Project Historian 1

Why DOWL? 

DOWL is a top-ranked, multi-disciplined consulting firm with over 60 years of experience in civil engineering and related services. Our in-house expertise spans Civil and Land Development, Construction-Related Services, Transportation and Structures, and Water and Environmental Services. At DOWL, you’re valued.  We support your growth, offer great benefits, and foster a culture of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork. 

Environmental Services 

Our environmental specialists understand federal, state, and local environmental regulations, have trusted relationships with agency staff, and are experts on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and natural resources. From fast-track Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), Environmental Assessments (EA) and Categorical Exclusions (CatEx) to remote fieldwork, biological assessments, and wetland delineations, our team understands the processes, people, and regulations needed to move our clients’ projects to the next stage.  Join our team and be one of the People Who Make it Happen!

Summary

DOWL is looking for an experienced Project Historian 1 to join our Cultural Resources Management (CRM) team as a mid- to upper-level professional. This position serves as a subject matter expert supporting a wide range of projects across the Pacific and Inland Northwest.  We’re seeking a candidate with a master’s degree in history or a related field and 6-10 years of CRM experience. This role involves leading cultural resource efforts in compliance with NHPA and NEPA, including proposal writing, archival and field research, report preparation, agency and tribal coordination, and public engagement.  You’ll be responsible for synthesizing historical data, documenting cultural resources, conducting fieldwork, managing project schedules and field crews, and preparing technical reports. This is a great opportunity for a detail-oriented professional with strong research, writing, and communication skills who’s passionate about preserving our shared heritage.  Join DOWL and help shape meaningful projects that balance progress with cultural preservation.

This position can be based out of any DOWL office location in Oregon (Portland, Lake Oswego, Salem, Bend, or Medford).

Job Responsibilities and Duties

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Software

• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) - Proficient
• Market Sector Software - Proficient

Technical Expertise

• Fully proficient understanding of technical fundamentals related to the market sector
• Leads technical efforts on a variety of project types, sizes, and complexities
• Mentors others on technical tasks and skills
• Performs quality control of moderately complex deliverables

Teamwork

Team player who leads small teams (1-2 people) to complete challenging assignments. Is an independent thinker, provides clear communication and direction to others, and takes responsibility for their results.

Project Delivery

Produces the following independently and oversees others with less experience:

• Technical reports and memos
• Cultural Resource Baseline Reports
• Phase 1 and Phase 2 reports
• Section 106 documentation
• Other cultural documents as assigned
• Field studies and investigations

Understanding Budget and Schedule

Strong understanding of scopes, scheduled, and budgets. Able to predict and deliver individual tasks within a set level of effort. Able to consistently meet budget and schedule expectations on projects. Develops budgets and schedules for complex tasks. Breaks down complex projects into logical tasks. Able to prioritize multiple assignments to successfully deliver all assigned projects on time and on budget. Mentors others on above.

Industry Standards and Regulations

Demonstrates practical application of the following laws and regulations:

• NHPA, NAGPRA, NEPA, ARPA
• Relevant state laws

Client Interaction

Frequent direct communications with clients to resolve technical issues on moderate to complex projects. Leads client project meetings. Understand appropriate messaging and legal risks.

Other

Other duties as assigned.

Level of Work/Accountability

Performs advanced levels of technical work on large, complex projects as a trusted technical member of the market sector. Operates with a high level of autonomy. Reviews the work of others. May perform some project management tasks.

Supervisory Duties

May be a supervisor:

• Oversees team operations and the daily workflow of the team
• Organizes workflow and ensures that employees understand their duties or delegated tasks
• Recruits and hires new employees
• Implements training for new hires and identifies training opportunities for current staff
• Communicates information from leadership to employees and vice versa
• Monitors employee productivity and provides constructive feedback and coaching
• Sets goals for performance and deadlines in ways that comply with company’s plans and vision and communicates them to employees
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations
• Decides on reward and promotion based on performance
• Handles discipline and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with company policy

Education and/or Experience

• Master's Degree required
• Years of experience required: 6 years
• Years of experience required with advanced degree: 5 years

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Must meet Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical and environmental demands of this position reflect the diverse nature of work performed by the Project Historian 1. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The role requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, talking, hearing, and use of hands. Vision requirements include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Employees must be capable of lifting and carrying 30 to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds. Fieldwork may involve cutting brush with chainsaws or machetes, hiking through rough terrain, snow, or ice, digging with hand tools, screening sediment, and working on uneven surfaces or within confined excavations. Travel to rural and remote sites, often by small fixed- or rotary-wing aircraft, may be necessary.  Work is divided between field and office environments. Fieldwork is performed outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and locations ranging from urban areas to remote, undeveloped sites. Noise levels can vary from moderate to moderately loud near construction activity. Office work is typically conducted in a moderate noise environment. Employees must be prepared to transition between settings and conditions as project needs dictate.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.