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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHistoric Preservation PlannerUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review) CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Historic Preservation Planner Department: Neighborhood & Development Services Division: Development Services Supervisor: Senior Planner FLSA: Non-Exempt Civil Service: Yes Pay Grade: 15 Job Number: 1506 Job Summary Under direction, researches and reviews applications for historic review. Prepare policy proposals and implementation measures regarding historic preservation and other planning topics. Provides staff assistance to various City boards and Commissions. Works on a wide variety of historic preservation projects ranging from review of building projects to nominations to the National Register of Historic Places. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. • Assists owners of historic buildings and contractors with renovation plans and drawings, reviews for conformity with local and federal guidelines, identifies items needed for compliance with guidelines. • Provides information and advice about the historic preservation guidelines and the historic review process via appointments, phone calls and walk-in visits. • Prepares and presents written and oral reports and recommendations to the Historic Preservation Commission. • Researches building products to verify that they meet historic preservation standards. • Assists in the identification and designation of conservation districts, historic districts, and local landmarks. • Prepares agenda packets for board and commission meetings. • Assists assigned commissions in ongoing and special projects; manages grants as assigned. • Collaborates as a team member to ensure effective communication to meet tasks, goals, and deadlines. • Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all community members and coworkers. • Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of related experience; or five years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in Architecture, Historic Preservation, Planning, or related. Experience in evaluation and/or implementation of historic preservation projects or related. • Valid State of Iowa driver’s license with satisfactory driving record. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass criminal background check. Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Master’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of related experience; or six years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Ability to analyze and critique plans and proposals for zoning and land development. • Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. • Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors. • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. • Ability to prepare and present technical reports and resolutions. • Ability to read and interpret legal agreements and documents. • Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties. • Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. • Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. • Ability to write reports and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. • Knowledge of development process and local government operations. • Knowledge of principles and practices of urban planning. • Knowledge of zoning and subdivision regulations. • Skill in the operation of a number of office machines and equipment such as computers, copiers, and facsimile machines. • Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Outlook) and GIS tools. • Knowledge of historic preservation principles and practices including the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for the Rehabilitation. • Skill in customer service necessary to work with property owners, contractors, designers and historic preservation commissioners. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) Supervision No supervision of direct reports. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant work pace pressure. Iowa City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Reviewed/Approved by: Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood & Development Services Director (4/2024) I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. Employee Date ________________________________ __________________ Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)