GENERAL DEFINITION
This is supervisory level planning and research work in the field of historic preservation. Employees in this class serves as an expert in Philadelphia’s historic architecture and construction methods. Employees in this class supervise a team of planners engaged in the design review of applications to the Philadelphia Historical Commission to alter, add to, and demolish historic buildings, structures, sites, and objects and the construction of new buildings in historic districts. Work includes nominating newly defined cultural resources, participating in historic site surveys, identifying cultural resources eligible for National and Philadelphia Registers, performing research, and preparing appropriate nomination forms. Work includes advising property owners and community leaders on historic preservation methods, techniques, and tax incentives. Employees in this class consult with city agencies and others on compliance with federal, state, and local legislation. Creating and presenting educational programs on historic preservation and the history of Philadelphia is a significant aspect of the work. Work includes planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of lower-level employees. Work is performed under the supervision of the Historic Preservation Director.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to
be allocated to this class.)
1. Employees in this class must perform advanced planning and research work in the field of historic preservation.
2. Employees in this class supervise a team of planners engaged in the design review of applications to the Philadelphia Historical Commission to alter, add to, and demolish historic and cultural buildings, structures, sites, and objects and the construction of new buildings in cultural and historic districts.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
Plans, assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of lower level historic preservation staff; prepares performance reports for subordinate staff; directs the collection and analysis of data; reviews recommendations and proposals by subordinates and others related to preservation projects; determines methods and procedures for study; develops guidelines and establishes priorities for subordinates; reviews work for adherence to historic preservation standards; serves as team leader for a group of planners; assigns and reviews work on special and complex projects.
Leads the nomination of newly-defined cultural resources; leads comprehensive historic site surveys within the City of Philadelphia to identify buildings, structures, sites, objects and districts eligible for the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places; undertakes research in primary and secondary sources in various repositories on the history of historically-significant cultural resources, communities, events, and areas in the City; advises property owners, civic associations, and preservation advocates; prepares nomination forms for the Philadelphia and National Registers.
Serves as lead advisor to property owners and their representatives including architects, engineers, contractors, and attorneys about appropriate historic restoration and renovation techniques and methods including but not limited to masonry repair, window and door replacement, woodwork and trim restoration, and roofing replacement.
Reviews applications to determine if they are appropriate from a historic preservation perspective and fall within or exceed the staff’s authority to approve; presents applications to the Philadelphia Historical Commission and its advisory committees; documents, implements, and enforces the Commission’s decisions; defends the Commission’s decisions before appeal boards and courts.
Reviews nominations submitted to the Philadelphia Historical Commission for correctness and completeness; notifies property owners of impending reviews of nominations; administers review of nominations; maintains the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places.
Serves as lead advisor to property owners and others on historic preservation incentive programs such as the federal historic preservation tax credit program and the local historic home repair program.
Maintains the Philadelphia Historical Commission’s extensive archive of photographs, architectural plans, maps, and books; assists researchers using the Philadelphia Historical Commission’s archive.
Consults with the Historic Preservation Director, City agencies, and others when making decisions based on compliance with federal, state and local historic preservation legislation, as needed; participates in federal Section 106 reviews; coordinates with the Department of Licenses & Inspections and the Law department on the enforcement of the Philadelphia Historical Commission’s decisions.
Advises neighborhood organizations on historic preservation in community planning.
Creates and presents education programs on historic preservation and the history of Philadelphia.
Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
· supervisory practices, methods and techniques
· historic preservation methods, principles, terminology and technologies
· historic preservation standards, especially the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties
· architectural and design terminology and principles
· cultural preservation methods, principles, terminology and techniques
· American architectural history
· Philadelphia history, architecture, and construction
· historic site survey methodology
· Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) and the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) documentation standards
· federal, state and local legislation, regulations and procedures as related to historic preservation
· federal, state, local and private historic preservation incentive programs
· federal, state, and local historic designation programs including the Philadelphia and National Registers of Historic Places and the National Historic Landmark program
ABILITY TO:
· satisfy National Park Services Professional Qualifications Standards for Architectural History.
· understand, apply, and comply with complex laws, regulations, and procedures
· supervise the work of lower-level historic preservation planners
· make time-critical decisions with significant legal and financial implications based on complex preservation, architectural, and legal information
· comprehend and utilize historic and contemporary maps and architectural and engineering plans, specifications, and models.
· undertake historical research with primary and secondary sources
· present data and concepts clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
· establish and maintain effective working relationships with other governmental agencies, civic associations, advocacy groups, legal and design professionals, and the general public
· utilize computer applications including databases, digital photography, publishing software, and mapping/ land use programs
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 4/22.)
EDUCATION:
Completion of a master's degree at an accredited college or university in a qualifying field*.
OR
Completion of any master's degree and a certificate in historic preservation from an accredited college or university.
AND
EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED FOR EITHER EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION ABOVE):
Two years of experience in historic preservation planning as a Historic Preservation Planner 2 or equivalent.
Note: *Qualifying fields include:
American studies, ethnic or identity studies, architecture, architectural history, city planning, history, historic preservation, public history, art history, urban affairs, public policy, urban planning, urban studies, or a closely related field.
NOTE: Completion of a bachelor’s degree in a qualifying field or a bachelor’s degree and a certificate in historic preservation and additional relevant experience may substitute for the master’s degree on a year for year basis up to a total of two years.
OR
Any combination of equivalent education and experience which has been determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources and which includes a bachelor’s degree, as an educational minimum.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
Class Established:
CSC - 12/06
Ad. Board – 4/07
Latest Spec Revision:
CSC – 3/22
Ad. Board – 4/22
JA