Architectural Historian Job Opening

MASON is seeking an Architectural Historian to join our preservation and historic consulting team in Honolulu. This role supports research, documentation, and evaluation of historic resources across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific, with work spanning both field investigations and office-based report writing.

Position Overview

The Architectural Historian will conduct historical research and field investigations for buildings and infrastructure-related resources, including roads and bridges, canals, culverts, lava rock walls, and historic irrigation systems associated with Hawaiʻi’s plantation era. This position involves evaluating historic significance and integrity, documenting historic resources, and assessing potential project effects on historic properties.

Work products may include HABS/HAER/HALS documentation, National and Hawaiʻi Register of Historic Places nominations, historic inventory surveys, historic context studies, and consulting materials for State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD) review. Approximately 35% of the position is field-based and 65% is office-based.

Responsibilities

• Conduct archival and field research on historic buildings and infrastructure.
• Evaluate historic significance, integrity, and project impacts to historic resources.
• Prepare reports, documentation, and preservation review materials.
• Develop HABS/HAER/HALS documentation and historic register nominations.
• Produce historic inventory surveys and historic context studies.
• Support SHPD project reviews and related consulting work.
• Collaborate with team members while independently managing assigned projects.

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree in history or a historic preservation-related field.
• Familiarity with National Register of Historic Places guidelines for evaluating historic significance.

Preferred

• Project management experience.
• Interest or experience in Hawaiian history and military history.
• Knowledge of Cold War era military history.
• Familiarity with historic preservation legislation, including:
• NHPA Section 106
• Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules §13-275 / §13-284
• Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes Chapter 6E
• GIS skills.
• Graphic support skills in Photoshop and/or InDesign.

Additional Requirements

• Current residence on Oʻahu, or willingness to relocate.
• Ability to travel within the Pacific region, including Guam.
• Valid driver’s license.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $65,000–$85,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Health and dental insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Transportation allowance.
• Continuing education budget.
• Monthly gym membership allowance.

About MASON

MASON is Hawaiʻi’s premier preservation firm, combining architecture, historic consulting, and sustainability. Founded in 1978 in Downtown Honolulu, we are a thriving interdisciplinary team of architects, architectural historians, and preservation consultants committed to preserving Hawaiʻi’s built heritage.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to info@masonarch.com. Writing samples may also be submitted or requested.