Preservation Planner

brooklinema; Brookline (MA); On-site; USD 66,107 - 80,798; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The Town of Brookline is seeking a Preservation Planner to assist the Planning Department in administering regulations related to historic preservation. This role involves processing applications for historic district approvals, reviewing architectural plans, and conducting public hearings.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree with experience in the field and possesses robust knowledge of historic preservation laws. Competitive salary starting at $73,453 with a comprehensive benefits package is offered.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of historic preservation regulations and architectural history.
• Minimum two years of experience in historic preservation or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

• Administers the Town's Local Historic District by-law.
• Reviews plans for exterior renovations within local historic districts.
• Prepares materials for public hearings regarding preservation matters.

Skills

Knowledge of state and federal regulations

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to read architectural plans

Superior organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in historic preservation or related field

Master’s degree (highly desirable)

Job description

Preservation Planner Job Description

The Town of Brookline is accepting applications for a planner specializing in Preservation. The ideal candidate will assist the Planning Department with processing applications for review by the Preservation and NCD Commissions; review plans for all exterior renovations to buildings within Local Historic Districts and NCDs; prepare materials for public hearings; assist in the administration of the Town’s Demolition Delay By-law; and work with other Town departments, property owners and the general public on a wide variety of historic and preservation subjects. Perform complex administrative and professional work in administering the Town’s Local Historic Districts, Neighborhood Conservation Districts (NCD) and Demolition Delay By-law to identify, preserve, and protect the architectural and historical resources of the Town.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in historic preservation or closely related field; Master’s degree highly desirable; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Working knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to historic preservation, architectural history, and the cultural and landscape resources of historic preservation planning.

Special Requirements

• A valid motor vehicle operator’s license

Salary

Starting annualized salary $73,453 plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Position Purpose

The purpose of this position is to perform complex administrative and professional work in administering the Town’s Local Historic District and Demolition Delay bylaws to identify, preserve, and protect the cultural resources of the town; performs all other related work.

Supervision

Supervision Scope: Performs varied and responsible duties requiring a thorough working knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and initiative to carry out assignments independently, analyze situations and conditions, and determine appropriate course of action from among many alternatives.

Supervision Received: Work is performed under the administrative direction of the Preservation Commission and the Director of Planning and Community Development. Resolves procedural problems independently, requesting assistance with unusual situations which do not have clear precedents.

Job Environment

Administrative work is performed under typical office conditions; the noise level is moderate. Makes frequent site visits with occasional exposure to weather extremes. Attends frequent evening meetings. Operates an automobile, computer, camera, slide projector, scanner, printer, facsimile machine, copier, calculator, typewriter, and other standard office equipment. Makes frequent contacts with other town departments/boards/committees, other local agencies, governmental agencies, the media, property owners, and the general public. Contacts are in person, in writing, and by telephone and require persuasiveness, resourcefulness, and discretion to influence the behavior of others. Has access to department‑related confidential information. Errors in judgment or omissions could result in loss of department services, and have serious legal ramifications.

Essential Functions

• Administers the Town’s Local Historic District by-law. Processes applications for review by the Commission. Reviews plans for all exterior renovations to buildings within local historic district. Works with the Building Department to ensure compliance with all regulations. Prepares materials for public hearings.
• Administers the town’s Demolition Delay by-law. Reviews all requests for demolition in town and determines significance. Prepares reports for public hearings. Works in cooperation with owners to develop and implement alternatives to demolition.
• Participates in the design review of National and State Register properties as needed. Assists with the preparation of environmental assessments and reviews as required as part of the town’s CDBG entitlement.
• Consults with other town departments including Planning, Economic Development, Housing, Conservation, Park & Open Space, Engineering, Cemetery Trustees, etc. on design review and development projects.
• Initiates and prepares determination for eligibility for National Register listing.
• Provides technical assistance to other town departments regarding grant writing. Reviews/consults on projects involving historic properties.
• Provides technical assistance to residents and the general public on a wide variety of subjects including local history, and building preservation, restoration, and renovation.
• Maintains municipal and historical records including photographs.
• Maintains Certified Local Government status. Maintains records and prepares annual report to the Massachusetts Historical Commission.
• Prepares public education programs and materials including walking tours, slide shows, historic publications (books, pamphlets, brochures, design guidelines, etc.).
• Participates in special projects including the Comprehensive Plan, Open Space Plan, etc.
• Provides staff support to the Preservation Commission. Serves as secretary to the Commission; organizes meetings; prepares public hearing notices; drafts minutes and correspondence.
• Obtains information regarding available grants and writes grant proposals.
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

• Knowledge: Working knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to historic preservation. General knowledge of architectural history. General knowledge of the cultural and landscape resources of historic preservation planning.
• Ability: Ability to read architectural plans. Ability to assess the significance of buildings and landscapes. Ability to work cooperatively with a wide variety of federal/state/local organizations and agencies. Ability to handle inquiries and/or complaints tactfully and effectively.
• Skill: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Skill in all of the above listed tools and equipment. Superior organizational skills.

Physical Requirements

Regularly required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear; operate objects, tools, or controls; pick up paper, files, and other common office objects. Lifts/moves objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Communicates verbally and in writing. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges. Ability to operate a keyboard at an efficient speed.

The Town of Brookline is an equal opportunity employer and dedicated to maintaining a diverse workforce.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.