Chief, Architecture and Preservation - Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission

Full Job Description

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC), the official history agency of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is seeking an experienced historic preservation professional to serve as Chief, Architecture and Preservation for the Division of Architecture and Preservation (DAP).

This leadership role supports our agency’s mission by guiding facility planning and management, architectural design and construction, building preservation, fire and security protection, and specialized architectural, engineering, and construction studies across all PHMC programs.

This is a unique opportunity to influence preservation outcomes at a statewide scale, advance best practices in architectural conservation, and ensure that Pennsylvania’s historic places remain vibrant, resilient, and accessible for generations to come.

Requirements

This role leads the development of agency-wide priorities for capital and preservation initiatives of PHMC’s historic buildings, landscapes, and cultural resources, working closely with Museum and Historic Site Administrators, architectural services staff, Division Chiefs, Bureau Directors, and other internal and external partners.

As DAP Chief, you will oversee Keystone Fund–supported and Capitol projects—from feasibility studies and master plans to bidding, construction, and completion—while ensuring work aligns with agency priorities and available resources.

The position also manages the development of the annual project plan by working closely with the Executive Office and Bureau of Management Services.

In addition to supervising preservation construction and architectural teams, the role establishes project-management guidelines, coordinates capital project development with senior leadership and the Department of General Services, and administers the agency’s online project database.

It ensures accurate documentation, responsible fund allocation, and timely project delivery.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with 60-minute lunch.
• Occasional overnight travel is required.

Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time.

In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.

If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.

Additional details may be provided during the interview.

• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years as an Architectural Designer 2 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration) which includes one year of experience in historic preservation projects; and a bachelor's degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering or closely related degree program in the field of architecture; or

Two years experience in architectural work which includes one year of experience in the design and historic preservation of large commercial, institutional or educational buildings or complexes; and a bachelor's degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering or closely related degree program in the field of architecture.

A master's degree in historic preservation or master's degree in Architecture or Architectural Engineering with concentration in historic preservation may be substituted for the one year of specialized experience.




Other Requirements:

• This particular position also requires one or more years of full-time professional experience in the design and management of projects to construct or renovate modern museum facilities.
• This particular position also requires possession of a valid Class C Driver's License.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.



How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.

The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.

The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.

All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).

• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.