Planner II - Historic Preservation

Baltimore County; Towson (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Baltimore County is seeking a Historic Preservation Planner II in the Development Review Division tied to the Department of Planning. The role emphasizes public education, community outreach, and technical preservation work, including research, reports, and documentation of historic properties.

Under supervision, you will assist with applications, conduct site visits, draft staff reports, and support the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Evening meetings are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in history, architectural history, historic preservation, or a related field.
• Three years’ professional experience in historic preservation planning.
• Master’s degree in historic preservation, architectural history, history, or related field.
• One year of professional experience in historic preservation planning if you have a Master’s degree.
• Related fields such as architecture, business administration, civil engineering, landscape architecture, law, public administration, social sciences.

Responsibilities

• Public education and community outreach.
• Develops workshops, webinars, or events promoting the County’s historic preservation program.
• Assists with presentations to local neighborhoods or community groups.
• Develops educational materials about the County’s historic places.
• Develops social media campaigns and promotional materials.
• Assists the LPC Administrator with trainings for Landmarks Preservation Commission members.
• Attend events hosted by business, community, heritage, and preservation groups.
• Historic property research and documentation; conduct site visits for documentation.

Skills

Public speaking

Research & analysis

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in history/architectural history/historic preservation

Master’s degree in historic preservation/architectural history/history

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat

Adobe InDesign

Illustrator

Photoshop

GIS mapping

Job description

A vacancy exists in the Department of Planning for a Historic Preservation Planner in the Development Review Division. Pay Schedule I, Grade 29, Regular Schedule: 35 hours per week.

Definition of Responsibility

This is a technical planning position in support of the Department of Planning’s Historic Preservation Section. The primary responsibilities will focus on public education and community outreach. The work and responsibilities will include a broad range of topics, such as historic preservation planning, land use and zoning, the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), historic tax credits, architectural surveying, archival research, and community engagement.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below. Current and future vacancies occurring within this class may be filled from the list of eligible applicants. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Examples of Duties

Job Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Preservation Services Chief, compiles and analyzes data; prepares oral and written reports and presentations; assists with the review of applications, historic property research, and documentation; and assists with workshops or webinars.

Essential Job Duties

• Public education and community outreach
• Develops workshops, webinars, or other events promoting and educating constituents about the County’s Historic preservation program
• Assists with presentations with local neighborhood or community groups
• Develops educational materials regarding the County’s historic and historic places
• Develops social media campaigns and/or posts
• Develops promotional materials, educating the public about the County’s programs
• Assists the LPC Administrator and Chief with trainings for the Landmarks Preservation Commission members
• Attend events hosted by various business, community, heritage, and historic preservation groups
• Historic property research and documentation
• Conducts site visits/ fieldwork as needed for historic property documentation
• Conducts historic property research and documentation, including the completion of the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties form
• Assists with County Landmark or County historic district nominations, including research and evaluation
• Technical support to the County’s Historic Preservation Program
• Assists the LPC Administrator with reviewing applications to the Landmarks Preservation Commission, as well as preparing staff reports.
• Utilizes design guidelines, the County Code, and general preservation and architectural knowledge to draft reports and other determinations
• Attends evening meetings of the Landmarks Preservation Commission
• Assists with reviewing and processing applications for the County’s historic tax credit program
• Assists the section with maintaining records
• Assists in the daily operations, including general administrative and technical tasks, such as updating County web pages and preparing mailings.
• Fields phone calls and answers emails
• Assists with reviewing permits, development plans, zoning, or other planning-related documents
• Assists with reviewing demolition permits and determining if the resource has potential to be a Structure of Unusual Importance

Examples of Other Duties

Performs Other Related Duties As Required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in history, architectural history, historic preservation, or a historic preservation-related field;
• Plus Three years' professional experience in historic preservation planning.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in historic preservation, architectural history, history, or a historic preservation-related field;
• Plus One year of professional experience in historic preservation planning
• Related Fields such as: architecture, business administration, civil engineering, landscape architecture, law, public administration, and social sciences (e.g., economics, geography, political science, sociology, urban and/or regional affairs or studies, etc.)

Technical Qualifications

• Familiarity and experience with National Register Historic Places guidelines for evaluating the significance of historic properties
• Familiarity and experience with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and local historic preservation design guidelines
• Working knowledge and ability to conduct historic research, title and deed searches, and documentation of historic properties
• Knowledge of historic architectural styles and historic building technologies/methods
• Knowledge of the Maryland Historical Trust’s Maryland Inventory of Historic Property program
• Familiarity and experience with completing and submitting state inventory forms, particularly for the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties program
• Familiarity with Maryland and Baltimore County History
• Familiarity with Historic Preservation Commissions
• Familiarity with Historic Tax Credit programs
• Ability to use a computer to access information, conduct research, communicate via videoconferencing platforms, and perform basic word processing and spreadsheet operations
• Ability to speak effectively before individuals, organizations, and public bodies
• Ability to maintain records
• Ability to write, proofread, edit, and rewrite documents effectively and to produce accurate final documents
• Ability to work independently, handle multiple deadlines, set individual priorities, manage time effectively, and apply consistently sound judgment
• Familiarity or experience with GIS mapping, particularly in the context of historic resources, is preferred but not required
• Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop

Proof of Licenses, Certifications, and Education

Applicants are required to submit proof of professional licenses, certifications, and education beyond high school to meet the position's required and preferred qualifications. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant’s major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a Non-Commercial, Class C Maryland driver's license is required at the time of appointment.

Proof of Degree Equivalency

Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org)

ATTN: Historic Preservation Planner II-Development Review

Office of Human Resources

Baltimore County Government

308 Allegheny Ave.

Towson, MD 21204

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE

Applicants will be evaluated based on their training and experience, as stated in their applications, including their responses to the supplemental questions. Applicants must clearly and completely state the dates and duties of their past and present experience for evaluation purposes.

Conditions of Employment

Must attend evening meetings of the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

Physical and Environmental Conditions

The work of this classification is essentially sedentary. Some positions may require travel between work sites.

Medical Examination and Employment Background Investigation

Applicants selected for an appointment to a position in