PRESERVATION PLANNER

Lake Worth Beach; Lake Worth (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lake Worth Beach is seeking a qualified candidate for a position involved in historic preservation. Responsibilities include analyzing preservation requests, preparing detailed reports, and providing guidance on preserving the city's historical resources. A Bachelor's degree in urban planning or a related field and a valid Florida driver’s license are required. The role offers an essential opportunity to contribute to the city’s rich historical heritage and its preservation efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning or closely related field.
• Two years of progressively responsible historic preservation experience.
• Valid Florida driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze historic preservation requests.
• Prepare reports and present recommendations to City officials.
• Assist in acquiring grant funding for preservation programs.

Skills

Knowledge of planning regulations

Skill in Microsoft Office products

Excellent communication skills

Ability to make effective public presentations

Skill in research and technical analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in urban planning or related field

Historic Preservation certificate

Job description

Job Summary

Performs complex work related to historic preservation requests and research for the City of Lake Worth Beach (COLWB). Work involves research and analysis for the Historic Preservation Division; participates in the process for Certificates of Appropriateness (COA), Land Development Regulations, and other matters pertaining to the City’s historic districts. Work involves preparing reports and presenting recommendations to City officials and various external groups, individuals, and agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and analyze historic preservation requests; participate in the development review process and analysis of development petitions and plans within the City’s historic districts.
• Collect and analyze data, conduct site visits as necessary, and assist other planners with special projects.
• Respond to the public and City employees for issues related to historic preservation and provide technical guidance.
• Review building permit applications for properties located within designated historic districts or listed as a historic site on the Lake Worth Beach Register of Historic Places.
• Review demolition permit applications and requests per Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
• Prepare nominations for a structure to be designated as a historic site.
• Maintain and interpret the City’s Historic Preservation Guidelines for Rehabilitation and participate in preservation‑related code compliance efforts.
• Assist in the process of acquiring grant funding for implementation of historic preservation programs.
• Assist with the administration of street signage for historic districts and historic plaque programs.
• Assist with and/or make recommendations for amendments to Historic Preservation Ordinance as assigned.
• Develop public education programs to preserve the City’s historic resources and foster awareness of these resources.
• Assist with comprehensive historic preservation, planning, zoning, development, and revision processes in departmental areas of assignment.
• Provide analysis of requests for Certificates of Appropriateness and apply the City’s Historic Preservation Design Guidelines, Historic Educational Guidelines, Major Thoroughfare Design Guidelines, and Historic Preservation Ordinance as appropriate.
• Analyze development data and plans and prepare recommendations on development‑related requests in departmental areas of assignment.
• Prepare, provide, and/or present analysis and recommendations to the City’s Historic Resources Preservation Board on rezoning requests, major land subdivisions, conditional land use, significant‑impact developments, amendments to planned developments, level I site plan approvals, and requests to modify structures or uses of properties within designated historic districts or listed on the Lake Worth Register of Historic Places.
• Prepare planning reports, documents, and agendas for City officials, boards, committees, and other agencies and organizations; monitor and assist with the management of the Historic Resources Preservation Board as necessary.
• Prepare and/or assist with drafting code amendments, mapping and GIS analysis, and graphic presentations specific to areas of assignment.
• Perform fieldwork and research for both current preservation and comprehensive planning efforts.
• Review building permit applications and business licenses; ensure efficient and timely processing.
• Respond to preservation, planning, and zoning inquiries from internal and external constituents; perform “planner‑on‑call” duties as requested.
• Coordinate and participate with other agencies in activities related to RFPs and completion of plans and bids.
• Provide input on landscape components in neighborhoods, site and master plans, and design guidelines.
• Attend meetings outside of standard business hours when requested or required.
• Coordinate and/or provide guidance to lower‑level planning and technical employees as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, historic preservation, architectural history, architecture, or a closely related field; supplemented by two (2) years of progressively responsible historic preservation experience, or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience. A master’s degree in a directly related field and one (1) year of cumulative job/internship experience in historic preservation is preferred.
• Valid Florida driver’s license required.
• Historic Preservation certificate or equivalent preferred; American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is optional.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of department policies and procedures for preparation, production, and maintenance of reports, documentation, and records.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local planning, zoning, and land‑use regulations, standards, and requirements governing the work.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methodologies, and techniques utilized in municipal zoning, planning, and land‑development planning.
• Knowledge of historic preservation, local and American history, and historic architecture and construction materials and techniques.
• Skill in Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, Excel) and applicable department/organization specific software; ability to learn and become proficient in other specialized software as required.
• Skill in photography, research, and technical analysis of planning‑related information and documents.
• Skill in logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Skill in measuring and performing mathematical computations applicable to the work.
• Adaptability to a changing work environment, competing demands, and frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and provide exceptional internal and external customer service.
• Ability to organize the systematic identification and documentation of historic sites and determine their integrity and significance.
• Ability to judge the potential effect of any proposed undertaking on historic sites.
• Ability to make effective public presentations and manage multiple priorities to meet deadlines.
• Ability to make sound assessments and recommendations based on research; correctly interpret and efficiently implement all applicable policies and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• Reliability to attend work punctually and attend meetings outside of standard business hours as required.

Physical Requirements

Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling objects of up to 20 pounds. May require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, walking, or standing for extended periods.

Environmental Requirements

Tasks are performed inside and/or outside, potentially exposing employees to dirt, dust, pollen, odors, fumes, poor ventilation, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature extremes, noise, machinery, moving vehicles, vibrations, electric currents, wildlife, poisonous agents, chemicals, oils, and violent or disease‑related hazards.

Additional Requirements

Employees may be required to complete FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) Certification Levels 100, 200, 700, and 800 within the first six months of employment. Certain positions may require additional IEC training.

The City of Lake Worth Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with United States Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations.