HISTORIC PRESERVATION SPECIALIST 2
DEFINITION:
Under limited supervision of a Historic Preservation Specialist 3 or other supervisory official, performs scientific work including field and office studies; may serve as point of contact for one of the eight program areas within the Historic Preservation Office and performs state and federal project review and preservation planning; conducts surveys to identify historic and archaeological resources using appropriate scientific methods; conducts inspections, or investigations associated with the enforcement of historic preservation laws and/or regulations and historic preservation review; prepares State and National Register nominations; reviews projects, including studying and evaluating the impact of specific projects on historic properties, for compliance with state and federal law; analyzes complex technical problems and makes recommendations regarding the need for studies and investigations to evaluate the effect of projects on historic and/or archaeological resources based upon current scientific research in the fields of archaeology and/or historic preservation; organizes and maintains cultural resource data, provides assistance to various historic site programs, and administers grants and preservation education programs; provides technical preservation and historic site services; does other related duties as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Reviews local, county, state and federally funded, sponsored, or licensed projects to determine effect of the project on cultural resources, and if appropriate recommends mitigation or avoidance measures in accordance with state and federal law. Reviews and assesses Environmental Impact Statements, received from the environmental and historic preservation consultants, under the requirements of New Jersey State Statutes and federal law.
Reviews and examines plans, specifications, environmental impact documents, reports, and resolutions applying to the construction of proposed projects and provides analyses.
Review and evaluation of project budgets.
Preparation, execution, and administration of project grant agreements.
Conducts field investigations of proposed projects to assess potential for impacts on historic properties.
Reviews, monitors, and comments on cultural resource surveys prepared by historic preservation consultants including the identification, description, research, analysis, photography, mapping and recording format for conformance to federal and state standards and guidelines for properties to be entered into the New Jersey Historic Sites inventory.
Provides direction and guidance to historic preservation consultants in the preparation of cultural resource studies, reports, and nominations to the New Jersey and National registers of Historic Places.
Conducts on site field investigations during implementation of mitigation or avoidance measures or construction of a project to determine the effectiveness of avoidance or mitigation.
Under direction, organizes and conducts projects designed to study and evaluate the impact of specific projects on historic properties.
Plans, organizes, and participates in field investigations of complaints concerning specific projects.
Under direction, may develop computer models to predict likely locations of archaeological sites within a project's area of potential effect; determine necessity of archaeological survey based upon those computer models; determine methods to avoid or minimize impacts to potential archaeological sites based upon those models.
Conducts cultural resource surveys; trains assistants and volunteers in basic survey techniques.
Performs periodic field investigations of historic sites and districts.
Makes preliminary recommendations for eligibility and assesses the potential historic property impacts as the basis for the level of historic property studies and documentation necessary.
Researches, prepares, and revises routine State and National Register nomination applications; conducts field inspections of proposed sites and districts; presents nominations to the State Review Board for Historic Sites.
Reviews and evaluates resources for eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places for Federal project reviews and the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit certifications.
Works with appropriate personnel to minimize adverse effects to historic properties or develop new treatments that meet the Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
Reviews and evaluates standard applications for rehabilitation work for the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit program.
Locates and identifies historic sites and districts utilizing available Geographic Information Systems databases and uses this information in eligibility analysis, nominations, reports and cultural resource reviews.
Provides assistance and consultation to State and local law enforcement agencies in providing for the protection of certain publicly owned archaeological findings and archaeological sites, under P.L.1983, c.324 and Title 23, Title 27, Title 40, and Title 58 of the Revised Statutes.
Conducts inspections of historic properties or archaeologically sensitive areas for which there is a historic preservation easement or restrictive covenant to ensure compliance with easement or restrictive covenant requirements. Monitors historic preservation easements for compliance with state and/or federal guidelines.
Investigates complaints of violations of state and federal historic preservation law.
Participates in or assists in conducting public hearings for New Jersey and National nominations and/or project reviews pursuant to State and federal guidelines.
Collects information and develops recommendations for revisions to State statutes, including but not limited to New Jersey Register of Historic Places Act, Highlands reservation Act, Garden State Preservation Trust, Freshwater Wetlands Act, Waterfront Development Act, Coastal Areas Facilities Review Act, Green Acres, Pinelands reservation Act and their associated rules.
Reviews preservation grant applications for including but not limited to surveys, nominations, historic structures reports, and historic preservation education projects; recommends grant awards; prepares grant award recommendations, letters of withdrawal and denial for supervisor signature; reviews project initiative materials and fiscal documents from grant receipts.
Develops, prepares, and evaluates contract documents used to bid, award, and administer contracts for historic preservation projects including, but not limited to, surveys, nominations, historic structures reports, archaeological surveys, and historic preservation education projects, and coordinates these activities in conjunction with other units and agencies.
Prepares scopes of work and personnel cost estimates for projects requiring the use of historic preservation consultant services.
Administers and monitors historic preservation grants for compliance with the grant agreement conditions/requirements, grant guidelines, grant deadlines and reviews, and evaluates all grant products for final acceptance. Completes all final project reports to close out the grant.
Prepares statistical information and related materials for incorporation into the Annual Historic Preservation Work Plan, Project Activities Database Forms and application for federal historic preservation funds.
Researches, develops, and writes statewide Historic Contexts utilizing all available scientific data and sources, including both primary and secondary sources necessary for the evaluation of the significance of historic properties.
Drafts articles for newsletters and other publications; drafts routine press releases.
Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with representatives from local, state, and federal government agencies, historical environmental groups, and members of the general public.
Serves as staff for the New Jersey Historic Sites Council, New Jersey Historic Trust, and State Review Board for Historic Sites, and as a liaison to other historical, educational and professional groups.
Meets with planning, design, and construction personnel.
Assists in implementation and compliance with the Open Public Records Act.
Conducts historic preservation seminars and training programs for local, county state and federal government officials, public and private organizations, and agencies as well as other constituents.
Assists in organizing and/or participates in conferences, workshops, meetings, and public hearings; addresses various groups concerning programs and preservation issues.
Maintains and retrieves special records on cultural resources including the State and National Register nomination forms, the New Jersey Historic Site Inventory, project-specific cultural resource surveys, and relevant photos, slides, and maps.
Prepares correspondence.
Prepares clear sound accurate and informative reports on historic preservation and cultural management containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Maintains essential records and files.
Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Six (6) years of professional experience in historic site surveying, historic preservation planning, or any combination of the following: detailed investigation of historic structures; preparation of historic structures research reports and/or preparation or review of plans/specifications for preservation projects; research writing, or related activity with an historic organization, agency; research and/or writing in American architectural history and/or restoration architecture; and/or experience in archaeological research, administration, management, and/or study of archaeological resources; including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hour credits in professional planning subjects such as land use planning, historic city planning, planning project design, or planning law and administration.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hour credits in professional planning subjects such as land use planning, historic city planning, planning project design, or planning law and administration; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in American Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Architectural History, History, or Historic Preservation; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a valid certificate as a Registered Architect issued by the NJ Board of Registered Architects; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a valid license as a Professional Planner issued by the NJ State Board of Professional Planners; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a master's degree in American Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Architectural History, History or Historic Preservation; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.
NOTE: Applicants holding a master's degree in History or Architectural History will be required to have a specialization in American History or American Architecture, respectively.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility such persons may not be eligible.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of the New Jersey Register of Historic Places Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Highlands Preservation Act, Green Acres, Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act, Waterfront Development Act, Coastal Areas Facilities Review Act, Pinelands Preservation Act and their associated rules.
Knowledge of the scientific principles, concepts, and methods of archaeological and historic building data collection and analysis
Knowledge of the principles of historic preservation and cultural resources management.
Knowledge of the National Register program.
Knowledge of cultural resources survey methodology and techniques.
Knowledge of historic research and writing methods.
Knowledge of American history, architecture, archaeology, and cultural resources.
Knowledge of the methods and techniques used to evaluate and assess proposed alternations to historic properties.
Knowledge of photographic skills and techniques.
Knowledge of the rules, regulations, and guidelines associated with the grant process.
Knowledge of the Open Public Records Act.
Ability to speak publicly and conduct public meetings/hearings informing constituents about topics including but not limited to state and federal laws, regulations, project reviews, nominations, and programs.
Ability to learn about Geographic Information Systems to identify and map sites and/or districts.
Ability to read and understand architectural/engineering plans and specifications.
Ability to interpret and apply state laws, rules, and regulations relevant to historic preservation and cultural resource management.
Ability to evaluate the potential effect of proposed projects on cultural resources and recommend ways to mitigate any adverse effects.
Ability to interpret and apply standards, policies, and procedures relevant to cultural resource management and historical preservation.
Ability to organize assigned technical field and office work and develop effective work methods.
Ability to critically evaluate properties according to established criteria to determine eligibility for the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic places.
Ability to establish and justify boundaries of historic districts and properties.
Ability to identify and investigate hazardous conditions at historic sites.
Ability to administer grants and grant programs.
Ability to organize and participate in field testing and monitoring, and to perform field evaluations and analyses.
Ability to conduct a historic property study or survey under direction and prepare a complete and concise report.
Ability to interpret technical data and make evaluations and recommendations.
Ability to cooperate with the community and individual citizens on matters affecting the impact of projects on historic properties.
Ability to prepare reports and correspondence.
Ability to maintain and retrieve records and files.
Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems and software used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it may cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
This job specification is applicable to the following title code:
