Careers

Mid to Senior Level Architectural Historian

Natural and Cultural Resources • Richmond; Raleigh; Baltimore; Fairfax; Washington

Join Our Team

RK&K is a leading multi-disciplinary planning, environmental, engineering, and construction services firm headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, with offices throughout the United States. We have been providing these services to public and private sector clients since 1923. We excel at leading project development and have completed vital environmental planning for some of the most complex infrastructure projects in the country. Our growing Cultural Resources practice is currently seeking a qualified cultural resources professional who will help us meet critical environmental needs on projects being advanced from our more than 30 offices.

 RK&K is seeking a Secretary of the Interior (SOI)-qualified candidate for an Architectural Historian position to support ongoing and upcoming projects involving architectural evaluation, historic context development, and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106) compliance in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast United States. The ideal candidate will have at least six years of cultural resource management experience and be a skilled Section 106 practitioner. This is a permanent, full-time position that could potentially be based out of any of RK&K’s office locations in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, or North Carolina (please see weblink below). Our cultural resources team is growing, and our clients and projects are diverse. We foster a dynamic workplace, and opportunities for growth and advancement are virtually unlimited. RK&K offers a flexible office/home work arrangement, when not in the field.

 Essential Function

 As an architectural historian, you will work closely with other architectural historians under the supervision of an architectural historian technical manager to undertake project planning, fieldwork, archival research, historic context development, architectural property documentation and evaluation, completion of SHPO survey forms, Section 106 consultation, effects assessments, and report writing. You may also work in larger teams with firm professionals, including, but not limited to, archaeologists, environmental planners, and engineers. Project work will be completed for public and private clients and generally be associated with Section 106 and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance. Other work may include National Register nominations, HABS/HAER written documentation, developing educational materials, and other cultural resource work as assigned. This position will require occasional fieldwork throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions with primary field assignments expected in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Required Skills and Experience

 Applicants must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards. A graduate degree in Historic Preservation, Architectural History, or closely related field is required.

 The ideal candidate will have a minimum of six years of demonstrable experience in cultural resource management and Section 106 consultation, as well as in writing architectural descriptions, conducting contextual and site-specific research, taking digital photos, and completing SHPO survey and evaluation forms.

  • Understanding of and experience completing the Section 106 process
  • Understanding of how to apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation
  • Robust research, technical writing, critical thinking, and communication skills, with demonstrable experience in all steps of the Section 106 process (identification, evaluation, effects assessments, and agreement document development and mitigation)
  • Fluent in Microsoft Office/Office 365 applications
  • Familiarity with the architectural history and history of the Southeast and/or Mid-Atlantic Region
  • Ability to work well independently and cooperatively in a team environment that includes architectural historians, archaeologists, environmental planners, and engineers
  • Strong attention to detail when authoring and reviewing work
  • Adaptability, creativity, persistence, and initiative in accomplishing project objectives
  • Ability to manage and prioritize work on multiple concurrent projects
  • Working within project budgets and schedules 

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Understanding of Section 4(f) of the US Department of Transportation Act
  • ArcGIS experience

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to pass a background check
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
  • Ability to travel to various project locations in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast United States. Travel may include overnight or multi-day stays. All expenses covered.

Please Include a Cover Letter with:

  • Statement of interest
  • Summary of relevant experience
  • Office location preference

Salary and Benefits

 Salary will be commensurate with the applicant’s experience and industry standards. The anticipated salary range for this position is approximately $75,000-$95,000 annually. RK&K offers a generous benefits package that includes a flexible work schedule, 401(k) retirement plan with company matching, medical/dental/vision/disability/life insurance, paid leave, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and many other benefits.

 Why RK&K?

 As a full-service environmental, engineering and construction management firm, RK&K gives you the opportunity to directly impact the communities in which we live and work. What sets RK&K apart is an award-winning culture that has fostered a spirit of collaboration and trust for over 100 years. To its clients, the firm delivers concepts, processes, and outcomes that are designed for success. RK&K has earned its reputation as a trusted partner, responsive employer, and community steward. Design your career at RK&K, Apply Today!


Rummel, Klepper and Kahl, LLP ensures nondiscrimination for employment in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact our Human Resources office at (410) 728-2900 for further assistance.

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