Planner 3 - Historic Preservation (Housing & Revitalization Department)

City of Detroit•Coleman A Young Municipal Center, MI

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Archaeologist will provide National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility recommendations for archaeology under a Programmatic Agreement (PA) with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and create policies and procedures for archaeology specific compliance with Federal, State and Local laws and regulations for the funding of programs, projects and initiatives of the Housing and Revitalization Department (HRD). The Archaeologist will assist with the evaluation of Section 106 applications, and maintain review and correspondence records related to projects including electronic records, memos, letters, and Smartsheet project tracking. This position will provide technical assistance within the department to ensure the specialized nature of urban archaeology is considered in all projects, and coordinate with SHPO regarding ground disturbing activities in archaeologically sensitive areas, as outlined in the PA. Under general supervision, responsible for community planning in coordination with city wide planning and goals, and identifying community needs, resources, and problems. Planners assist citizens to make decisions on goals, policies, priorities, plans, programs, and methods of implementation designed to create a physical, economic, and social environment in which the human activities desired by the members of the community may flourish. This class covers only those positions / specialties for which the paramount is knowledge of planning principles, concepts, techniques, and practices; e.g. urban design, architecture, and historic preservation.

Requirements

Completed a master's degree from an accredited college or university, major course of work in urban design, city planning, environmental planning, architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, or other related field of study.
Minimum three (3) years of professional experience in city planning, architectural design, or urbanization.
Valid Driver's License.
Knowledge of principles and practices of city planning, historic preservation, community and land development, urban design and architecture, and revitalization programs.
Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process, as it relates to planning.
Knowledge of principles and practices of contract administration and project management.
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Knowledge of principles and practices of community involvement and participation.
Skill in interacting with the public, department personnel, developers, business leaders, consultants, and others with tact and diplomacy.
Skill in collecting, organizing, and analyzing meaningful data and maps.
Skill in analyzing comprehensive architectural plans, specs, and drawings; analyzing construction problems, evaluating alternatives and making sound recommendations.
Skill in exercising sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
Skill in effectively communicating information and ideas, both orally and in writing.
Skill in the use of a personal computer, Microsoft Office and other related software.
Skill in preparing RFPs, evaluating proposals, negotiating terms, and managing and administering contracts.
Ability to analyze and interpret complex information and processes, exercise independent judgement, and make policy recommendations.
Ability to observe, compare, or monitor and determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Ability to interpret, explain, and apply appropriate policies, regulations, and procedures to petitions and applications.
Ability to prioritize multiple assignments, projects, and business needs.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a certification sponsored by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) may be required.

Responsibilities

Perform site surveys of buildings, structures, landmarks, and districts to assess potential preservation status; determines eligibility for National Register of Historic Places.
Analyze and review buildings, development projects, construction plans, materials, and designs for regulatory and contractual compliance adhering to Section 106 reviews as described and required by the U.S. Secretary of Interior and the State of Michigan Historic Preservation regulations.
Report complaints and conduct site inspections to determine violations and enforce related ordinances, codes, and policies.
Monitor changes to local, State, and Federal regulations with respect to Federal Section 106 to assess potential impacts on historic designations and projects; proposes regulation revisions as requested or required.
Perform feasibility, impact, and cost studies dealing with a variety of complex urban design and/or historic preservation issues, policies, and projects.
Undertake research in primary and secondary sources in various repositories on the history of historically significant cultural resources, communities, events, and areas in the City.
Attend meetings and conferences; serve as liaison with other City departments, relevant County, State and Federal agencies, public outreach groups, contractors, attorneys, architects, engineers, and citizens.
Advise neighborhood groups and City citizens on historic restoration, preservation, and renovation best practices; consult with groups seeking historic designation of individual properties or whole neighborhoods; respond to inquiries from citizens, mediates disputes, and provide technical assistance and expertise regarding codes, tax credits, and other related matters.
Responsible for the review and presentation of applications and materials related to the City's Historic Preservation Program; notify property owners of impending reviews of nominations; administer review of nominations; and maintain the Detroit Register of Historic Places.
Present reports for Historic Review and Planning Commissions as requested or required.
Prepare and administer grant applications, proposals, and RFPs for historic preservation or district designation.
Investigate best practices in historic preservation trends; participate in education programs on historic preservation and the history of Detroit; create brochures and informational materials regarding historic districts.
Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.