Preservation Planner

Full Job Description

Position is responsible for providing professional preservation planning and technical assistance to the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC), IHPC staff, DMD and the public, county-wide as well as in historic areas.

Agency Summary The purpose and mission of the Department of Metropolitan Development works to shape the city’s identity by strengthening all people and places, building upon our history, and fostering visionary development.

The DMD agency envisions the city as a growing, vibrant, equitable, and beautiful city where people and businesses thrive in an inclusive and innovative community.

The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the residents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Requirements

Responsible for coordinating IHPC planning efforts with planning efforts of DMD and the City. Provides preservation planning and research assistance to other DMD divisions as needed.

Prepares and updates historic area preservation plans for historic properties, historic districts and conservation districts.

Develops strategies for neighborhood groups to follow in seeking historic district designation. Makes decisions with regard to policies, objectives and recommendations to include in Preservation Plans.

Responsible for assuring that Preservation Plans, and the process for developing them, are in compliance with I.C. 36-7-11.1.

Makes decisions on granting certificates of appropriateness for applications delegated to staff by the commission.

Serves as Hearing Officer, as delegated by the commission; conducts administrative public hearings. Assists Architectural Reviewers with reviews and recommendations for IHPC action.

Provides technical assistance to applicants for certificates of appropriateness.

Maintains current knowledge of the City's zoning ordinances, land use plans and general codes as they relate to historic areas.

Assists with the coordination between IHPC and Health & Hospital, DMD/DCAM code enforcement, and DMD zoning enforcement.

Assists with the preparation of Section 106 environmental reviews and coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office.

Makes presentations to neighborhood and other organizations about the IHPC in general and historic district designation specifically.

Assists with developing and pursuing strategies to address threatened historic buildings. Assists with the development of programs, policies and procedures to further the mission of the IHPC.

Attends and participates in all IHPC meetings.

Interacts with staff of IHPC, DMD and other City departments; state and federal agencies; applicants for COAs, variances and rezoning; neighborhood organization representatives; property owners and residents; City-County councilors; general public.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Qualifications Master's degree in Historic Preservation, Planning or related field. An additional two (2) years directly related work experience is preferred..

Experience in preparing preservation plans. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Knowledge of the Secretary of the Interiors Standards, Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act and regulations to implement Section 106. Knowledge of zoning and land use laws.

Ability to perform work assignments in a professional manner. Knowledge of the principles and practices of preservation and planning.

Ability to use a personal computer and become familiar with computer hardware/software.

Interacts with staff of IHPC, DMD, and other City departments; state and federal agencies; applicants for COAs, variances and rezoning; neighborhood organizations; representatives property owners and residents; City-County councilors; general public.

Relationships require courtesy, tact and diplomacy.