JOB TITLE: HISTORIC PRESERVATION SPECIALIST

JOB CODE: 26540

DEFINITION: This is professional work in the identification, evaluation, and preservation of historic and archaeological resources in Pennsylvania.

An employee in this job identifies, researches, evaluates, and documents historic resources and archaeological sites in accordance with the Commonwealth’s historic preservation programs and ensures compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. Work involves administering federal and state historic preservation programs, planning and conducting surveys, evaluating historic properties and promoting the preservation of historic places, and interpreting federal and state laws, standards, and guidance related to historic preservation. Work includes providing technical assistance to communities, public and private organizations, and the public in identifying, evaluating, interpreting, and preserving Pennsylvania’s historic and archeological resources. Work is performed under the general direction of a Historic Preservation Supervisor or Historic Preservation Manager and is reviewed for compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Identifies, researches, and documents historic and archaeological resources and properties and disseminates information to the public.

• Determines the significance of historic properties through research and documentation.

• Directs historic site surveys, research, the compilation of bibliographical and architectural data, and the preparation of historical summaries and abstracts to support evaluations of historic significance.

• Coordinates site visits, evaluates historic resources and archaeological sites, and prepares boundaries and inventories for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

• Prepares historic context studies and guidance to assist with establishing standards for documenting and evaluating Pennsylvania’s historic and archaeological resources.

• Evaluates agency projects to assess the effects on historic properties, coordinates communication with public and private groups, and works with project development teams to seek ways to avoid, minimize, and mitigate effects.

• Assists nonprofit partners, government agencies, and other organizations with managing historic and archaeological resources, historic preservation plans, and the maintenance, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

• Evaluates requests for permits to conduct archaeological investigations on state owned lands and makes recommendations for approval.

• Utilizes Pennsylvania’s State Historic and Archaeological Resource Exchange (PA-SHARE) to track projects, maintain cultural resource records, and ensure data quality and compliance with preservation standards.

• Responds to grant inquiries, provides advice and recommendations to grant applicants and recipients, and prepares documents, attachments, and exhibits for agreements with grantees.

• Provides technical advice and recommendations to owners of historic properties regarding historic building rehabilitations.

• Advises state agencies, municipalities, consultants, and other organizations on historic preservation standards and techniques for the treatment of historic properties.

• Provides consultation and review of federal and state undertakings that may impact Pennsylvania’s historic and archaeological properties.

• Prepares educational, technical, and procedural materials; provides information; and conducts training programs about historic preservation, federal and state programs, and historic and archaeological resources.

• Reviews and evaluates reports and other documentation prepared by consultants, government representatives, or the public.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of historic preservation practices and philosophies.

• Knowledge of laws and regulations related to historic preservation.

• Knowledge of the techniques used in the rehabilitation and preservation of historic properties.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to analyze and evaluate written, photographic, and map data related to historic resources and archaeological sites.

• Ability to evaluate and manage rehabilitation, restoration, and preservation projects.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for History, Archeology, Architectural History, Architecture, or Historic Architecture.