Heritage Specialist

Perfdrive; Vaughan; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Heritage Specialist within the Cultural Heritage and Urban Design Division of the City of Vaughan provides expert input on heritage matters, prepares conservation plans and reports, and supports development planning processes to conserve heritage resources.

The role collaborates with staff, attends public meetings, and ensures compliance with heritage legislation while coordinating with Indigenous communities and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• University degree as specified; background in cultural resource management or related studies.
• Experience delivering heritage conservation projects or policy initiatives.
• Ability to coordinate with municipal, regional, or provincial heritage programs.
• Experience with Indigenous engagement and public/stakeholder consultations.
• Understanding of Ontario Heritage Act and related guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Respond to cultural heritage services and uphold policies.
• Prepare cultural heritage reports, forms, and conservation plans.
• Assist with development applications, heritage permits, and related processes.
• Support Senior Heritage Planner at public meetings, hearings, and tribunals.
• Provide technical expertise for GIS and IT deliverables related to heritage sites.

Skills

Heritage conservation

Public consultation

GIS knowledge

Report writing

Policy interpretation

Education

University Degree in Planning or Architectural History

Tools

MS Office

Adobe Creative Suite

GIS

Job description

Hours of work: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (35 hrs/week)

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Union: CUPE 905 FT Clerical and Technical

Vacancy Type: Existing

Physical Location: City Hall

Vaughan is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. Its emerging downtown, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre; Canada’s first smart hospital, the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital; and the 900-acre North Maple Regional Park continue to generate momentum and excitement. Be part of something amazing and build your career at the City of Vaughan!
The City is an equal-opportunity employer and a forward-looking municipality that is committed to fostering a dynamic workplace that is diverse, inclusive and welcoming. As an award-winning organization for its employment and diversity and inclusivity practices, the City is focused on providing its employees with a thriving professional environment that leverages flexible work arrangements, a family-focused benefits package emphasizing work-life balance, learning and growth opportunities, and a place where collaboration and teamwork are valued.
Excellence demands brilliant personalities, visionary thinking and a passion for public service. Vaughan is your place to grow.

Position Overview

The Heritage Specialist is a member of the Cultural Heritage and Urban Design Division within the Development Planning Department. This position is responsible for actively and progressively responding to matters of cultural heritage services, the administration and upholding of cultural heritage policies, preparation of cultural heritage reports and forms, and the promotion of public interest in the City’s heritage. The Heritage Specialist assists Development Planning staff with cultural heritage input for development applications, heritage permit and clearance process, studies, reports, and legal agreements that bind heritage property owners and/or Council to ensure the conservation of heritage resources, including Designation By-laws, Heritage Easement Agreements, Conservation Plans, Heritage Impact Assessments and Letters of Credit. This position will assist the Development Planning department with technical, cultural, historical and architectural expertise on heritage matters and will support the Senior Heritage Planner to prepare cases and represent the City at Public Meetings, Hearings, Committees, and Local Planning Appeals Tribunal hearing on heritage matters.

Qualifications and Experience

• University Degree in Planning, Architectural History, Architecture, Urban Design, or suitable equivalent with background in cultural resource management, museology, community development, architecture, urbanism, heritage conservation, history or other relevant archaeology, anthropology, or heritage-related studies.
• Professional membership or requirement to apply for professional membership in CAHP within a year, under Archaeology, Building Specialist, Heritage Planner, or Public Sector Specialist.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience delivering heritage conservation projects, historic research projects and/or heritage policy initiatives, and/or Ontario-based residential architectural project development/management and permit application process including OBC research and materials specifications and costing.
• Comfort and ability to serve as a lead resource for the City of Vaughan in specific areas, with experience coordinating Municipal, Regional or Provincial Cultural Heritage programs is required.
• Experience working with First Nations, Mé tis, Inuit, and/or other Indigenous communities, preferably in an engagement role.
• Experience in public/stakeholder/rights-holder consultation.
• Strong working knowledge of the Ontario Heritage Act, the UNESCO Heritage Guidelines, the Planning Act, the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, and proven ability to interpret and apply legislation and policies.
• Understanding of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Working knowledge of Indigenous cultures, etiquette, protocols, diversity, events, service agencies, community networks, strategies knowledge systems and contemporary issues, especially in Ontario.
• Ability to provide technical expertise/support for GIS and IT deliverable requirements for archaeological and designated heritage sites, including building surveys and archaeological mitigation, Sacred Sites, Heritage Landscapes, Archaeological Boundaries, Heritage Monitoring,
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience in, architectural construction and building practices, building typology and Canadian Architectural History, urban (site) design, including the ability to interpret site plan and architectural drawings.
• Demonstrated knowledge of historical preservation/conservation theory, engineering technology principles and practice.
• Working knowledge and understanding of archaeological reports and pertinent site plans, and experience to track and review pre/pending and post-excavation requirements and the safe administration and storage of archaeological documents.
• Excellent report writing, problem-solving and public communication skills, with the ability to effectively address cultural heritage technical and non-technical matters. Ability to express ideas and concepts, and to engage audiences through multiple platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple concurrent projects, team and public meetings, and possesses strong time management skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality, adapt to changing priorities, politically sensitive issues while analyzing multiple time-sensitive demands and conflicting priorities, and making accurate and timely decisions in a professional manner.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite; working knowledge of GIS.
• Knowledge of, and demonstrated ability in, the City's core competencies and relevant functional competencies.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license, in good standing, and access to a reliable vehicle to use on corporate business.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered or working towards Planner designation with the Ontario Professional Planning Institute
• Registered or working towards Architect designation with Ontario Association of Architects
• Three to five (3-5) years' experience

The City of Vaughan is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds. The City of Vaughan is also committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities.