Job Description

Preserve California’s history—one project at a time.
HELIX Environmental Planning is seeking an As-Needed Architectural Historian / Historian to support cultural resources and built-environment studies throughout Southern California. This As-Needed Architectural Historian / Historian role is ideal for a San Diego–based professional who enjoys a balance of field surveys, archival research, and technical documentation in a flexible, project-driven environment.

Why HELIX?

HELIX is a California-based, employee-owned environmental consulting firm known for technical excellence, collaboration, and meaningful work. Our Cultural Resources team supports public and private projects across the state, delivering high-quality, defensible studies that meet local, state, and federal requirements. As an As-Needed Architectural Historian / Historian, you’ll work alongside experienced cultural resources professionals on diverse and engaging projects.

Day in the Life of an As-Needed Architectural Historian / Historian

As an As-Needed Architectural Historian / Historian, you may conduct built-environment field surveys in San Diego and Riverside counties, perform in-person and online historical research, and prepare DPR 523 forms. You’ll assist with technical reports and coordinate with cultural resources specialists, environmental planners, clients, subconsultants, and agency staff. Because this is an as-needed position, hours will vary based on project demand.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct architectural history and built-environment field surveys
• Perform historical research using San Diego–area archives and public records
• Prepare California DPR 523 series forms and supporting documentation
• Assist with cultural resources technical reports
• Communicate effectively with HELIX staff, clients, and agency personnel

Schedule & Location

• As-needed, hourly position – no guarantee of hours, but estimating 10 hours/week
• San Diego–based with local field assignments
• Variable hours depending on workload
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive a HELIX vehicle

Pay

• $24–$48 per hour, based on experience and qualifications

Apply Today

If you’re ready to contribute as an As-Needed Architectural Historian / Historian and enjoy flexible, meaningful cultural resources work, apply through the HELIX website. A writing sample may be requested as part of the selection process.

Equal Opportunity Employer
HELIX is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and an inclusive work environment. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of gender, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service or veteran status. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.

PM21

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in History, Architectural History, or closely related field (or equivalent experience)
• Familiarity with historic preservation and cultural resources regulations in California
• Experience conducting historical research in San Diego (e.g., building permits, assessor records, local archives)
• Strong research, writing, organizational, and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience authoring historic contexts
• Experience preparing California DPR forms