This is technical and administrative conservation work related to identifying, preserving, restoring, and utilizing historical sites and buildings in the City's Fairmount Park system. Work includes performing research on primary and secondary sources to accurately identify time periods of historical sites and structures and to assist other researchers studying the Park and Philadelphia history. Maintaining archival records of Philadelphia park history and contact with the public, historical societies, educators and students are significant aspects of the work. Work is performed under the general direction of an administrative superior.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be approved for this class.)

1. This position must be responsible for historical preservation and archival research for the city-wide park system.
2. This position must be located in Fairmount Park.

• Advises engineers, architects and others responsible for the restoration and rehabilitation of buildings and other structures in the park system; inspects historical sites to insure adherence to standards for preservation, restoration and rehabilitation; demonstrates construction and manufacturing peculiarities of different historical periods; recommends substitutions for materials no longer extant; performs research related to detailing and other architectural features of historical sites.
• Visits insurance companies, libraries, historical societies and commissions, City departments and other repositories of primary sources to study deeds, insurance policies, wills, tax records, photographs and prints to determine the history of a site; develops and maintains Park archives.
• Acts as Park liaison in archaeological recovery projects concerning Park historical sites; familiarizes self with objectives, procedures and methods involved in archaeological recovery work.
• Meets with Park maintenance and program personnel as well as interested individuals, community groups and organizations to advise and determine uses and programs appropriate to the sites' historical significance; may solicit financial and volunteer support for preservation projects.
• Works with engineering division personnel to prepare design specifications as needed to restore historical and architectural authenticity; estimates costs; recommends architects and contractors capable of restoration work; locates sources of materials; instructs trades and maintenance personnel in work methods and techniques required for authentic effects.
• Conducts tours and gives lectures on the history of park sites and structures; assists students and other researchers in their studies of park history; researches the availability of funds and develops grant proposals as needed; responds to queries from the general public and from neighborhood associations.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• American history, with particular emphasis on Philadelphia history.
• architectural styles, methods and materials as practices and applied in a park environment, particularly the 18th and 19th centuries.
• sources, methods and techniques used in historical and architectural research.
• the proper care and storage of archival materials.
• federal, state and local legislation and regulations related to historic preservation.
• the methods, techniques, and materials used in eighteenth and nineteenth century residential construction.
• curatorial methods and techniques.
• inventory software systems as they pertain to historical data and collections management.
• English usage and grammar.

• the identification and classification of artifacts and historic buildings.

• perform detailed research in the field of American architecture as practices in Philadelphia.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, individuals, and public and private groups.
• express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• use a computer terminal keyboard.

EDUCATION:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in American history, American art history, or architectural history.

• One year of experience researching the history and engaging in restoration of period American historical sites, or one year of curatorial experience with emphasis on early American artifacts.

• One year of experience researching and making recommendations to preserve and/or restore American historical architectural sites.

NOTE:

Completion of a master's degree program at an accredited college or university with thesis work in some area of American architectural history may be substituted for the general experience requirements

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

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

PAY RANGE: EP19
Class Established: 9/1975

Latest Spec. Revision:
  CSC - 5/1995 ; Ad Board - 8/1995

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