The Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is adding a Part-Time/On-Call Assistant Historian to support cultural resources projects throughout the United States. The selected candidate will perform historical research under the supervision of Lead Architectural Historians and Principal Investigators and support projects conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
The successful candidate will conduct archival and online historical research, develop property histories, conduct genealogical studies, prepare historic contexts, and contribute to National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility evaluations. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional with strong research, analytical, and technical writing skills who can work independently while supporting multidisciplinary cultural resources teams.
Location: Remote (United States)
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Your Role:
Historical Research & Analysis
- Conduct archival and online historical research to support cultural resources investigations and compliance projects.
- Develop property histories, genealogical studies, and regional historic contexts.
- Research and analyze historical resources including:
- Tax assessor records
- Property deeds
- Historic maps, including Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps
- Census records
- Regional and local histories
- State-developed historic contexts
- Multiple Property Documentation Forms (MPDs)
- Compile and synthesize research findings to support National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) evaluations and eligibility determinations.
Regulatory Compliance Support
- Support projects conducted under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
- Assist with cultural resources investigations and documentation for federal, state, and local compliance requirements.
- Support preparation of documentation for agency review and consultation.
Technical Writing & Documentation
- Prepare and edit technical reports, historic contexts, property histories, and cultural resource documentation.
- Complete cultural resource forms and supporting documentation in a timely manner.
- Organize and maintain project files, research records, and supporting materials.
- Review source materials and develop clear, concise technical narratives.
Team Collaboration
- Work independently while coordinating effectively with project teams and supervisors.
- Manage multiple assignments and shifting priorities.
- Adapt to changing project schedules and workload demands.
- Contribute positively to a collaborative team environment.
- Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
- Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness.
- Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.
- Additional duties as required.
Qualifications:
- Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Historian, Architectural Historian, or Historic Architecture (36 CFR Part 61).
- Master’s Degree in History, Architectural History, Historic Preservation, Public History, or a closely related field.
- 3–5 years of professional experience in historical research, cultural resources management, historic preservation, architectural history, or a related field.
- Background in history, architecture, historic architecture, North American archaeology, historic preservation, or related disciplines.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct both archival and online historical research.
- Strong technical writing, editing, and analytical skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record without restrictions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge and training in California history.
- Experience supporting Section 106 compliance projects.
- Experience preparing NRHP evaluations, property histories, and historic contexts.
- Experience working in Cultural Resources Management (CRM) consulting.
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite.
- Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, or ArcMap.
- Experience supporting energy, transportation, infrastructure, or federal projects.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
- Primarily remote work environment.
- Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
- Occasional travel may be required based on project needs.
- Ability to respond to changing project schedules and workload demands.
- Position is part-time/on-call, with hours varying based on project needs.
Additional Application Requirements:
- Applicants must submit a writing sample demonstrating their ability to conduct historical research and present findings in a professional report format.
- Excerpts from larger reports or links to published works are acceptable.
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
- Medical benefits, workers compensation insurance, and 401(k) plan.
- Merit-based financial rewards.
- Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.
Compensation:
Pay commensurate based on qualifications, experience, and assigned project responsibilities.
Pay Range: $25.00 – $30.00 hourly
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs
Additional Information