Principal Investigator
Position: Principal Investigator, Architectural History Program
Position Type: Seasonal. This is a seasonal position with project-based work. The work schedule will be mutually determined by the Principal Investigator and HistoriCorps but will not exceed 80 hours per two-week pay period. Office work may be completed in 8-hour days while field work completion time may vary.
Compensation: Starting at $40/hour for non-field-based work, $320/day for project days. Project days include travel to and setup days, as well as days working with and instructing volunteers in preservation.
Reports to: Regional Program Manager, Architectural Historian
Work location: This position will require both field based work, as well as remote office-based location. Principal Investigators may work across the country as business needs may require extensive travel through the project season.
Dates of employment: Actual start and finish dates vary based on region, projects, and availability. Ideally, candidates are available throughout the year, though candidates can also be selected project by project.


Organization:
HistoriCorps®, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, works to foster a preservation ethic in all through training volunteers, students, and youth in historic preservation skills, and then puts those skills to work to save historic places for generations to come. HistoriCorps partners with federal, state, and local land management agencies to provide educational and outdoor opportunities and preserve historic resources. From our Morrison, CO headquarters, we coordinate and instruct projects on public lands throughout the United States.
Position:
If you are a historic preservation professional passionate about sharing your skills and knowledge while saving historic structures in some of the most beautiful places in America, HistoriCorps may be the opportunity for you. The Principal Investigator leads volunteers in surveying, documenting, and evaluating historic buildings, structures, and districts for public partners such as the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Specifically, HistoriCorps:
- Saves historic buildings
- Teaches volunteers and students traditional preservation methods and building skills
- Encourages volunteerism on public lands
Position Description
The Principal Investigator (PI) will work under the direction of one of HistoriCorps’ Regional Program Managers/Architectural Historian to plan and execute these projects. They will lead a small group of volunteers to conduct field work on the recreation residence tracts. The PI is responsible for guiding volunteers to ensure that they collect all necessary information, document the resources, enjoy the work, and work safely. After the field work is complete, the PI will write reports for the respective U.S. Forest Service partners and State Historic Preservation Offices in fulfillment of, and in compliance with, Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Primary duties include:
- Be ready every day to learn and work while promoting a safe and positive learning environment.
- Conduct historical research using archival sources, maps, photographs, and records to establish historical context for surveyed properties.
- Lead volunteers in photographing resources, taking measurements, and recording architectural details.
- Complete standardized survey forms, drawings, and digital records with accuracy and completeness.
- Assess historic significance and integrity using National Register of Historic Places criteria.
- Train and mentor volunteers in documentation, photography, and condition assessment best practices.
- Prepare clear, detailed reports integrating field data and historical research.
- Coordinate with HistoriCorps staff, partner agencies, and community stakeholders to meet goals and deadlines.
- Set an expectation and culture of safety on the project site. Follow all required safety protocols established for the project including but not limited to use of personal PPE such as hard hats, eye and ear protection, and appropriate footwear. Safely operate tools and equipment in compliance with all federal OSHA, state, and local safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to HistoriCorps vehicles, specialized equipment, small power equipment (chainsaws, generators, mixers, drills, saws, torches, pumps, etc.) and hand tools (wrenches, hammers, floats, etc.).
- Provide direct field supervision for up to 3 paid crew and crews of up to 10 volunteers;
- Manage all jobsite activities including supervision of subcontractors including workforce providers such as Conservation Corps;
- Serve as point of contact during any emergency situations.
Additional duties include:
- Provide positive customer service and experience to participants and HistoriCorps staff;
- Work collaboratively with administrative team to provide progress reports, photographs, documentation as requested. Complete any documentation such as daily log, journal, worksheets etc. and supply to Regional Program Manager for project progress or performance reports;
- Maintain clean, safe, and organized worksite using established protocols for location and activity;
- Complete and submit all required employment paperwork such as timesheets, expense reimbursement reports, credit card reports (if issued) in a timely manner
- Support Crew Leader as needed in campsite activities, including kitchen duties;
- Complete projects and oversee cleanup to a “leave no trace” standard (other than the preservation work just completed!).
Required Qualifications
- PI must demonstrate experience that meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Architectural History, meaning:
- “A graduate degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or closely related field, with coursework in American architectural history, or a bachelor’s degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation or closely related field plus one of the following:
- At least two years of full-time experience in research, writing, or teaching in American architectural history or restoration architecture with an academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution; or
- Substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in the field of American architectural history.”
- “A graduate degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or closely related field, with coursework in American architectural history, or a bachelor’s degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation or closely related field plus one of the following:
- Demonstrated ability to write successful determinations of eligibility, architectural descriptions, and historic contexts.
- Enthusiasm for research, writing, and public service.
- Ability to work well independently and as part of a small team.
- Demonstrated aptitude and ability to produce excellent work while meeting project budgets and deadlines for deliverables.
- Passion for preserving historic places on public lands.
- Strong writing skills, particularly for technical writing.
- Strong organization skills, particularly for tracking project expenses, hours worked, and progress.
- Strong communication skills, particularly for working with HistoriCorps staff, our partners, and our volunteers both in person and at a distance via phone and email.
- Strong leadership skills and experience managing volunteers or field crews.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital photography; GIS experience preferred.
- Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Problem-solving and adaptability in field conditions.
- At least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and a good driving record, prefer experience traveling on remote and off road;
- Possess strong communication, management, and conflict resolution skills;
- This position requires a level of physical fitness commonly found in the building trades including:
- Ability to lift 75 lbs.
- Ability to work outside in strenuous and challenging weather conditions such as: heat, direct sunlight, high elevation, wind, rain, freezing temperatures, etc.
- Able to live and work in tent camping settings, including remote and/or backcountry locations for extended stretches at a time. Ensure a clean and safe campsite and toilet facilities, and be responsible for the welfare of everyone camping
How to Apply:
For your application to be considered, you will need to submit:
- A cover letter of maximum 400 words that describe the reason for your interest, the skills that you will bring, and the skills or experience that you would like to develop
- A descriptive resume tailored to the position description and requirements
- Contact information (phone and email) for three professional references
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
HistoriCorps is an equal opportunity employer. HistoriCorps’ values include Community: Accessibility, Inclusion, and Diversity. We value and respect all members of our community and embrace the unique contributions every person gives to support our shared success. We are at our best when we support diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences at all levels of this organization. We ask for, listen to, and consider diverse points of view. We recruit and support individuals and groups who are underrepresented in our organization and profession. We strive to make historic preservation projects accessible and inclusive. We work to minimize physical, financial, and social barriers. We work to help our preservation community grow, diversify, and evolve.
This job posting does not constitute a promise or guarantee of employment. We will accept applications until we have filled the position.