Job Description
This is a limited term position (lasting less than one (1) year in the Survey and National Register Section of the Division of Preservation Services. Office location is at Graeme Park, Horsham, PA. The National Register Section manages the identification, evaluation, and preservation of historic properties through a variety of state and federal programs. The position requires an understanding and critical analysis of cultural resources, methods of historical research, and historic preservation laws, standards, and guidelines. The position further requires working with the public, state and federal agencies, and local governments in order to carry out the responsibilities outlined below.
Job Responsibilities
- Provides support to the Bureau for Historic Preservation for implementing the Contextual Bridge Preservation Task Force Action Plan.
- Develops a website to communicate the guidance and tools created by the abovementioned project.
- Coordinates and conducts field views and site visits as necessary for the purpose of evaluating the National Park Service’s Criteria for Evaluation – Criterion A significance of historic bridges.
- Updates related data in the Bureau’s Cultural Resources Geographic Information System (CRGIS) as new data is collected.
- Prepares overlays showing historic and modern road networks.
- Prepares mapping showing historic data for population and economic development as needed.
- Undertakes research, review, and/or survey activities related to the development of historic contexts supporting the National Register evaluation of historic bridges.
- Reviews and identifies Cultural Resource Management (CRM) and other environmental compliance reports for projects in PENNDOT Districts that could contain background material on highway development.
- Conducts research on road and highway development at local repositories and through the use of online tools.
- Field tests documentation guidelines and related context(s) to evaluate bridges for historic significance and prepare evaluation comments.
- Provides technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and agencies including development of printed information and guidelines, development of and participation in workshops, public programs and training sessions, and individual consultation.
- Assists with the coordination of the Bureau’s National Register Evaluation committee as needed in connection with the evaluation of historic bridges.
- Assists with the maintenance of the Commonwealth’s historic resource inventory, including the preparation and maintenance of paper and electronic records related to historic bridges.
- Reviews state and federal program requests and comment as required under state, federal and municipal historic preservation laws and prepares recommendations and responses for signature by the Supervisor or Division Chief.
- Makes recommendations on significance and integrity of historic resources and on the content of cultural resources studies for review by the Supervisor, other BHP staff, and PennDOT Cultural Resources Professionals and consultants.
- The incumbent is responsible to be familiar with PHMC general safety rules and safety rules specific to this position; for working in a safe manner and following all PHMC safety rules; to immediately report all workplace injuries or incidents to the supervisor; and to immediately correct any safety hazards in the work area or report same to supervisor.
Essential Functions
- Work independently
- Follow written and oral instructions
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Evaluate reports
- Evaluate the significance of properties
- Operate a computer and associated software
- Synthesize information
- Operate a motor vehicle
- Conduct archival research
- Lift up to 15 pounds
Qualifications
Two or more years of experience working on an architectural survey, an architectural restoration and preservation project or program, and a bachelor’s degree in architectural history, American history, art history or course work in Pennsylvania history OR any equivalent combination of experience and training.
Salary or Pay Rate
Salary is $22.68 per hour.
How To Apply
You can apply through the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Employment website at www.employment.pa.gov. Click on the “Apply Now” tab and then click on “Job Opportunities.” In the Search Criteria menu, check the “Museum” category and click on “Go” to search for available investigative positions. Click on “Historical Preservation Specialist” to learn more about this opportunity and if interested, click on “Apply.” If you are currently registered with NEOGOV, you will be asked to enter your username and password to apply. If you are not currently registered with NEOGOV, you may create an account and apply for available positions by clicking on the “Create Your Account Here!” link. Registration is free. If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the Bureau of State Employment at 717.787.5703 or 717.787.0570 (TTY).
