Historic Preservation Planner I/II

City of Wilmington; Country Estates (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Wilmington seeks a Historic Preservation Planner to assist in preserving the city's historic resources. The role involves interpreting design standards, conducting thorough research, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and a background in historic preservation or related fields.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fields; historic preservation experience required.
• Knowledge of historic preservation principles and techniques.
• Ability to interpret design standards and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementation of historic preservation objectives.
• Review alterations for compliance with design standards.
• Present detailed reports on property alterations.

Skills

Oral communication

Interpersonal skills

Creative problem-solving

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in historic preservation or related field

Master's degree in historic preservation or related field

Job description

Historic Preservation Planners are responsible for assisting in the implementation of the short- and long-term objectives and activities associated with preserving Wilmington’s historic resources. This is accomplished by completing assigned tasks and projects; interpreting and applying design standards, ordinances, and other policies; presenting data and information through written and oral presentations; and ensuring compliance with all codes, plans, policies, and standards.

• Interprets and applies design standards and regulations to specific projects
• Reviews alterations for compliance with Historic Preservation Design Standards
• Prepares and presents detailed reports on proposed alterations to historic properties under the guidance of senior staff
• Researches the history of property and buildings, architectural styles, architects, and notable individuals associated with those properties and makes recommendations with regard to potential landmark designation
• Researches benchmarks and assists in writing a variety of ordinances and design standards related to historic preservation
• Develops and maintains records of historic properties in local and national register districts.
• Coordinates community review of public and private development projects
• Provides information to the public regarding historic design standards and development regulations
• Assists in resolving customer issues
• Oversees work of consultants and interns
• Coordinates data collection and publications by creating and coordinating geographic data and maps and developing and tracking metrics.
• Ensures that information is made available to the public by developing and publishing information through methods such as the organization’s website, social media accounts, and other public facing platforms.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS-GENERAL

• Education and Related Experience
  • Historic Preservation Planner I. Bachelors degree in historic preservation, architectural history, urban planning, architecture, public policy, or related area of study with one year of historic preservation experience OR Masters degree in one of those fields and no experience
  • Historic Preservation Planner II. Masters degree in historic preservation, architectural history, urban planning, architecture, public policy, or related area of study with one year of historic preservation experience OR Bachelors degree and three years of experience.
• Knowledge
  • Historic Preservation Planner I.Knowledge of:
    • Philosophies, principles, practices, & techniques of historic preservation;
    • Historic architectural styles and building methods;
    • Principles and practices of research and data collection
  • Historic Preservation Planner II.Well-developed knowledge of the items identified for Planner I and:
    • Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation;
    • Environmental review procedures;
    • National Register criteria; and
    • Local government procedures and practices.
• Skills
  • Historic Preservation Planner I
    • Oral communication and interpersonal skills to explain rules and procedures clearly to the public
    • Interpersonal skills to develop good working relationships with staff, officials and stakeholders.
    • Ability to work independently or on a team
    • Effective oral and verbal communication skills
    • Creative problem-solving skills to gather relevant information to solve practical problems and address citizen inquiries and concerns
    • Ability to review plans and apply provisions of the ordinances and design standards to determine compliance with such regulations and to apply regulations to field conditions
    • Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously
    • Ability to attend to details while keeping big-picture goals in mind
    • Ability to facilitate in-person and virtual public participation activities, including small group facilitation as part of community workshops
  • Historic Preservation Planner II.Skills and abilities of Historic Preservation Planner I, plus:
    • Strong interpersonal skills with ability to resolve complaints
    • Excellent oral and written communication skills
    • Ability to build consensus in developing solutions to problems
    • Ability to identify needed changes to design standards and ordinance provisions to meet goal and policy objectives.
    • Ability to prioritize tasks and projects based on the needs of the organization
    • Ability to manage projects effectively and meet firm deadlines
• Certifications.
  • Historic Preservation Planner II. At least one of the following certifications or ability to obtain within two (2) years of hire: North Carolina Association of Zoning Officials (NCAZO) or American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
• Other Requirements.
  • Valid Class C Driver's License
• Work Schedule.
  • Ability to work nights and weekends.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Exerting up to 10 lbs. occasionally or negligible weights frequently, sitting most of the time.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
This position generally requires work indoors/office setting. Some outdoor work may be necessary for particular events.