Preservation Planner

Overview

Brief Job description (essential functions of the job):

Works in the Environment Department under the supervision of the Executive Director of the Boston Landmarks Commission as part of the preservation staff and directly performs duties of staff administration for three historic districts (or otherwise assigned) in assisting historic district commissions with design review. Reviews applications to restore, rehabilitate, or alter properties in historic districts and prepares recommendations and presentations for Commissioners. Provides technical assistance to owners, architects, and contractors about individual district standards and guidelines and best preservation practices, performs site visits, and reviews mock-ups. Prepares public hearings and meeting minutes, writes decision letters and Commission approvals. Ensures compliance with district guidelines and previous Commission approvals.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates applications to restore, rehabilitate, or alter properties in historic districts for compliance with individual district Standards & Guidelines.
• Performs duties of staff administration for three historic districts (or otherwise as designated), assisting historic district commissions with design review and ensuring compliance with previous approvals.
• Investigates violations and issue violation notices.
• Works with design review applicants to complete applications and bring proposed projects into compliance with design review guidelines.
• Conducts site visits to assess existing conditions, proposed projects, and material mockups.
• Provides technical assistance to developers, design and construction professionals, and property owners.
• Provides initial project consultations to developers, design and construction professionals, and property owners.
• Prepares and distributes staff comments and presentations to commissioners prior to monthly public hearings and reviews with commission chairs. 
• Provides support to chair and commissioners during public hearings and meetings.
• Coordinates scheduling for special public hearings and public meetings as necessary. 
• Issues determination letters following public hearings.
• Takes minutes during each public hearing and meeting.
• Manages records of each historic district with a Preservation Assistant. 
• Directly responds to requests about specific district requirements.
• Consults with other city agencies for large or high-profile development projects, as necessary.
• Reviews building permits through the Inspectional Services Department online portal.
• Prepares, posts, and distributes public hearings and public meeting agendas.
• Coordinates mailing of abutters notices with Preservation Assistant. 
• Responsible for drafting, coordinating, and posting updated web content related to assigned historic districts.
• Solicits and manages new commissioner appointments as necessary.
• Participates in public outreach.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• At least three (3) full years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in the area of preservation management.
• A Master’s Degree in Preservation, Fine Arts, Architecture, or a related field may be substituted for the required experience.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in the same fields may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings and plans.
• Familiarity with historic building styles, types, designs, and materials.
• Familiarity with building conservation best practices.
• Familiarity with historic preservation planning and regulation.
• Familiarity with preservation programs, regulations, and administrative law.
• Familiarity with building and zoning codes.
• Familiarity with sustainability and climate resiliency best practices.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail. 
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with owners, architects, contractors, and members of the public.
• Strong presentation, business writing, and customer service skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and GIS. 
• Ability to photograph building conditions.
• Ability to work as part of a team. 
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
• Ability to work evenings, occasional early mornings, and occasional weekends to staff monthly hearings, sub-committee meetings, and workshops.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union / MO-9 / Full-time

Hours per week: 35