Preservation Planner (Internal Applicants Only)

King County•Seattle, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is open only to current King County Employees. The Preservation Planner, part of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Director’s Office, will safeguard King County’s historic built environment by reviewing projects for potential impacts to above-ground historic and cultural resources. This role involves applying knowledge of local, state, and federal preservation regulations, maintaining the county’s GIS-based historic resources inventory, leading preservation planning activities, and developing outreach and educational initiatives. The position offers growth opportunities in identifying regional cultural resources, strengthening GIS and data management skills, and building interdisciplinary connections. King County regularly undertakes projects that may affect historic properties, creating a demand for cultural resources review services and staff training. This position works closely with the HPP archaeologist to manage project review requests and support training efforts, ensuring compliance with the King County Executive Policy on Cultural Resources and relevant regulations. The position follows a hybrid work model. HPP is a collaborative team within DNRP, partnering with divisions like Wastewater Treatment, Solid Waste, Parks and Recreation, and Water and Land Resources. HPP's mission is to identify, document, preserve, and steward the county’s significant historic and archaeological resources, serving all people and communities in King County. The program manages the King County Landmarks Commission, leads educational programs, and provides review services for various entities. King County prioritizes equity, racial and social justice, expecting employees to apply these principles in their work.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to research, analyze and interpret information related to the historic built environment, including historic buildings, structures, sites, districts and objects.
Ability to gather information from historic resources inventories, including King County’s Historic Preservation Viewer and Washington State’s WISAARD database, and use ArcGIS for mapping and data management.
Working knowledge of federal, state, and local preservation regulations, and experience applying these regulatory processes, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, SEPA, and relevant local ordinances.
Skilled in applying quantitative and qualitative analysis to evaluate data that supports cultural resource review decisions and landmark eligibility determinations.
Strong communication skills, including preparing clear, concise written reports; delivering trainings and workshops; presenting in public settings; and explaining technical information to diverse audiences.
Knowledge of architectural history, landscape history, and/or community history relevant to the Pacific Northwest and Puget Sound region.
Skilled in building collaborative relationships and cultivating partnerships that support shared goals and strengthen community understanding of historic preservation and cultural resource stewardship.
Decision Quality: Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
Cultivates Innovation: Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
Self-Development: Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in historic preservation, planning, architecture, architectural history, or a closely related field.
Meets the National Park Service Professional Qualifications Standards (36 CFR Part 61) for Architectural History, Architecture, or Historic Architecture.
Demonstrated ability to apply the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Preservation Planning, as listed on the National Park Service (NPS).

Responsibilities

Review projects submitted by County agencies, interlocal cities, and private developers for potential impacts to above-ground historic and cultural resources, using historic maps, aerial photographs, the King County Historic Resources Inventory (HRI), Washington’s WISAARD system, and other research tools.
Conduct research, field investigations, and evaluations of potentially significant properties; prepare written reports that document historic characteristics and determine eligibility for listing in local historic registers.
Maintain the County’s GIS-based above-ground historic resources inventory (HRI) and archaeological/ethnographic place inventory; recommend and oversee database improvements to enhance functionality and data-sharing with WISAARD.
Coordinate preservation planning services for interlocal cities, develop and participate in educational workshops and trainings, and provide analysis and technical guidance to strengthen local planning documents and preservation efforts.
Serve as HPP’s strategic planning lead by representing the program in the County’s comprehensive planning process and integrating preservation priorities into broader planning initiatives.