Title: Eastern Regional Preservation Office Preservation Specialist

State Role Title: Hist/Arch & Preservationist III

Hiring Range: Up to $25/hour

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept of Historic Resources

Location: Dept of Historic Resources

Agency Website: www.dhr.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) is seeking an experienced historic preservation professional to serve in a part-time role in the Eastern Regional Preservation Office (ERPO), based at DHR Headquarters in Richmond. The position offers an opportunity for a self-motivated individual to provide historic preservation services to citizens in the counties and localities of the Eastern Region (see map of region at https://www.dhr.virginia.gov/about/regional-preservation-offices/). ERPO Preservation Specialist duties will have an emphasis on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and Virginia Landmarks Register (VLR) nominations in the region. The Preservation Specialist will also provide assistance and guidance on DHR’s programs and preservation activities. Located within the Community Services Division, this position will work under supervision of the ERPO Architectural Historian. Some travel and occasional evening hours are required. On average, ERPO Preservation Specialist will work 29 hours per week. Limited telework options are available.

Duties:
• Supports, or takes the lead in, National Register/Virginia Landmarks Register inquiries from the public;
• Completes review, editing and advising on preparation of National Register/Virginia Landmarks Register documents;
• Completes research and writing for National Register/Virginia Landmarks Register documents as necessary;
• Participates in the DHR National Register Evaluation Committee;
• Participates in meetings with applicants;
• Conducts public information meetings;
• Assists with survey projects;
• Provides technical assistance to the public;
• Represents the agency at special events as needed;
• Performs general office tasks and other preservation-related activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must meet the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards in Architectural History through an advanced degree in architectural history, history, historic preservation or related field.
Experience with National Register of Historic Places programs, documents and activities and/or successfully applying National Register Criteria for Evaluation.

The selected candidate will be required to complete a criminal background check as a condition of employment.

A valid driver license is required. Cover letter required. If selected for an interview, applicants may be asked to provide a writing sample.

Additional Considerations

Preferred qualifications:
Knowledge of the history and architectural history of Virginia and/or the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Previous state or municipal historic preservation office or preservation planning experience.
Working knowledge of historic preservation concepts, laws, and regulations.
Experience demonstrating excellent organizational planning, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Experience demonstrating time management skills and proven ability to meet deadlines and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Experience demonstrating strong written and oral communication skills and experience and proficiency in creating and giving presentations.
Experience demonstrating ability to work effectively with other organizations and diverse audiences.
Experience demonstrating familiarity with digital/online office environment.
Proficiency utilizing Microsoft Office Suite, databases and GIS programs.
Applicants must meet the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards in Architectural History through an advanced degree in architectural history, history, historic preservation or related field.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

To be considered for this position a completed state application must be received through the on-line employment system by at http://jobs.virginia.gov/.

EOE
Women, Minorities, Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be provided to applicants in order to provide access to the application and/or interview process.

Contact Information

Name: Heather Smolka

Phone: 804-482-6447

Email: Heather.Smolka@dhr.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.