07/02/1998 26580

PRESERVATION CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR

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

An employee in this class supervises Preservation Construction Specialists responsible for special projects involving preservation issues, preservation technologies, and preservation maintenance oversight. Work includes supervising staff in evaluating, planning, overseeing and performing specific preservation craft trades such as carpentry, roofing and masonry in order to restore and preserve historic buildings; and in providing technical assistance and training to historic site maintenance personnel and/or job trainees assigned to preservation projects. 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. Work involves overseeing the statewide exhibits program for the Bureau of Historic Sites and Museums and coordinating special cooperative programs and initiatives, to include 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 projects. An employee in this class also works 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 Chief of the Division of Architecture and Conservation, and reviewed while in progress and upon completion for compliance with appropriate methods and results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Supervises and directs the work of Preservation Construction Specialists by planning annual objectives and assigning work, establishing performance standards, evaluating work in progress and upon completion, providing guidance and training, approving leave, and initiating corrective discipline as required.

Plans and oversees the annual work plan of the Bureau of Historic Sites and Museums statewide exhibits program in conjunction with Bureau and Site Administrators.

Evaluates 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.

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

Provides trade skills training for site maintenance staff, Pennsylvania Conservation Corps (and/or similar job training program) staff and crew leaders, independent contractors, volunteers and other agents. Plans projects to be undertaken in conjunction with the Chief of the Division of Architecture and Conservation and Site Administrators, and coordinates project phases.

Oversees the work of specific projects by observing and inspecting work in progress. Directs 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 information on projects and preservation topics through workshops, seminars, articles and other educational programs.

Supervises and performs specialized preservation building construction work to complete preservation or restoration projects.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment 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 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 supervise assigned staff, to include planning work, making work assignments, evaluating performance, approving leave, and initiating corrective discipline.

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 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: Two years of experience as a Preservation Construction Specialist;

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

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

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