About CPF and the Awards
The California Preservation Awards are a statewide hallmark, showcasing the best in historic preservation. The awards ceremony includes the presentation of the Preservation Design Awards and the President’s Awards, bringing together hundreds of people each year to share and celebrate excellence in preservation.
The California Preservation Foundation (CPF), a 501c3 nonprofit, was incorporated in 1978. We now support a national network of more than 36,000 members and supporters. Click here to learn how you can become a member.
Welcome to Our Team
Become a member today and join our team! We are a community of architects, designers, preservationists, and architecture fans who come together to support a singular mission: to save historic places. We can't do it without you! Click here to join us.
Get CPF updates
Sign up below to receive advocacy alerts and updates from CPF.
Search for Preservation Jobs
View preservation job listings in California and beyond. To add a new job listing, use the link at the bottom of the page or contact us at cpf@californiapreservation.org.
Architectural Historian
Position Description
This is an entry-level position. Initially under supervision, in a learner capacity, the Architectural Historian performs information gathering tasks in connection with historic preservation projects including research and fieldwork. As knowledge and skills are developed, the Architectural Historian performs work of average difficulty by assisting with the preparation of studies, reports, and applications related to historical resources. Duties include but are not limited to:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Historic Preservation, History, Art History, Architectural History or a closely related field, with coursework in American architectural history.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge and experience in the general principles and techniques used in conducting primary and secondary research
- Knowledge and experience in the general principles and techniques used in technical writing and oral communication
- Knowledge and understanding of conducting field work related to historic preservation
- Knowledge and understanding of the history and architecture of California
- Knowledge and understanding of the criteria for the evaluation of historical resources for national and state registration programs
- Basic knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and local policies, procedures, and programs related to historical resources
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/DUTIES
- Work as a team member
- Conduct project site visits by taking field notes and photographs
- Organize and label photographic and written materials
- Identify buildings, structures, objects, and districts that are more than 45 years old
- Distinguish between original and non-original building features
- Assist architectural photographer in documenting historical resources according to HABS/HAER standards
- Conduct general research on relevant contexts and themes
- Conduct property specific research on potential historical resources
- Identify and visit research repositories in different areas within the state
- Prepare bibliographies and footnotes according to Chicago Manual of Style
- Maintain and organize research materials
- Write architectural descriptions
- Write statements of significance and integrity evaluations
- Prepare inventory forms for evaluated properties
- Enter data into electronic databases
- Prepare high-quality maps, illustrations, and exhibits for presentations, reports, and applications related to historical resources
- Prepare correspondence to interested individuals
- Prepare records search requests for Regional Information Centers
- Assist with defining study areas and areas of potential effects for CEQA and Section 106 compliance reports
- Assist with final document preparation
- Assist with the preparation of project scopes, meeting agendas, meeting minutes, and progress reports
- Assist with the preparation of presentations for clients, public, and boards or commissions
MARGINAL JOB FUNCTIONS/ DUTIES
- May answer company telephone and redirect calls
- May run job-related errands such as dropping off or picking up copies and deliveries or necessary project supplies
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must have a reliable mode of transportation, and valid California Driver’s License and Automobile Insurance and be a driver in good standing with the California Department of Motor Vehicles
- Must be able to work effectively in a remote and/or hybrid workplace, and to participate in video conferences
- Must be organized and efficient with time management
- Must be very flexible, willing to switch tasks often and maintain a high level of availability
- Must have excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well with all levels of internal management and staff, as well as outside clients, vendors and friends of GPA
- Must be trustworthy and follow directions
- Must be available during GPA’s regular working hours
- Must exercise good judgement when making decisions
- Must exhibit strong business ethics
- Must positively reflect the GPA brand
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift; carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and coordination including use of a computer keyboard
- Must be able to drive for long periods of time
- May be required to travel by air
- Must be able to multi task and work amid frequent interruptions
Company/Organization Description
Do what you love and love what you do by joining the GPA Team! GPA Consulting, a multidisciplinary firm that specializes in environmental planning, biology studies, and historic preservation, is looking for a qualified entry-level Architectural Historian to join our diverse team of highly skilled professionals. If you are passionate about historic preservation, research, and analysis, and you share our determination to provide our clients with high-quality work, then we want to hear from you. Our ideal candidate will possess critical thinking skills, an eagerness to learn, and strong research and writing/word processing skills. At GPA Consulting, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality professional services to public and private clients throughout California, while maintaining a friendly and flexible workplace environment. We are a company who values training and developing our entry-level staff to provide growth and advancement opportunities.
Pay Range (Annual): $60,000 – $80,000
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Job Type: Full Time
How to Apply
Go to this link and click on the open position to apply: https://gpaconsulting-us.com/careers