3E10
HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLANNER 1

This is planning and research work in the field of historic preservation. An employee in this class participates in design reviews 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 historic site surveys, identifying cultural resources eligible for National and Philadelphia Registers, performing research, and preparing appropriate nomination forms. An employee in this class helps advise property owners and community leaders on historic preservation methods, techniques, and tax incentives. Work includes consulting with city agencies and others on compliance with federal, state and local legislation. Participating in education programs on historic preservation and the history of Philadelphia is a significant aspect of the work. Work is performed under the supervision of the Historic Preservation Director.

1. Employees in this class must perform planning and research work in the field of historic preservation.
2. Employees in this class participate in 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.

Participates in 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.

Participates in giving advice 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.

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.

Participates in advising 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 Commission’s archive.

Consults with higher level Historic Preservation Planners, 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.

Participates in advising neighborhood organizations on historic preservation in community planning.

Participates in education programs on historic preservation and the history of Philadelphia.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• 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
• American architectural history
• Philadelphia history
• 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:
• learn to understand, apply, and comply with complex laws, regulations, and procedures
• learn to 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

Completion of a master's degree at an accredited college or university in historic preservation, history, urban studies, architectural history, American studies, or city or urban planning.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.