There is an immediate opening for the following position with the PA Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC):
Historic Preservation Specialist
THE POSITION:
This professional position is within the Division of Archaeology and Protection. This position serves as an Environmental Reviewer and works independently to provide technical advice and assistance to applicants, agencies, and the public concerning the review of projects that have the potential to affect above ground historic properties. The incumbent provides training to agencies on relevant federal and state preservation laws. This position is also responsible for the maintenance of environmental review files and computer databases.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
The incumbent:
Provides guidance, clarification, and recommendations to agencies, applicants, consulting parties, and members of the public on responsibilities under relevant federal and state preservation laws (including the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the Pennsylvania History Code of 1988).
Reviews submissions identifying above ground historic properties and assessing potential of proposed projects to affect historic properties to ensure adequate and complete documentation. This includes the application of appropriate standards and criteria, including 36 CFR 800, the criteria set forth by the National Park Service to evaluate National Register eligibility (National Register Criteria), and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Properties.
Develops and provides recommendations to applicants and agencies on how to minimize, avoid, or mitigate adverse effects to ensure consideration of above ground historic properties in project planning and development.
Provides written comments to review requests.
Conducts all necessary site visits and attends all necessary meetings representing the office as relating to project reviews under relevant state and federal laws.
For projects with the potential for an adverse effect, ensures mitigation commitments are relevant, commensurate with project effects, and provide a public benefit. Works with agency, applicant, and consulting parties to develop memoranda of agreement/programmatic agreements and periodically reviews implementation of agreed upon mitigation measures.
Maintains environmental review files and computer databases in accordance with standard operating procedures.
Develops educational materials and provides training on federal and state preservation laws, as applicable.
Reviews and comments on national preservation initiatives.
Coordinates review activities with other staff, especially above ground environmental review staff to ensure consistency. Coordinates with relevant archaeological, National Register, and tax credit staff and participates in regional team meetings as applicable.
Attends and participates in continuing education opportunities, as approved, to be knowledgeable of current issues and programs related to, or that may interface with, historic/cultural preservation.
Responds to telephone, email, and written inquiries in a timely manner.
Participates in planning activities at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure adequate consideration of historic resources as required by state and federal historic preservation laws.
Participates in the National Register Review Committee to evaluate historic resources using the National Register Criteria.
Provides advice and technical assistance on historic structure survey techniques for environmental review projects.
Conducts supplemental research for National Register eligibility findings provided under state and federal reviews, as needed.
Performs other professional responsibilities as assigned by the Division Chief.
Incumbent is responsible to be familiar with 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 June 26, 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: Permanent, Full-Time
Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Compensation: $44,792-$68,108/annually
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is proud to be an equal opportunity employer supporting workplace diversity.
