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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.
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Historic-Resources Researcher (Short-Term Contract)
Position Description
About the Project
We’re preparing a local historic-resource designation nomination. Deliverables include documentation on California DPR 523 forms, a concise, evidence-based Statement of Significance keyed to the local ordinance’s designation criteria, and a seven-aspect integrity analysis.
Responsibilities
- Conduct targeted research (assessor & permit records, Sanborn maps, directories, newspapers, historic context sources).
- Draft DPR 523A/523B (with L continuation sheets as needed).
- Write a Statement of Significance tied to the relevant local criteria and historic contexts.
- Complete a seven-aspect integrity analysis (location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, association).
- Produce a clear photo set & photo log, site plan, and location map.
- Compile a clean, submission-ready PDF packet + editable files.
- (Optional) Prepare a short commission-initiation cover memo.
Qualifications
- Experience with DPR 523 documentation and/or preservation research methods.
- Strong writing; ability to cite and synthesize evidence.
- Familiarity with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and local preservation frameworks.
- Reliable for a brief, deadline-driven assignment; available for one local site visit for photos.
Nice-to-Haves
- Prior DPR 523 examples.
- GIS or mapping experience.
- Familiarity with Southern California historic contexts (helpful but not required).
Company/Organization Description
Non-profit seeking to preserve our neighborhoods.
Pay Range (Annual): Less than $30,000
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Job Type: Part Time, Paid Internship
How to Apply
Email resume, one writing sample (preferably a DPR 523 or significance memo), availability, and rate preference (hourly or fixed) to: TaylorReed2@proton.me with subject “Historic Resources Researcher.”
Note: You may be the applicant of record on the City filing if desired/appropriate.











