Historic Preservation Planner I/II

City of Wilmington, NC; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Wilmington seeks a Historic Preservation Planner responsible for preserving the city’s historic resources. This role involves various tasks from interpreting design standards to community coordination. Ideal candidates will have a degree in a related field and relevant experience, along with strong communication and research skills.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with city contribution

Employer-paid health & wellness clinic

Paid sick and vacation leave

6-weeks paid parental leave

Paid volunteer & blood donation leave

Flex schedule

Tuition assistance benefits

Qualifications

• Education in historic preservation or a related field with relevant experience.
• Ability to develop good working relationships with stakeholders.
• Knowledge of historic architectural styles and principles.

Responsibilities

• Interprets design standards and applies regulations to specific projects.
• Reviews alterations for compliance with Historic Preservation Design Standards.
• Prepares and presents reports on proposed alterations to historic properties.

Skills

Oral communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Research and data collection

Education

Bachelor's degree in historic preservation, architecture, or related field

Master's degree in historic preservation, architecture, or related field

Job description

The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position 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.

Typical Tasks

• 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
  
  

Qualifications

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.
  

Supplemental Information

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.

Our Core Values

INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY

Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.

What We Offer

The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
• Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
• Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
• Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
• 6-weeks paid parental leave
• Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
• Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
• Tuition assistance benefits
  
  

Applicant Status Updates: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.

Health Benefits are offered to employees working at least 30 hours per week.

Health Insurance - The City offers two options for health coverage: a standard PPO plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following 30 days of employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Both you and the City contribute to the overall cost of coverage.

Dental Insurance - Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. Employees, their spouse and dependent children are eligible for coverage.

Life Insurance - The city pays to provide coverage valued at one times your annual salary. Supplemental insurance is available for employees to purchase. Optional coverage for dependents is also available for purchase.

Retirement

• NC Local Government Retirement System - All benefits eligible employees make a mandatory 6% contribution every pay period.
• Deferred Compensation – The city contributes an amount equal to 4.5% of the annual salary to a 401(k) plan regardless of employee contribution. Employees may choose to contribute additional money to the 401(k) or 457 deferred compensation plans, without a match from the City, within the IRS guidelines.
  
  

Paid Leave (offered to employees working at least 1,000 hours annually*):

• Sick Leave - 12 days accrued each year
• Annual Leave - Accrual based on years of service and classification. Employees can earn from 10 to 24 days each year.
• Holidays - 13 paid holidays annually
• Paid Parental Leave - Six weeks of paid leave for the birth, adoption or placement of a child (must run concurrently with FMLA).
• Part-Time Employees will earn paid leave benefits on a pro-rated basis.
  
  

Miscellaneous

• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Cancer & Critical Illness
• Accident Insurance
• Whole Life Insurance
• Credit Union membership
  
  

Note: The City of Wilmington is on a bi-weekly pay cycle. New employees should expect to recieve their first paycheck approximately 3 weeks after their start date.

**This is intended to be a brief overview of the benefits offered. Please visit our website at https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Government/Departments-Divisions/Human-Resources/Benefits for more information.**

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• Yes
  
  

02

I understand that for my application to be considered, I must thoroughly complete the work experience and education portions of the application form to demonstrate my qualifications for this job. Entering "N/A' or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.

• Yes
  
  

03

How many years of historic preservation experience do you have?

• I have no experience
• less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years to less than 10 years
• 10 years or more
  
  

04

Please identify the company/agency/organization where you gained the experience described in question #3. Note: These employers must be listed in the work history section on your employment application to receive credit. Entering "N/A' or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.

05

Do you hold either of the following certifications or have the ability to obtain them within two (2) years of hire? North Carolina Association of Zoning Officials (NCAZO) or American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)

06

Which best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• None - N/A
  
  

07

Do you have a valid Drivers License?

• Yes
• No
  
  

08

The hiring salary for the position is posted on the job posting. Salary determination is supported by budget availability and qualifications of the candidate to maintain internal equity. Please acknowledge that you understand this process.

• Yes
• No
• Required Question