Category: 
Job


Location: Wheaton, MD

Cultural Resources Planner III

Salary: $67,614.00 - $121,955.00 Annually

Closing: 7/21/2023

Description
Do you have a background and interest in history or architectural history? If so, the Montgomery County Planning Department is where you want to be! We are currently seeking a Cultural Resources Planner III to review applications for Historic Area Work Permits (HAWPs) and making staff recommendations to the Historic Preservation Commission, as well as providing technical preservation information and support to citizens and owners of historic properties. This position is in the Countywide Planning and Policy Division which works to support Countywide growth management studies and policies as well as to support area master, sector, and functional plans.

The Montgomery County Planning Department is part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). For 95 years, M-NCPPC has had a national reputation for excellence in planning, and today serves a culturally diverse population of over one million people on the border of Washington, D.C. in Montgomery County. We provide county-wide planning functions including long range planning, as well as reviews of development applications in diverse built environments of downtown urban districts, suburban communities, and agricultural areas. We have pioneered nationally modeled programs in agricultural preservation, inclusionary housing, and transit-oriented design. To learn more about who we are and what we do, we encourage you to watch this brief video here and visit our website at www.montgomeryplanning.org.

Examples of Important Duties
Review applications for HAWPs and make staff recommendations to the Historic Preservation Commission:

  • Coordinate with the Department of Permitting Services and Planning Department on the intake of applications for HAWPs, including making sure that applications are complete and promptly scheduled for review by the Historic Preservation Commission.
  • Assure that all HAWP public hearings are advertised and publicized as required by law.
  • Work with property owners and other interested citizens on specific HAWP cases, including Preliminary Consultations with owners, presentations to civic groups, field visits to view sites, photography of sites and surrounding areas, necessary research and dissemination of technical rehabilitation information, etc.
  • Prepare formal staff recommendations on HAWP cases for review by the Historic Preservation Commission by applying relevant design guidelines and standards, including, but not limited to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. These staff recommendations will be included in the packet prepared for each Historic Preservation Commission meeting.
  • Present recommendations, including PowerPoint presentations and other graphics, to the Historic Preservation Commission on HAWP cases as assigned. Assist in preparation for Commission meetings as needed.
  • Prepare transmittals and formal written decisions reflecting the Historic Preservation Commission’s decisions on HAWP cases for the Department of Permitting Services and work with County staff to assure that building permits are issued in accordance with the approvals and conditions required by the Historic Preservation Commission.
  • Prepare testimony and written reports for the Historic Preservation Commission for HAWP cases appealed to the Board of Appeals or the District Court. Work with the County Attorney on appeal cases.
  • Maintain complete files and background information for each HAWP case. Assure the HAWP information is entered into the electronic historic site filing system.

Provide citizens and owners of historic sites with technical preservation and rehabilitation information:

  • Respond to individual requests from owners of historic sites for technical rehabilitation advice.
  • Make presentations to civic groups on historic preservation and rehabilitation topics, including organized educational workshops if the need arises.

In addition, this position involves a great deal of interaction with other governmental departments/agencies and with a broad range of citizens and civic associations. As our Cultural Resources Planner III, you will respond to letters, emails, telephone calls, and drop-in inquiries from property owners, developers, architects, attorneys, and interested citizens on a broad array of historic preservation concerns. You will also participate in the review of public and private projects affecting potential and designated historic resources in the County, including special rehabilitation and design projects.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Historical Preservation, Cultural Resources Management, History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Architectural History, Architecture, Urban Planning or any related field.
  • Four (4) years of progressively responsible historical preservation, cultural resource management, archaeology or closely related experience.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
  • Valid driver’s license (depending on area of assignment) in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • A Master’s Degree in Architectural History, History, Historic Preservation, Urban Planning, Architecture; or a closely related field.
  • Excellent research and writing skills.
  • An understanding of historic building materials and construction techniques as well as the ability to read architectural plans, site plans, and civil engineering drawings.
  • The ability to communicate directly with clients in the public and private sector and the ability to work both on own initiative and as part of a team.
  • Experience in interpretation and evaluation of resources in an urban planning context. -Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS, Sketch-Up, Adobe Suite.

How to Apply
Apply online at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mncppc/jobs/4090838/cultural-resources-planner-iii-historic-preservation-regulatory-review-11469