Position DescriptionThe Historic Preservationist 1 – Zoning Inspector coordinates historical site development and restoration projects, provides technical assistance to owners of historic properties and elevates awareness of Nashville’s architectural history. Performs related duties as required.

We have approximately 10,000 properties (31 districts and 62 individual properties) under one of 5 different types of historic overlays. We average about 600 permits annually, with 73% being issued administratively. Seventy-three percent of our applications are new construction (infill, additions, outbuildings), 3% are roof repairs, 9% are general alterations, 4% are signage, and 11% are demolition (in whole and in part/ contributing and non-contributing.) We average about 10 economic hardship inquiries a year, with less than half of those ending up being formal applications that go to the Commission. Most of our current historic building stock is from the 1890s to the 1960s.

Typical Duties

• Inspects permitted projects at specific points throughout the project, as noted on the permit or as requested by the owner/applicant, neighbors, supervisors, or other interested parties.
• Works with property owners/applicants to find solutions that meet the design guidelines for projects that are different than permitted or that were constructed without a permit.
• Assists owners/applicants through the violation process.
• Writes staff recommendations for violations that need to go before the Commission.
• Provides an initial review for economic hardship requests for historic buildings and assists owner/applicant with guidance and information regarding demolition.
• Analyzes and writes economic hardship staff reports for the commission.
• Assists staff and applicants with preservation technology advice and resources such as review of substitute materials and information regarding construction practices.
• Works with other permitting departments (zoning, water, public works, stormwater, property standards, codes) on inspections and violations that may overlap with their review and requirements.
• Enforces historic preservation and zoning regulations, including inspecting buildings and landmarks to establish their authenticity as historical sites and/or for compliance with preservation and zoning regulations.
• Reviews specifications and issues approvals for exterior work proposed in historically zoned Districts; surveys potential historic sites and/or districts and recommends preservation.
• Assists property owners, architects, contractors, and government agencies, including assessing the impact of projects on the surrounding area.
• Studies proposals and evaluates their impact on historic properties and districts; prepares and explains guidelines for historical districts; draws architectural illustrations and specifications for projects; and reviews and writes specifications.
• Coordinates and attends meetings and/or projects with the public, staff, and other agencies.
  Plans and implements projects, exhibits, studies, and workshops.
  Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.

Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.

We are an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees. It will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.

Requests for ADA accommodation for the recruitment process should be directed to 615-862-8980 option #7.