City of Tampa

This is highly responsible professional work involving planning and implementation of research and development of specific design programs as they relate to historic preservation.

An employee in this class serves as a liaison between the city and the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), Barrio Latino Commission (BLC), Architectural Review Commission (ARC), architects, builders, and applicants. Emphasis is on reviewing, analyzing and interpreting architectural plans, drawings and design specifications, archival research of historic sites, and architectural history. The employee provides guidance and direction on design, material selection, and preservation issues relevant to the historic districts, locally designated historic districts, and the respective areas’ planning needs. In addition, this position conducts cultural research surveys, site work involving photography, and dating of architecture and style of homes in neighborhoods to justify designations. Tasks are of more than average difficulty, involving fieldwork and extensive contact with architects, builders, preservationists, the public, and other municipalities. The employee provides technical advice and guidance on the city's ad valorem tax exemption program and on federal tax credits for historic properties. Additionally, the employee provides applicants with guidance on the development of specific design requirements of said programs. They prepare and present ad valorem exemption presentations to the HPC, ARC, and BLC at public hearings. Under general supervision, the employee must exercise reasonable initiative and independent judgment in providing assistance and counseling to applicants and other interested parties. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports submitted, and results obtained.

Interviews potential applicants; conducts research and analyzes collected data on projects pertaining to architectural history, municipal ordinances/regulations, historic preservation guidelines, urban design, and evolution.

Counsels applicants on the review process of the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), Barrio Latino (BLC) and Architectural Review Commissions (ARC), including meeting with and advising potential applicants, current applicants, architects, builders, developers, and interested parties to discuss urban projects and standards/parameters of review by the appropriate commissions.

Assists in the preparation for and execution of the HPC, BLC, and ARC design review meetings and public hearings.

Reviews and evaluates projects by conducting site visits.

Prepares and compiles photo-documentation of historically significant or potentially significant structures and sites.

Performs research; prepares and presents educational information to the public and review commissions; prepares oral, written and multimedia presentations and reports involving historic preservation topics, planning issues, urban design, proposed designated neighborhoods, and architectural significance; presents subject matter, as required, to the HPC, ARC, BLC, or other interested parties.

Actively participates in advisory groups, project planning groups and conferences and meets with others as the representative for the city's Historic Preservation Review staff.

Performs related work as required.

Working knowledge of: the methods, principles and practices of historic preservation; state and local historic preservation codes, ordinances and designations; practices and methods essential to the compilation, research, analysis and evaluation of historic preservation sites/applicants.

Ability to: research and prepare statistical analyses; collect, assimilate, analyze, and interpret data and draw sound conclusions; prepare oral and/or written reports and impart them effectively; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, local historic preservation representatives, local officials, and the general public; operate a lightweight motor vehicle.

Mostly sedentary, indoors, requires extended use of computer, typing and viewing monitor.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in historic preservation, architecture, or a related field, and three (3) years of experience in building and design standards, architectural history, historic preservation, or a related field.

Possession of a valid Florida driver's license.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.