JOB SUMMARY: The Historic Preservation Planner is responsible for promoting and expanding the City’s historic preservation program. The position will be responsible for a variety of planning-related functions, including but not limited to the collection, analysis, and reporting of data and trends related to various urban issues affecting the City; outreach and education for residents, community organizers, and decision makers on issues related to planning and development in the City.

The essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Respond to requests for service and research; collaborate with employees and the public; present information to commissions, boards and the public.

2. Work directly with the State Preservation Office (SHPO) and local and regional preservation entities.

3. Act as staff liaison to the City’s Historic Review Commission (HRC) by performing all related tasks associated with the work of the HRC and the City of Erie. Act as community liaison for preservation efforts, education and training to residents, neighborhood groups and outside agencies.

4.Issue certificates for projects by meeting with applicants and reviewing applications, preparing reports, making site visits, drafting orders, preparing agenda items, presenting information to commission members, acting as liaison to applicants, and maintaining records of information.

5. Work with zoning officers, planning department staff, planning commission, City clerk and City Council on the proper steps and approval sequencing of local historic designation nominations and related historic preservation processes.

6. Follow projects to completion by interacting with code enforcement staff and reviewing code enforcement activities, communicating with related Departments, working with legal staff, and interacting with property owners.

7. Prepare reports for active CLG grants; manage the City’s certified local Government status and maintain requirements of the CLG certification. Prepare reports for active Keystone grants through the PASHPO office.

8. Prepare grants and other funding requests to further the mission of the City’s preservation program.

9. Participate in planning projects and activities: research projects; prepare related reports and documentation; attend a variety of meetings, workshops, and public forums.

10. Assist in coordinating City efforts to achieve its goals and implement the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Erie Refocused and other City adopted plans.

11. Work with other City departments to align resources to meet community needs as well as help identify areas where additional research, policy development, or planning is needed.

12. Assist director with the preparation and administration of local, state and federal grants related to planning goals and projects.

13. Assist staff in Neighborhood Resources with neighborhood-centered initiatives, community engagement efforts, and community outreach, specifically the Love Your Block program.

14. Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in City Planning, Urban Planning, Urban Studies, Urban Design, Historic Preservation, Architectural History, Sustainability/Environmental Studies, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Economics, Public Administration, or closely related field, with one year of related experience required.

A Master’s Degree in City or Urban Planning, Architecture, Historic Preservation, Public Administration or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of experience.

Professional experience in Historic Preservation is highly desirable.

Preferred Requirements: Experience with local, state, and national historic preservation programs, standards, and regulations. Understanding of Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code as related to land use and development issues. Experience using Geographic Information System. Ability to write effectively and speak clearly and respectfully to a broad spectrum of community interests and to represent the City at public meetings.