Job Listing
 🔗Historic Preservation Specialist / Architectural Historian I

  • Full Time
  • La Jolla, San Diego, CA
  • $27.00-$30.00/- USD / Hour
  • Job Summary: The Historic Preservation Specialist / Architectural Historian I will work as part of a team focused on technical preservation studies, including historic structure reports (HSRs), determinations of eligibility, Section 106 findings, and local resource nominations. The role also includes helping review project work for its application of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. IS Architecture works with a range of client types, from individual homeowners and civic institutions to large government entities, primarily throughout Southern California and Nevada. We value critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and a passion for the details. The position requires occasional fieldwork and out-of-town travel.
  • Job Qualifications:

    Qualifications:
    •      Master’s degree in Historic Preservation (preferred), or a Master’s degree in Architectural History with coursework or training in historic preservation practice; or a bachelor’s degree with two or more years of directly relevant professional experience.

    •      2–3 years of professional experience.

    •      Qualification under the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards (36 CFR Part 61) for architectural history, history, and/or historic architecture is preferred.

  • How to Apply:

    To Apply:

    Qualified applicants must submit the following, as PDFs, to be considered:

    •      Cover letter

    •      Resume

    •      Writing sample, no more than 15 pages, excerpts acceptable (e.g., CEQA findings/analysis, DPR form, or a significance/integrity evaluation)

    •      Three professional references with contact information

    •      Selected applicants will be asked to participate in a few short form writing exercises.

    Please do not send general broadcast letters or portfolios.

    Email your letter of interest, resume with references, and examples of your work to: info@isarchitecture.com

    IS Architecture is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. IS Architecture will not sponsor a new applicant for USA work authorization.

  • Job benefits: • Hybrid work schedule – (Subject to reevaluation) • Friendly and collegial atmosphere • Medical and Dental benefits • Nine paid holidays (includes one floating holiday) • Paid vacation • Sick leave • SIMPLE IRA retirement plan, plus discretionary employer contribution • Salary is commensurate with experience.
  • Contact Name: Malissa McGee
  • Application Email: info@isarchitecture.com
  • Application Phone #: 858-456-8555
  • Application Address: 5645 La Jolla Blvd La Jolla, CA 92037
  • La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA

Website IS Architecture

IS Architecture, an award-winning San Diego firm specializing in Custom Residential Architecture and Historic Preservation, is seeking a motivated and passionate historic preservationist to join our team in La Jolla. We offer a welcoming, dog-friendly workplace where collaboration, creativity, and work-life balance are valued. Our supportive, team-focused culture includes a hybrid in-office/remote schedule, mentorship, and opportunities for leadership and long-term career growth. We also encourage involvement in professional and community organizations, including the California Preservation Foundation, Docomomo US, NOMA, the Society of Architectural Historians, and local community boards.

Responsibilities:
•      Conduct online and archival historical research for HSRs, determinations of eligibility, Section 106 findings, and local resource nominations.

•      Coordinate and execute as-built measurements and documentation of existing buildings.

•      Conduct onsite field surveys and condition assessments of built resources.

•      Draft technical reports for the built environment, including HABS documentation, HSRs, nomination reports, and condition assessments.

•      Develop contextual analyses and statements for historic architecture projects.

•      Organize and maintain the firm’s archival materials and resources.

Skills & Knowledge:
•      Working understanding of Historic Structure Reports, with some direct contribution to at least one.

•      Direct experience with HABS documentation: has completed or participated in written history, measured drawings, or large-format photography components.

•      Able to draft sections of a National Register (or state/local register) nomination with senior staff review.

•      Working understanding of the Section 106 review process and basic NEPA awareness.

•      Able to read and interpret architectural plans, drawings, and construction documents.

•      Demonstrated comprehension and application of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards across a variety of resource and project types.

•      Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite; experience with Bluebeam Revu.

•      Knowledge of building science or material science is a plus.

•      Reliable transportation.

Benefits

All NCPE interns received an hourly stipend, the rate is listed at each position description. Additionally, interns receive paid time off (PTO), paid Federal holidays if working full-time, and access to NCPE's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for career and personal counseling, coaching, and referrals. Project sites may also offer a housing allowance and/or commuting stipend; this information is also listed in the description or offered during the interview.

Eligible NCPE interns who successfully complete their internships may count their position towards earning a Public Land Corps (PLC) Non-Competitive Hiring Authority certificate. To be eligible to earn a PLC certificate, an intern must be 30 years old or younger (or 35 if a veteran). Once earned, the PLC hiring authority certificate may be used to apply for eligible Federal temporary, term, or permanent positions. Successful completion of a NCPE internship does not guarantee Federal employment. Contact manager@preservenet.org for more details.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must be
*at least 18 years old;
*no older than 30 years of age (or 35 years if a Veteran) when beginning the internship; applicants who are 31 or older (or 36 or older if a Veteran) are not eligible;
*currently enrolled in a degree-seeking academic program at the college level (or recently graduated within the past 12 months)
*be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident.

Interns are not allowed to work more than 1200 hours total in the program; previous interns must stay within this overall limit. The length of an internship can vary from 10 to 30 weeks if full-time (40 hours per week) or longer if on a part-time schedule. If selected, the exact starting date will be determined by you and the NPS supervisor. The stipend rate is $17.00 per hour unless otherwise listed.

The successful candidate is responsible for finding and paying for travel to and housing at the internship location; some exceptions apply. The supervising office may be able to assist in locating housing but it is ultimately up to the individual accepting the internship to find accommodation.

The National Council requires all interns working in-person at Federal facilities and/or with Federal employees receive the Covid-19 vaccination. Please be advised that you may also be required to wear a mask, depending on the protocols adopted by your work site. Also be aware that, due to Government-wide security requirements, a background check will be required if you are selected for a position. This will include providing information about recent housing and employment history. The position supervisor will have more information about these requirements and procedures at the time of hiring. You may direct any questions to NCPE's Internship Program Director, Julee Johnson, at manager@preservenet.org.

Please note that interns are not NCPE or NPS employees. Stipends are academic awards and taxes are not withheld, nor are social security contributions made on your behalf. These funds may be taxable, however, so consult a tax preparation professional if you have questions.

How to Apply

You may review NCPE's internship opportunities anytime without registering. Use the search function to find listings by location, keyword, or area of interest/category. Once you identify one or more positions of interest, there is a 3-step application process.

Step 1: Click on the Apply for Job button, then select Universal Application. Click on Register to create a User Account, which requires a username and email. A link will be sent to you from manager@preservenet.org to create a password. We suggest that you add this email to your safe senders list so you don't miss receiving this important link. You will be instructed to Log In to Preservenet using your username or email and password, which will take you back to the Universal Application.

Step 2: The Universal Application is required to apply for all NCPE internships. You fill out this form only once. In addition to contact information, educational status, work history, and experience, it requires two attachments: (1) the 2 most recent years of academic transcripts. These may be unofficial transcripts if official versions are unavailable. A PDF is preferred, labeled Your Your Last Name_Your First Name_Transcript. (2) a resume or CV (curriculum vitae). Please limit to a maximum of 4 pages; 2 pages are preferred. A PDF is preferred but jpg, png, doc, or docx file types are accepted. Label Your Last Name_Your First Name_Resume. This form may be saved as a draft and completed later. Use the link provided to return to the form.

Step 3: Once you submit the Universal Application, you may browse and apply for NCPE internships using the link provided. Complete the application process by clicking on the Apply for job button found at each internship listing and upload the required Essay. Use the essay to explain why you are applying for an internship, including how your interest areas will benefit the National Park Service (NPS) and how the internship will further your studies and career goals. Be as specific as possible; there is a 400-word maximum length. Submit the essay to finish the application for that position. You may apply for a maximum of 6 internships during an application round; there is no limit at other times of the year. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!



Logging in with a Registered User Account and completing the Universal Application is required to apply for NCPE Internships. Please visit the Universal Application page to register for an account and complete the form. After logging in and completing the form, refreshing this listing will display the Job Application to apply online.