize Technical Deliverables: Serve as the primary author for reports and proposals, performing technical editing and guiding documents through finalization prior to senior review and submission.
- Support Business Development and Marketing Efforts: Partner with senior staff on technical marketing and business development initiatives, contributing subject-matter expertise that strengthens proposals and builds long-term client relationships.
What We Are Looking For:
We are looking for someone who brings intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach to their work. You are comfortable working independently while also contributing thoughtfully within multidisciplinary teams, and values clear communication, accuracy, and professional integrity.
Qualifications:
- Education: One of the following:
- Master's degree or PhD in architectural history, history, historic preservation, or a related field required - OR -
- Bachelor's degree in history, architectural history, historic preservation, or a related field, PLUS the additional requirements identified by the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualifications Standards and Code of Federal Regulations 36 CFR Part 61
- Experience: Minimum of 6 years of experience in historical research and writing, including being able to present clear, precise, analytical, and authoritative arguments. S&ME may request a writing sample from qualified candidates
- Key Competencies:
- National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 advanced training is required, such as National Preservation Institute (NPI):
- The Meaning of Effects
- Effective Participation and Response Strategies
- Agreement Documents
- Proficiently conduct architectural field surveys, complete state site forms, and utilize geographic information system software
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
This role involves hands-on work in outdoor environments, and with Company-provided Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), you'll need to be comfortable with:
- Working outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Carrying equipment and walking through various types of vegetation, on paved and unpaved surfaces, for the duration of the day
- Routinely lifting and carrying 40-50lbs (field/laboratory samples and equipment)
- Working outside of normal business hours and traveling (typically out-of-town and/or overnight) as project needs arise
We Are S&ME:
At S&ME, we're committed to your growth, professionally and personally. With over 50 years of experience delivering innovative solutions in geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction materials engineering, we've built a strong foundation for long-term careers. Our team of over 1,000 employee-owners across 10+ states collaborates to create a meaningful impact on our clients and communities. When you join S&ME, you become part of a collaborative, honest, and people-focused culture that invests in your success. We offer exciting project opportunities, ongoing training, and a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family. This is more than a job; it's a place to grow, thrive, and build a future.
What We Offer:
Comprehensive Health & Wellness Programs
- Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options
- Wellness Program offering $50 off per month on 2027 premiums
- Pet Insurance for your furry family members
Ownership & Financial Perks
- 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with a 5% company contribution
- 401(k) Retirement Plan to help you plan ahead
- Term Life & Long-Term Care Coverage - available Spring 2026
Work-Life Balance & Career Development
- Paid Holidays, PTO with rollover options, and Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave
- Mentorship & Career Development Programs, Tuition Reimbursement, and Credential Incentive Program
- Employee Recognition Program, $2,000 Referral Bonuses, and a company vehicle & fuel card for project-based roles
If you're passionate about making an impact and want to work with a firm committed to our employees and providing quality service to our clients, we'd love to hear from you!
This full-time role offers competitive pay based on experience. Candidates must comply with our Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements. Only candidates with valid employment eligibility (I-9) will be considered. Visa assistance is not available. S&ME reserves the right to hire internally or externally at any time. No candidate/recruiter calls, personal calls, or walk-ins are accepted.
