PRESERVATION PLANNER

City of Lake Worth Beach • Lake Worth, FL

2d • $61,065 - $80,730 • Onsite

About The Position

Performs complex work related to historic preservation requests and research for the City of Lake Worth Beach (COLWB). Work involves research and analysis for the Historic Preservation Division; participates in the process for Certificates of Appropriateness (COA), Land Development Regulations, and other matters pertaining to the City’s historic districts. Work involves preparing reports and presenting recommendations to City officials and various external groups, individuals, and agencies.

Work is performed independently under general supervision with moderate latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment. Position typically requires processing and interpreting of less clearly defined issues, including but not limited to historic architectural design review criteria.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, historic preservation, architectural history, architecture, or a closely related field; supplemented by two (2) years of progressively responsible historic preservation experience; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience.
• A valid Florida driver’s license is required.
• Working knowledge of department policies and procedures for the preparation, production and maintenance of reports, documentation and records
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local planning, zoning, and land use regulations, standards, and requirements governing the work
• Working knowledge of the principles, practices, methodologies, and techniques utilized in municipal zoning, planning, and land development planning
• Knowledge of historic preservation, local and American history, and historic architecture and construction materials and techniques
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and applicable department / organization specific software and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required
• Skill in photography, research, and technical analysis of planning-related information and documents
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Skill in measuring and performing mathematical computations applicable to the work
• Skill in adapting to a changing work environment, competing demands and ability to deal with frequent changes, delays or unexpected events
• Ability to clearly communicate and understand information in English, both orally and in writing
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to provide exceptional internal and external customer service
• Ability to organize the systematic identification and documentation of historic sites
• Ability to determine the integrity and significance of potentially historic sites
• Ability to judge the potential effect of any proposed undertaking on historic sites
• Ability to make effective public presentations
• Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure that deadlines are met
• Ability to make sound assessments and recommendations based on research
• Ability to correctly interpret and efficiently implement all applicable policies and procedures
• Ability to use reasoning skills that minimize duplication of efforts, including but not limited to comparing, classifying, analyzing and coordinating
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during work regardless of race, religion, age, sex, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, and diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
• Ability to regularly attend work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule
• Ability to attend meetings outside of standard business hours

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree in a directly related field and one (1) year of cumulative job/internship experience in historic preservation is preferred.
• Historic Preservation certificate or equal preferred.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP Certification) is optional.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and analyzes historic preservation requests; participates in the development review process and the analysis of development petitions and plans within the City’s historic districts
• Collects and analyzes data, conducts site visits when necessary, and assists other planners with special projects as assigned
• Responds to the public and City employees for issues related to historic preservation and provides technical guidance in response to historic preservation inquiries
• Reviews building permit applications for properties located within a designated historic district or listed as a historic site on the Lake Worth Beach Register of Historic Places
• Reviews demolition permit applications and requests per Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)
• Prepares nominations for a structure to be designated as a historic site
• Maintains and interprets the City’s Historic Preservation Guidelines for Rehabilitation and participates in preservation related code compliance efforts
• Assists in the process of acquiring grant funding for implementation of historic preservation programs
• Assists with the administration of the street signage for historic districts and historic plaque programs
• Assists with and/or makes recommendations for amendments to Historic Preservation Ordinance as assigned
• Develops public education programs to preserve the City’s historic resources and to foster awareness of these resources
• Assists with the comprehensive historic preservation, planning, zoning, development and revision process in departmental area of assignment
• Provides analysis of requests for Certificates of Appropriateness and applies the City’s Historic Preservation Design Guidelines, Historic Educational Guidelines, Major Thoroughfare Design Guidelines and Historic Preservation Ordinance as appropriate.
• Analyzes development data and plans and prepares recommendations on development related requests in departmental area of assignment
• Prepares, provides, and/or presents analysis and recommendations to the City’s Historic Resources Preservation Board on the following items, dependent on area of assignment: requests for rezoning, major land subdivisions, conditional land use, developments of significant impact, amendments to planned developments and level I site plan approvals, and requests to modify structures or uses of properties located in a designated historic district or listed as an individual site in the Lake Worth Register of Historic Places
• Prepares planning reports, documents, and agendas for City officials, boards, committees, and other agencies and organizations, monitors and assists with the management of the Historic Resources Preservation Board as necessary.
• Prepares and/or assists with drafting code amendments, mapping and GIS analysis, and graphic presentations specific to area of assignment
• Performs fieldwork and research for both current preservation and comprehensive planning efforts
• Reviews building permit applications and business licenses; ensures the efficient and timely processing of applications
• Responds to preservation, planning and zoning inquiries from a variety of internal and external constituents and stakeholders; performs ‘planner-on-call’ duties as requested
• Coordinates and participates with other agencies in activities related to requests for proposals and corresponding completed plans and bids
• Provides input pertaining to landscape components in neighborhoods, site and master plans, and design guidelines
• Attends meetings outside of standard business hours when requested/as assigned/as required
• Coordinates and/or provides guidance to lower-level planning and technical employees, when requested/as assigned/as required

Benefits

• Vacation and Sick Leave Accruals
• 13 Paid Holidays
• 3 Floating Holidays
• City of Lake Worth Beach Medical Benefits that include Life Insurance, Dental and Vision coverage.
• Retirement Plan

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees