The Chester County Planning Commission is seeking a Heritage Preservation Coordinator to support historic resource protection and heritage planning and interpretation throughout Chester County consistent with the goals of the county’s comprehensive plan, Landscapes3. The position serves as the county historic preservation officer for state and federal historic resource reviews and advises on county-owned historic resource reviews. Technical assistance is provided to municipalities, historic preservation partner organizations, and the public including guidance related to: education and outreach programs highlighting area history; historic resource protection; historic resource surveys and documentation; historical commission organizational development and membership recruitment, National Register nominations; Section 106 and local ordinance application guidance; and historic structures reports and impact studies. This position requires the ability to organize, lead, and support multiple volunteers and professionals from municipalities, the public, and historic preservation partner organizations. Minimum Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in historic preservation or history from an accredited college or university, a minimum of six to seven years related experience, and experience in a cultural institution or government agency involving historic resources or a related field.
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Organize, lead, and support multiple volunteers and professionals from municipalities, the public, and historic preservation partner organizations to carry out historic mapping, documentation, and interpretation projects.
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Provide technical assistance to municipalities relating to their historic resource planning efforts, including local mapping and designation of historic resources, and creation or support to historical commissions, committees, and historic architectural review boards (HARBs).
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Provide annual training to historical commissions, committees, and HARBs in partnership with historic preservation partner organizations.
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Develop, conduct, and fundraise for the Town Tours and Village Walks program in collaboration with volunteers, to include approximately 12 events annually.
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Serve as Chester County’s consulting party for state and federal projects (i.e. bridges and highway improvement projects) upon request from respective agencies under the coordination of the Chester County Planning Commission.
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Advise as requested on Section 106 review regulations for County projects. Identify and evaluate resources, determine effect or adverse effect mitigation options, and comment on Memoranda of Agreements.
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Advise County Facilities (and other departments as relevant) regarding historic designation, Section 106 process, and related technical information for County-owned properties or properties in which the County has a vested interest.
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Advise on PA Act 247 land development reviews that involve historic resources.
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Support collaborations in the public and private sectors to develop heritage tourism in Chester County emphasizing its heritage and built history, based upon core cultural heritage themes (agriculture, American Revolution, iron and steel, Quaker settlement and principles, Underground Railroad, transportation, and waterways) and historic knowledge.
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Conduct research as needed to provide historical documentation and interpretation for County departments and agencies.
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Provide support for cultural programming in the County parks based on their respective cultural heritage.
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Provide information on historic designation status and the Section 106 process for Chester County's 40,000+ historic resources upon public query.
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Perform other duties, tasks, and special projects as required.
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Bachelor’s degree in historic preservation or history from an accredited college or university.
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A minimum of six to seven years related experience.
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Experience in a cultural institution or government agency involving historic resources or a related field.
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Meets qualifications for Federal 36 CFR Part 61.
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Proficient knowledge of Section 106 Review regulations.
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Proficient knowledge of historic resource documentation.
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Ability to interface effectively with all levels of County management.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills.
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Excellent customer service experience and skills.
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Strong organizational and time management skills.
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Strong professional ethics.
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
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Sound and accurate judgement.
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Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:
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Master’s degree in historic preservation or history from an accredited college or university.
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Eight or more years related experience.
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Knowledge of Pennsylvania cultural resource identification, evaluation, and registration principles and procedures.
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Knowledge of Chester County architectural chronology and ethnicity heritage.
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Primary resource research skill and experience.
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Heritage interpretation research and development skill and experience, including creating public and private partnerships.
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Heritage interpretation and tourism funding options and development procedural practices skill and experience.
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Knowledge of County administrative procedures and policies.
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Ability to make firm, unbiased decisions.
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Ability to remain focused on daily operations.
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Accurate and detail-oriented.
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Integrity and honesty.