Historic Preservation Specialist

Mecklenburg County Government; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 69,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Mecklenburg County Government seeks a Historic Preservation Specialist to support the Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) by handling design reviews, landmark designations, and historic research in coordination with the Preservation Manager.

The role requires a background in historic preservation or planning, with at least two years of related experience, and a degree in a related field. Opportunities include collaboration with municipal staff and participation in surveys and reports.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in Historic Preservation and/or planning.
• Degree in Historic Preservation, Public History, Planning, Architecture, History, or Law.
• Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: Yes

Responsibilities

• Process properties through the landmark designation process for the local municipalities in Mecklenburg County.
• Assist the Historic Preservation Manager with the design review functions of the HLC.
• Assist the Director and Historic Preservation Manager in the conducting and preparation for HLC meetings.
• May manage preservation projects aligned with strategic planning.
• May serve as staff resource for committees.
• May assist in day-to-day activities of the HL department.
• May conduct survey activities and manage historic designation reports.

Skills

Historic preservation

Planning

Written communication

Project coordination

Education

Bachelors/Masters in Historic Preservation or related field

Job description

Salary Range: $69,389 - $104,083

This is an exempt position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity

The Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) is an agency of Mecklenburg County. The fundamental purpose of the Commission is to recommend the designation of properties (real and personal) for historic landmark designation and to secure the preservation of same through exercising design review and by acquiring and selling fee simple or lesser included interests in endangered historic landmarks.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Historic Preservation Specialist will carry out many of the essential functions of the Historic Landmarks (HL) department and will work closely with the Historic Preservation Manager to ensure that processes such as design review, designation, and historic research are accomplished in accordance with goals of the department and the Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Processes properties through the landmark designation process for the local municipalities in Mecklenburg County. This includes the drafting of ordinances, coordinating the public hearings, coordinating the process with the staffs of the municipalities, and the presentation of the properties to the public and to the elected officials at the public hearings.


• Assist the Historic Preservation Manager with the design review functions of the HLC.


• Assist the Director and Historic Preservation Manager in the conducting and preparation for HLC meetings.


• May be responsible for managing preservation projects aligned with the strategic planning.


• May serve as the staff resource for the committees


• May assist Historic Preservation Manager in managing some of the day-to-day activities of the HL department.


• May carry out many of the survey activities of the HLC, which can include managing the production of the historic designation reports and performing or managing surveys of historic resources.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in Historic Preservation and/or planning.


• Education: Degree in Historic Preservation, Public History, Planning, Architecture, History, or Law.


• Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted: Yes

Licenses and Certifications

• Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License


• Requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Mecklenburg County Operator's Permit

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree, professional accreditation, and/or expertise derived from work or academic experience


• Historical research experience


• Basic understanding of architecture


• Local or city government experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of

• Historic preservation principles and practices


• Architectural history


• Building construction and design


• Historic research techniques


• Building permitting and inspection processes


• Municipal government operations

Skills

• Managing complex municipal processes


• Understanding architectural plans


• Managing and organizing data


• Oral and written communication


• Handling multiple tasks and prioritizing

Abilities

• Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures


• Planning and Organization: Establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed effectively.


• Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided


• Initiating Action: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive


• Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships


• Developing Others: Planning and supporting the development of individuals’ skills and abilities so that they can fulfill current or future job/role responsibilities more effectively

Computer Skills

• Proficient in various computer programs including Adobe and Microsoft Office Suite


• Proficiency in using project management programs

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.