This Opportunity

Be involved in projects with our Planning and Environmental Planning Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges.

At WSP, we are driven by inspiring the right people to be part of our future-focused business objectives. Our devotion to teamwork has allowed us to build communities and expand our skylines. Here at WSP, anything is within our reach and yours as a WSP employee. Come join us and help shape the future!

If you are seeking growth opportunities and new career challenges, WSP has an immediate opening for a full-time Lead Architectural Historian from our offices in Illinois. Part-time embedment at Illinois Department of Transportation’s Central Office in Springfield and/or IDOT District 1 office in Schaumburg two days a week will be required. This position is accountable for coordinating compliance procedures for IDOT projects involving cultural resources with special attention to architectural resources such as historic buildings and bridges, in accordance with Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended; and Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966.

Your Impact

• Assist IDOT in the review and development of technical documentation for cultural resources compliance under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and applicable state historic preservation laws.

• Lead tasks related to reconnaissance and intensive-level surveys, historic property research, National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) determinations of eligibility, assessment of project effects on historic properties, and technical work, under supervision.

• Assist with tasks related to Section 106 consulting party coordination and development of Section 106 agreement documents.

• Develop and successfully manage relationships with internal and external clients, specifically with federal, state, and local transportation agencies, State Historic Preservation Offices, and local governments.

• Use your unique skill sets and experience for expanding WSP's services locally, and regionally.

• Preferred areas of specialization for this role include:

• Section 106 experience in highway, transit, or multimodal planning.

• Candidates with demonstrable experience working on Section 106 for transportation projects going through the NEPA process are preferred.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural History, Architecture, Historic Preservation, or a related field.

• A minimum of 7-10 years of experience related to Section 106 review, environmental review, or transportation planning

• Familiarity with applying the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

• Experience applying the NRHP Criteria for Evaluation to write defensible determinations of eligibility.

• Experience assessing direct and indirect effects on historic properties.

• Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.

• Demonstrated ability at managing tasks to successful completion

• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.

• Must be flexible to a variety of schedules to meet business needs and able to prioritize responsibilities and quickly adapt to change in a pressure work environment.

• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Meet the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualifications Standards in the field of architectural history or history (36 CFR Part 61, Appendix A).

• Master’s Degree is preferred.

• Existing working relationships with transportation agencies in the designated region.

• Essential professional licensure/certification.