The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter of the city's square miles have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Waterfront Research Historian position located in the Archaeology Division in the Office of Historic Alexandria (OHA).
An Overview
The Waterfront Research Historian will compile, develop, and research a comprehensive waterfront history study. In 2010 the City of Alexandria initiated a comprehensive plan to redevelop its historic waterfront. The Waterfront Small Area Plan includes the construction of a promenade, parks, and amenities in conjunction with flood mitigation efforts that will reshape the city's waterfront, which in turn has spurred private development. The waterfront history study will be a critical document towards understanding and mitigating the impacts of new waterfront construction while also providing a detailed examination of how the waterfront evolved from a small hamlet to full-fledged and later industrial port city. This study is also part of fulfilling the Archaeological Protection Code, administered by Alexandria Archaeology. Passed in 1989, the code requires that City Archaeologists review all ground-disturbing projects to ensure that information about the past is not lost as a result of development. In 2018 alone, City Archaeologists reviewed more than 1,300 site plans and building permits as part of an integrated, community archaeology program. The work of the Waterfront Historian is performed under the direct supervision of the City Archaeologist in coordination with the staff Archaeologists, the City Historian, and under the general supervision of the Director of OHA.
The Opportunity – Examples of Work
- Provides research assistance to OHA Director, City Archaeologist, and City Historian on Alexandria's seaport history;
- Establishes chain-of-titles for waterfront blocks, drawing upon relevant deeds, plats, titles and utilizes additional material to develop block-by-block histories including tax and census records, will books, maps, newspapers, probate records, mutual insurance policies, archaeological data, etc.;
- Creates GIS shapefiles and associated data sets to organize, analyze, and visualize the land creation and use history of urban waterfront blocks;
- Develops a historical context for the interpretation of the waterfront, identifying the owners, occupations, and built elements of original and expanded waterfront lots;
- Compiles historical sketches on the landowners and occupants, including white tenants, free blacks, and enslaved residents;
- Integrates secondary source material with original, primary source research to create a comprehensive waterfront documentary study;
- Archives copies of primary source material, maintaining an index and finding guide;
- Lectures and speaks to groups and organizations on waterfront history;
- Compiles statistics and prepares monthly progress reports; and
- Performs related work as required.
What You Should Bring
The ideal candidate should have a thorough knowledge of 18th and 19th century regional history as well as experience with archival records and primary and secondary sources that pertain to Alexandria and the broader region. Specifically, we seek proven experience with chain-of-title research and in using Geographic Information System (GIS) software to map and visualize spatial data. The job requires an individual with the ability to: communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; create publishable, compelling and sound scholarship on urban and African American history; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, employees of the City of Alexandria, and the community. The work will take place in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and at local and regional archives.
Minimum & Additional Requirements
Bachelor's degree in history or closely related field and three years of experience in professional historical research work involving the use of research methodology; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in history or closely related subject and three years of experience in historical research involving the use of research methodology. Experience with conducting large-scale, primary source documentary research that culminates in substantive history reports. Minimum one year of experience in each of the following: chain-of-title research; using GIS to answer historical questions, including creating and working with shapefiles, geodatabases, data entry, map production and georeferencing, storymaps; and conducting complex, independent primary source document research. A valid driver's license and the ability to pass a required City driving class as well as the ability to lift individual boxes with 30 lbs. of weight with or without accommodation.
This position has a limited term of 2 years. This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks to include, but not limited to, a criminal background screening.