Historic Preservation Planner - City of Elgin, IL

Historic Preservation Planner
Community Development Department
City of Elgin, IL

Under general supervision of the Director or his designee, performs responsible work in a variety of assignments in the department of Community Development: responsible for the development and implementation of a citywide historic preservation program under the historic preservation ordinance; administration of daily activities within established historic districts, including the review of Certificates of Appropriateness applications and conducting special field inspections; development and administration of design guidelines for historic districts, development and administration of grant programs for historic properties; liaison and executive secretary to the Elgin Heritage Commission and its various Subcommittees.  


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

• Develops positive attitudes and understanding among the public toward preservation and conservation, through public outreach and the development of educational programs
• Develops and implements educational pamphlets/booklets on various issues relating to historic preservation and rehabilitation, and conducts presentations on these issues from time to time
• Acts as liaison and executive secretary to the Elgin Heritage Commission.
• Prepares agenda, maintains records, prepares minutes, and assembles relevant information for commission review
• Administers various programs of the Elgin Heritage Commission including the heritage building plaque program, Sears house plaque program, downtown building plaque program, and historical marker program
• Administers special projects of the Commission including special inventories of building types, documentation of historic records and photographs, and coordinates various events of the Commission including Preservation month activities, the Mayors Awards for Preservation and the Plaque presentation ceremonies
• Promotes and prepares nominations for properties to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places or as local Elgin landmarks when required
• Administers the programmatic agreement with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA) to review the effect of federal and state funded or licensed undertakings for their effects on historic properties, in conformance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1996, and Section 707 of The Illinois State Agency Historic Resources Preservation Act
• Prepares grant applications and administers successful grants received from the Certified Local Government (CLG) grant program of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA), and serves as liaison between the City of Elgin and the State preservation office in maintaining Elgin’s status as a Certified Local Government
• Acts as liaison and executive secretary to the Design Review Subcommittee.
• Prepares agenda, maintains records, prepares minutes, and assembles relevant information for Subcommittee review on properties requesting approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)
• Reviews and evaluates plans and specifications for new construction, alteration and/or repair, and demolition of structures within historic and conservation districts, to determine compliance with applicable codes and ordinances, and the Elgin Design Guideline Manual for Landmarks and Historic Districts
• Assists the public in securing permits and Certificates of Appropriateness in a timely and professional manner, including conducting special field inspections as required, assisting with the development of drawn plans, elevations and specifications and material samples
  •Promotes and provides technical assistance to contractors, design professionals, and the general public regarding building plans and specifications; and appropriate preservation materials, methods, and design solutions
• Prepares reports on discrepancies, deviations and variations from applicable codes and ordinances found during plan review
• Maintains diagrams, specifications, samples and reports on building materials, design standards, relevant codes and regulations, and other related materials
• Produces required written and graphic information in a professional manner
• Reviews, develops and implements the historic preservation ordinance and recommends desirable revisions as they apply to existing and future historic and conservation districts
• Coordinates the preparation and pursuit of legal action for non compliance of properties within historic districts and landmarks with the Division of Code Enforcement
• Maintains computer files relating to historic preservation reviews, submittals and issues
• Performs other tasks as required or directed
• This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently to move objects; work requires grasping and fingering; vocal communication is required for expressing or changing ideas by means of spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, and peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work and observing general surrounding and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.

OTHER: 

• Extensive knowledge of the materials used in the building and construction industry; principles and practices followed in preparing designs, plans and specifications for building projects
• Knowledge of federal, state and local historic preservation laws, programs and procedures
• Knowledge in the implementation of adaptive use of historic buildings
• Ability to prepare, amend and implement a preservation plan and design guidelines
• Ability to document local history and provide design and technical assistance for the rehabilitation of local architecture; read and interpret construction plans and specifications and recognize alternate materials and methods for design
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language, both orally and in written form; lead groups in a productive and impartial manner
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, municipal officials, design professionals, and members of the general public
• Ability to assist building owners with appropriate rehabilitation of residential and commercial buildings
• Ability to work without close supervision
• Skill in the preparation of successful grant proposals; interpreting relevant codes and ordinances; producing graphic information to interpret field conditions on paper
• Knowledge of federal, state and local grant programs, regulations, processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of general planning principles and land use regulations
• Extensive and demonstrative knowledge of the use and application of MS Office Suite, electronic mail systems and database systems

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A bachelor’s degree in historic preservation or related field required, supplemented by a Masters degree in historic preservation or a related field preferred, from an accredited college or university, and a minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in professional historic preservation.

Apply at www.cityofelgin.org by January 2, 2015.