Western Region Community Preservation Coordinator (Historic Preservation Specialist)

Full Job Description

Are you interested in helping preserve places that tell Pennsylvania's history? If so, join the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission as a Western PA Community Preservation Coordinator in the PA State Historic Preservation Office (PA SHPO). This position is responsible for providing technical preservation assistance to municipalities and partner organization across the region. You will have the opportunity to evaluate historic resources for National Register eligibility, support Certified Local Governments, and collaborate on State Historic Preservation Office initiatives, including partnership work with PennDOT. Do not miss out of this unique career opportunity!

Requirements

As a Western PA Community Preservation Coordinator, you will be responsible for providing a comprehensive range of technical assistance involving delivery of the PA State Historic Preservation Office's (PA SHPO) programs.

Work also involves serving as a lead collaborator with state agencies and statewide nonprofit organizations while providing guidance and training to municipalities and local partners.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Administering the PA Historical & Museum Commission's responsibilities under the Pennsylvania Historic District Act.
• Assisting municipalities with developing historic preservation plans and ordinances under the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code
• Promoting the PA SHPO's programs to assist with community preservation including Keystone Historic Preservation grants, historic resource surveys, the National Register of Historic Places, Certified Local Government administration, PA Historic District Act, federal and state Historic Preservation Tax Credits, and Pennsylvania's Historic and Archaeological Resource Exchange (PA-SHARE)
• Providing technical assistance to nonprofit partners, municipalities, and organizations to support their efforts in promoting community/neighborhood revitalization and economic development through the maintenance, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings
• Providing guidance to municipalities regarding the administration of local historic districts including advising Boards of Historical Architectural Review, Historic Review Commissions, and Planning Commissions

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 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.

Telework: This position is based out of PHMC's Old Economy Village, in Ambridge.

PA SHPO staff may have the opportunity to work from home (telework), with the exception of site visits/field work, one (1) day a month in the office at Old Economy Village, and one (1) day a month in the main office in Harrisburg.

Specific days will be determined according to bureau needs.

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 Ambridge, PA. 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:

• Meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for History, Archeology, Architectural History, Architecture, or Historic Architecture.

Additional Requirements:

• You must meet or exceed the Secretary of the Interior’s (SOI) minimum professional qualification standards to work as an archaeologist. Standards can be found here.
• You must have one or more years experience advising and assisting municipalities, organizations, and/or individuals with preservation and planning issues.
• You must have a minimum of one year experience interpreting and applying National Park Service guidance with regards to the evaluation of historic properties for eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
• You must have a minimum of one year experience in public outreach, education, and public speaking.
• You must have a minimum of one year working with a team of individuals and capable of working independently without daily direct supervision.
• You must have a minimum of six months experience with use of computer applications and data management systems, such a PS-SHARE, to conduct work.
• 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.

All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only.

Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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.