Historic Preservation Specialist (Opened Until Filled)

City of Fresno; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Fresno is seeking a Historic Preservation Specialist to lead preservation efforts, evaluate properties, and work with stakeholders to safeguard Fresno's heritage.

The role involves managing the historic preservation program, drafting nominations, and coordinating with commissions and consultants. Applicants should have relevant degrees and experience in architectural history or preservation, with readiness to attend interviews and provide transcripts.

Qualifications

• Possession of a graduate degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or closely related field.
• Two (2) years of full-time experience in research, writing, or teaching in American architectural history or restoration architecture with an academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution.
• A valid California Driver's License may be required at time of appointment.
• Applicants must attach transcripts for education verification as instructed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the City’s historic preservation program and ordinance.
• Identify, evaluate, document, and register significant archaeological and historic properties.
• Review properties for eligibility to local, State, and National Registers of Historic Places.
• Draft nomination forms and oversee architectural survey contracts.
• Manage historic preservation grant applications and recommend funding projects.
• Collaborate with community groups, agencies, and committees on preservation efforts.
• Educate the public and property owners on the benefits of historic preservation.
• Prepare reports, correspondence, and technical documents related to preservation activities.
• Prepare for and staff monthly meetings of the Historic Preservation Commission, with supervisory support
• Manage the work of consultants supporting historic preservation programs

Skills

Research

Writing

Interpersonal skills

Public speaking

Education

Graduate degree in architectural history

Bachelor's degree in architectural history

Graduate degree in history

Bachelor's degree in history

Job description

RECRUITMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR UNTIL A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. Recruitment may close at any time.

Position Description

Come and join the City of Fresno in achieving our mission of Building a Better Fresno!

Are you passionate about preserving history and shaping the future? The City of Fresno is seeking a dedicated Historic Preservation Specialist to lead efforts in safeguarding the city’s rich cultural heritage. In this pivotal role, you'll manage the historic preservation program, evaluate significant archaeological and historic properties, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to protect Fresno's legacy. If you're ready to make a lasting impact and contribute to building a better Fresno, we want to hear from you!

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Lead and manage the City’s historic preservation program and ordinance.
• Identify, evaluate, document, and register significant archaeological and historic properties.
• Review properties for eligibility to local, State, and National Registers of Historic Places.
• Draft nomination forms and oversee architectural survey contracts.
• Manage historic preservation grant applications and recommend funding projects.
• Collaborate with community groups, agencies, and committees on preservation efforts.
• Educate the public and property owners on the benefits of historic preservation.
• Prepare reports, correspondence, and technical documents related to preservation activities.
• Prepare for and staff monthly meetings of the Historic Preservation Commission, with supervisory support
• Manage the work of consultants supporting historic preservation programs

Duties and schedules may vary by assignment, please inquire about specific duties and/or schedules if called upon for an interview.

Full job specification may be viewed at:

https://www.fresno.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Historic-Preservation-Specialist_9_17.pdf

View “We Work For You” video to get an inside look at how rewarding it is to work for the City of Fresno: https://youtu.be/RjOUf52KPrk?si=NmkwtgYbTxdKcKOz

The current vacancy exists in the Planning and Development Department. Immediate and future vacancies will be filled from this eligible list for a period of three (3) months from the date the eligible list is created, with the option of extending that period at the City's discretion. If the examination process is suspended for this recruitment, the eligible list may be limited to three (3) months.

The Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for the examination and does not assure a place on the eligibility list.

OPTION 1:

Possession of a graduate degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or closely related field, with coursework in American architectural history.

OPTION 2:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation or a closely related field

AND

Two (2) years of full-time experience in research, writing, or teaching in American architectural history or restoration architecture with an academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution.

OPTION 3:

Possession of a graduate degree in history or closely related field.

OPTION 4:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree bachelor's degree in history or closely related field

AND

Two (2) years of full-time experience in research, writing, teaching, interpretation, or other demonstrable professional activity with an academic institution, historic organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution OR substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in the field of history.

APPLICANTS MUST ATTACH A COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS FOR EDUCATION VERIFICATION (instructions below on how to attach documents). Applications lacking the attachment may be rejected.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The work experience section MUST be completed with detailed duties, dates and weekly hours worked for each title held. Please SPECIFY the relevant duties with which you have experience on your application. Resumes will not be accepted in substitute of a completed employment application and will not be used to evaluate minimum requirements. Applications lacking a completed work experience section may be rejected.

Possession of a valid California Driver's License may be required at time of appointment. Candidates considered for hire may be required to provide proof of a valid driver's license and current copy of their driving record.

Incumbents in this classification must meet the minimum professional qualifications pursuant to Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CFR Part 61.

The selected eligible candidates certified will be required to successfully pass a Department interview and a Department of Justice fingerprint prior to employment with the City of Fresno.

SELECTION PROCESS

The examination process may consist of the following:

Application Review- Qualifying Only: Applications which meet the minimum qualifications will be reviewed and a limited number of the most qualified candidates will be invited to the Oral Examination. Selection of the most qualified candidates will be based upon those applications demonstrating the greatest breadth and depth of applicable education, experience, skills and training. Therefore, applicants are urged to submit sufficiently detailed information in their application materials for evaluation.

Oral Examination- 100%: A panel of subject matter experts will conduct a job-related oral examination to evaluate the candidate's abilities in areas such as, but not limited to, interpersonal and communication skills, knowledge of applicable laws, codes, and regulations, understanding of historic preservation principles and methods, ability to manage historic and recreational sites, and other key competencies related to the position.

Candidates must achieve a passing score to qualify for the eligible list.

Oral examination is to be determined.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Fresno is an equal opportunity employer. Should you need a special accommodation due to a qualifying disability, please contact the Personnel Department at [phone] in advance of the examination.