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Historic Preservation Specialist / Architectural Historian II

Position Description

Historic Preservation Specialist / Architectural Historian II
IS Architecture, San Diego, CA, 92037
Full Time – $35.50/hr – Salary
IS Architecture, an award-winning architectural firm in San Diego that specializes in Custom Residential Architecture and Historic Preservation, is seeking a motivated and passionate historic preservationist to join our dog-friendly office in La Jolla. Our firm fosters a supportive, team-focused culture that values collaboration and creativity. We are dedicated to providing long-term career growth, offering leadership opportunities, mentorship, and an inspiring work environment.
The Position
The Historic Preservation Specialist / Architectural Historian II will take a lead role on technical preservation studies, including historic structure reports (HSRs), determinations of eligibility, Section 106 findings, and local resource nominations. 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.
Responsibilities
• Write historic preservation technical reports for the built environment, including HABS documentation, HSRs, nomination reports, condition assessment reports, and treatment plans.
• Lead contextual analyses and statements for historic architecture projects.
• Process reports with governmental departments and municipalities, including addressing review comments.
• Provide technical guidance to junior staff and review their work for accuracy.
• Coordinate work product with consultants, vendors, contractors, and government officials.
• Conduct onsite field surveys and condition assessments of built resources.
Qualifications
• Master’s degree in Historic Preservation (preferred), or a Master’s degree in Architectural History with substantive coursework or training in historic preservation practice; or a bachelor’s degree with several years of directly relevant professional experience.
• 4–6 years of professional experience.
• Qualification under the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards (36 CFR Part 61) for architectural history (preferred), history, and/or historic architecture.
• Experience in the nomination, review, and analysis processes of federal, state, or local government projects.
Skills & Knowledge
• Demonstrated ability to plan and write a Historic Structure Report.
• Demonstrated experience with HABS documentation, including written history and coordination of the drawing and photography components.
• Demonstrated ability to independently research, analyze, and write a National Register (or state/local register) nomination.
• Solid working knowledge of the Section 106 review process; working NEPA awareness.
• Strong ability to read and interpret architectural plans, drawings, and construction documents.
• Extensive knowledge of architectural history and experience reviewing work for accuracy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and Bluebeam Revu.
• Knowledge of building science or material science is a plus.
What IS Architecture Offers
An open and friendly, dog-friendly workplace that values work-life balance, with a hybrid in-office/remote schedule. IS Architecture is very supportive of participation in professional and community organizations, including the California Preservation Foundation, Docomomo US, NOMA, the Society of Architectural Historians, and local community boards.
• 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.

Company/Organization Description

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.

Pay Range (Annual): $70,000-$80,000
Location: La Jolla, CA
Job Type: Full Time

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:
Malissa McGee, info@isarchitecture.com
Tel: 858-456-8555
www.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.

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