Job Listing
🔗Historic Architectural Easement Monitor (Environmental Protection Specialist III/IV or Architect I/II)
Website Texas Historical Commission
JOB OBJECTIVE: Perform complex historic architectural conditions assessments and provide technical assistance to preserve and protect Texas’ diverse architectural heritage. As part of a three-member team for the Easement Program in the Division of Architecture (DOA), the Historic Architectural Easement Monitor will utilize their technical preservation expertise to assess existing conditions of historic County Courthouses, commercial buildings, and residential structures, review changes to easement-protected properties, and serve as the first line of communication on preservation practices to the general public, property owners, architects, consultants, contractors, and government agencies. Work under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Perform annual monitoring activities at historic properties on which THC holds an easement or deed covenant to ensure property owner compliance and support the preservation of the historic and architectural character of properties in the program.
- Assess, inspect, and report on the conditions of historic properties, including modest vernacular structures and high-style County Courthouses, using written and photographic documentation methods, with an emphasis on evaluating character-defining features.
- Utilize property’s baseline data, including architectural drawings, photographs, and completion reports, to assess changes in a property’s condition and assist owners in maintaining their properties.
- Enter monitoring data into the Web-based Easement Database Application to create monitoring reports or update baseline conditions.
- Establish relationships with property owners and representatives by communicating regularly, both verbally and in written form, to notify them of upcoming annual monitoring activities and easement violations or to provide other feedback as necessary.
- Assist property owners with easement self-monitoring activities and associated documents.
- Provide written and verbal technical assistance on the preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of historic properties in keeping with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and the terms of their easement or covenant.
- Present results and data to an internal Easement Committee and collaborate to determine priorities for future easement monitoring.
- Work collaboratively within the Division of Architecture with the Courthouse Preservation, Federal and State Review, and Disaster Assistance teams regarding the implementation of the Easement Program and associated project reviews.
- Engage and consult on-site with the public, architectural consultants, and government officials regarding appropriate preservation techniques for historic structures.
- Participate in conferences and workshops and speak to communities and professional groups about the Texas Historical Commission’s programs to encourage participation.
- Serve as a liaison to other THC staff, government agencies, community organizations, and the general public to explain and provide technical assistance on program specifics and requirements.
- Assist in the collection, organization, analysis, and/or preparation of materials in response to requests for program and project-specific information and reports.
- Assist in developing and updating the agency website, submitting social media content, and writing agency or outside publications.
- Adhere to an established work schedule with regular attendance.
- Follow all THC safety guidelines/procedures and ethics requirements.
NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Perform other duties as assigned.