There is an immediate opening for the following position with the PA Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC):
Historic Preservation Specialist
THE POSITION:
This is a limited-term position (lasting through 06/30/17) in the Division of Preservation Services. The incumbent will serve as the Historic Preservation Recovery Project Manager. The position requires Cultural Resource Management experience and a particular knowledge in disaster planning and response. The Recovery Project Manager will be responsible for assisting in the administration of a federal grant to coordinate disaster-related relief and planning initiatives in 18 counties throughout the Commonwealth. The scope of work directed under the federal grant includes: a sub-grant program for storm-related development projects to repair historic properties; conducting historic resource surveys in disaster-prone areas; hazard mitigation planning; developing model guidance to facilitate plan implementation; and providing training and educational programs on disaster-related topics. The Recovery Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing all of the abovementioned activities as well as assisting with administration of the federal grant.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
The incumbent:
Provides support to the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission and the Bureau for Historic Preservation (BHP) to administer the Hurricane Sandy Historic Preservation Recovery Funds including completion of all required reporting to the National Park Service (NPS).
Develops web content about the project for posting to the PHMC’s website and regularly communicates the status and outcomes achieved through the abovementioned project on the website.
Oversees a sub-grant program and reviews the progress of all sub-grant applications. The Recovery Project Manager will need to report on how projects were selected; manage the documentation necessary for a sub-grant reimbursement; ensure conformance of all sub-grant projects with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards; ensure compliance with executing an easement or covenant according to NPS conditions; and oversee completion of sub-grant final project reporting. The Recovery Project Manager will also coordinate compliance of all sub-grant projects with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Develops a historic resource survey plan and appropriate methodology in coordination with a BHP team to prioritize survey needs to be addressed over the three-year period.
Prepares Request for Proposals to complete priority historic resource surveys in the Hurricane Sandy-impacted counties. Reviews all survey proposals, selects qualified consultants to complete survey work, and assists with contracting.
Organizes and conducts public meetings, field views, and site visits as necessary for the purpose of coordinating and overseeing multiple historic resource survey projects.
Coordinates survey data collection with the BHP’s Cultural Resources Geographic Information System (CRGIS) staff to ensure all survey information is expeditiously uploaded to the CRGIS.
Serves as a subject matter expert for consulting on Hazard Mitigation Plans. Ensures historic preservation concerns are comprehensively incorporated into county hazard mitigation plans.
Works with Hurricane Sandy-impacted counties to integrate historic resource survey information/data and historic preservation strategies into Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA)/Federal Emergency Management Agency-mandated Hazard Mitigation Plans. Provides direct technical assistance to counties as they are updating their plans. Reviews and assists in the revision of relevant portions of county hazard mitigation plans.
Coordinates the completion of demonstration projects in Hurricane Sandy-impacted counties that will define best practices in applying disaster mitigation to important historic buildings, neighborhoods, and other historic places in disaster-prone areas. Assists with hazard mitigation plan implementation where feasible.
Provides technical assistance about hazard mitigation planning and the related sub-grant program to individuals, organizations, municipalities, and agencies including development of printed information and guidelines, development of and participation in workshops, public programs and training sessions, and individual consultation.
Serves as a liaison with PEMA and county emergency management coordinators as needed to coordinate planning assistance and other interagency efforts.
Administers the Hurricane Sandy Historic Preservation Fund Grant Agreement and prepares necessary documentation to comply with all related special conditions for transmission to the NPS.
Manages and monitors sub-grant funds. Provides necessary feedback to applicants and prepares recommendations and responses for signature by division chief.
Oversees all ongoing historic resource survey projects and provides guidance as needed.
Oversees all ongoing hazard mitigation planning projects and provides guidance as needed.
Is responsible for knowing PHMC general safety rules and safety rules specific to this position; for working in a safe manner and following all PHMC safety rules; to immediately report all workplace injuries or incidents to their supervisor; and to immediately correct any safety hazards in the work area or report same to supervisor.
HOW TO APPLY:
This position is filled through a Non-Civil Service process coordinated through the Bureau of State Employment (BSE). All applications must go through BSE’s employment website at www.employment.pa.gov. We cannot accept any applications directly. Please see below how to apply:
From www.employment.pa.gov, click on the Job Opportunities tab under Non-Civil Service. Scroll to the chart and select the position titled “Historic Preservation Specialist”. If interested, click on “Apply.” If you are not currently registered with NEOGOV, you may create an account and apply for this or any other listed category. Registration is free. Returning applicants should enter their current username and password, and follow the steps to create a profile and apply under Historic Preservation Specialist category. If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the Bureau of State Employment at 717.787.5703.
Applications are due April 08, 2014.
Required Experience:
Two or more years of experience working on an architectural survey, an architectural restoration and preservation project or program, and a bachelor’s degree in architectural history, American history, art history, or course work in Pennsylvania history. OR Any equivalent combination of experience and training.
Additional Information:
Employment Type: Limited Term, Full-Time
Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Compensation: $44,792-$68,108
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is proud to be an equal opportunity employer supporting workplace diversity.
