Historic Preservation Associate Planner

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Historic Preservation Program (HPP), part of the Neighborhood Services Division in the Department of Community Planning, Housing and Development (CPHD), is seeking an Historic Preservation Associate Planner to join our team.  The Historic Preservation Program (HPP) safeguards Arlington’s historic and cultural resources by enforcing the historic preservation sections of the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance, supporting the Historical Affairs and Landmark Review Board (HALRB), and advancing preservation through special projects. HPP also manages the Certificate of Appropriateness (CoA) process for 43 local historic districts (LHD), provides technical assistance, and contributes to Countywide planning initiatives affecting historic assets.
 

 Specific duties include: 

• Managing the administrative and approval aspects of the HALRB’s monthly design review process (CoAs), including providing staff support for all meetings of the HALRB and its subcommittees and working directly with CoA applicants throughout the review process;
• Completing all aspects of the LHD designation process from receiving the initial application to completion and approval, including conducting historical and architectural research, writing detailed research reports, preparing design guidelines, collaborating with property owners, and communicating with members of the public;
• Managing the historic marker program in partnership with the Historic Preservation Specialist, including researching, writing, designing, and ordering markers, while working directly with applicants throughout the process;
• Assisting with the implementation of the goals and recommendations of the Historic and Cultural Resources Plan (HCRP), an element of the County’s Comprehensive Plan;
• Supporting preservation planning initiatives through historic research, mapping, and database maintenance;
• Participating in outreach activities to educate the public about Arlington’s built environment, cultural heritage, and preservation-related initiatives;
• Evaluating and approving various types of trade and building permits for historic properties;
• Assisting with general historic research projects, such as National Register of Historic Places nominations, etc.; and
• Responding to general inquiries from the public, County commissions and advisory groups, and/or other staff. 

The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills to effectively explain laws, policies, and procedures to the public; excellent organizational skills and attention to detail for prioritizing and managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously; and experience working effectively and diplomatically with colleagues, commissions/advisory groups, residents and/or property owners, architects, contractors, and developers on complex projects.

Minimum: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Historic Preservation, History, Architecture, Urban Planning, or a closely related field; and
• Two (2) years of professional experience in urban or community planning or related field, with a focus on preservation or historic planning.

Substitution: Additional education may be substituted for experience. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.  

Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with a Master’s Degree in Historic Preservation, History, Architecture, Urban Planning, or a closely related field, and experience in one or more of the following: 

• Completing historic research and writing detailed reports;
• Presenting applications and information to historic preservation commissions and/or public review bodies;
• Analyzing historic resources to assess their integrity, significance, and/or appropriateness of modifications;
• Project management; and/or
• Strong computer skills, including Adobe Suite and/or graphic design programs. 

Special Requirements

Please attach a cover letter to your online application that describes your experience in the areas outlined in the minimum and desirable qualifications sections above.  It should include your accomplishments in the following areas:

• Completing historic research and writing detailed reports;
• Presenting applications and information to historic preservation commiss