07/02/1998 26570

PRESERVATION CONSTRUCTION SPECIALIST

DEFINITION: This is professional work in the planning, performance, and oversight of preservation construction projects for the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Employees in this class are responsible for special projects involving preservation issues, preservation technologies, and preservation maintenance oversight. Work includes responsibility for evaluating, planning, overseeing and performing specific preservation craft trades such as carpentry, roofing and masonry in order to restore and preserve historic buildings. Highly specialized skills, preservation techniques and technology are employed to ensure that all work is consistent with, and does not jeopardize, the historic integrity of the structures and that the work meets the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. In addition to actually planning and performing the work, employees in this class typically provide technical assistance and training to historic site maintenance personnel and/or job trainees assigned to restoration projects. Positions assist in special cooperative programs and initiatives, such as the Department of Labor and Industry's Pennsylvania Conservation Corps Program and the National Park Service Preservation Training Center, at PHMC historic sites and museums engaged in preservation planning, construction and/or maintenance work. Employees in this class also work in partnership with Architectural Designers to provide technical assistance in project planning, research, design and construction observation. Work is performed under the direction of the Preservation Construction Supervisor and reviewed while in progress and upon completion for compliance with appropriate methods and results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops plans for restoration and preservation maintenance projects at historic sites. Prepares documentation of the work to be performed. Works in partnership with Architectural Designers in the design and oversight of preservation projects.

Analyzes the condition and integrity of historic structures to determine the scope of work required to effect repairs, restoration, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. Provides estimates of time, labor and materials needed.

Confers with Preservation Construction Supervisor, Chief of Architecture and Conservation and Site Administrators to review project plans, establish priorities, coordinate project phases, and minimize adverse impacts.

Oversees the work of specific projects by observing and inspecting work in progress and directing site staff, crew leaders and members to correct any deficiencies and ensure that standards of quality workmanship are met. Holds regular construction conferences with crew leaders, contractors, and site staff to review progress and identify any problems.

Provides trade skills training for site maintenance staff, Pennsylvania Conservation Corps staff and crew leaders, independent contractors, volunteers and other agents.

Plans projects of the Pennsylvania Conservation Corps, and/or similar job training programs, in conjunction with the Preservation Construction Supervisor and site administrators.

Performs specialized preservation building trades work to complete preservation or restoration projects.

Provides information on projects and preservation topics through workshops, seminars, articles and other educational programs.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Protection of Historic Properties, architectural styles, architectural history, historic preservation technology and the history of building technology.

Knowledge of historic building preservation technology and construction methods used in various types of structures and the practices and materials used during different historic periods.

Knowledge of preservation and restoration techniques used to repair and rehabilitate historic structures.

Knowledge of current building construction methods, and the practices and materials used.

Knowledge of skilled trades used in building construction such as carpentry, roofing, painting and masonry.

Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions of the building trades.

Skill in the application of preservation technology in several construction trades such as carpentry, roofing, painting and masonry, using both historic and modern techniques of construction.

Skill in the care and use of tools and equipment used in the building trades.

Ability to interpret the historic fabric and design the restoration of the building fabric in a manner appropriate to the period, style and technique required for the interpretation of the historic building.

Ability to evaluate architecturally important and historically significant structures and sites.

Ability to evaluate and direct rehabilitation, preservation, stabilization, restoration and reconstruction projects.

Ability to instruct others in building restoration techniques.

Ability to conduct briefings, seminars, training workshops and conferences.

Ability to plan projects and prepare project documentation.

Ability to work with others and coordinate several components of complex projects occurring simultaneously.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, to read and interpret architectural plans and specifications, and to create project documentation.

Ability to detect defects in equipment and materials and make proper repairs and adjustments.

Ability to travel on a regular basis with overnight stays.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A Bachelor's degree in Architectural History, American History, Historic Preservation, Architectural Conservation or a similar field; and two years of experience in historic preservation construction work which has directly involved hands-on construction work in the restoration or preservation of historic buildings in one or more skilled trades.

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Two years of post-secondary education and training in the above designated fields of study and four years of experience in historic preservation construction work which has directly involved hands-on construction work in the restoration or preservation of historic buildings in one or more skilled trades;

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training that includes two years of experience in historic preservation construction work which has directly involved hands-on construction work in the restoration or preservation of historic buildings in one or more skilled trades.