Historic Preservation Office

Overview

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JOB DESCRIPTION

The Municipality of Princeton’s Planning Department is seeking an innovative and motivated professional with experience in historic preservation to join our team in a full-time position with benefits. The ideal candidate will be a strong collaborator with deep knowledge of historic preservation practices and regulations, demonstrated ability to engage with the community, and the organizational skills to lead complex preservation initiatives. Princeton’s historic sites, districts, and cultural resources are central to the Municipality’s character, and this position plays a critical role in preserving and protecting those assets for current and future generations while acknowledging the managed growth required in the Municipality.

Princeton has a population of 30,681 (2020 Census) and is home to several world-renowned institutions of higher learning. Located in the heart of New Jersey, and directly between New York City and Philadelphia, Princeton balances commercial and residential development with open space preservation and historical preservation. Princeton currently has 21 locally designated historic districts under the purview of the Historic Preservation Commission as well as many other historic districts and sites on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS PERFORMED

Regular duties include but are not limited to:

Oversee the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC); prepare meeting documents, ensure timely review of HPC applications, offer leadership and guidance at meetings, and coordinate with HPC members•     Provide assistance to property owners; thoroughly review HPC applications for accuracy, assist with ordinance interpretation and code compliance standards, review design guidelines, provide design guidance, offer resources and alternatives when warranted
Conduct or oversee in-depth research and prepare reports on applications, on recommendations to the historic preservation ordinance, including local district nominations, and on special projects, including those that require coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
Assist with site plan and development review; evaluate building permits, site plans and applications within historic districts
Conduct public information programs; prepare informational materials and oversee communications regarding historic preservation
Perform other work pertaining to community planning and zoning functions; collaborate with land-use staff on projects, complaints, or general occurrences relative to historic preservation
Maintain up-to-date and relevant information for property owners and visitors on the Municipality’s  website
Provide exceptional customer service to residents, property owners, visitors, and community partners
Perform other related duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

-Thorough knowledge of historic preservation and land use planning, including New Jersey’s Municipal Land Use Law and Local Redevelopment and Housing Law
-Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms, interpret zoning standards and local ordinances to officials and the public, and make public presentations
-Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills and experience
-Ability to present, discuss and execute innovative ideas
-Office Suite (MS suite of options – PowerPoint, Excel, Word)
-Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills and experience
-Proactive self-starter with integrity, a strong work ethic, and sound judgment
-A positive attitude and commitment to working as a team player in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
-Office Suite (MS suite of options – Powerpoint, Excel, Word)
-Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills and experience
-Proactive self-starter with integrity, a strong work ethic, and sound judgment
-A positive attitude and commitment to working as a team player in a dynamic and fast-paced environment

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in historic preservation, land use planning, preservation planning, urban design, architectural history, landscape architecture, public policy, public administration, or a related field of study
At least four (4) years of experience managing historic design review processes and compliance with federal, state and local historic preservation regulations, planning, historic preservation, architecture, urban design, or anthropology and archaeology.
Possession of a master’s degree in historic preservation, planning, architecture, landscape architecture, public policy, public administration from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience
Experience working with public boards, committees, or commissions
Experience in land-use planning
Must satisfy employer paid physical, drug screen and criminal background check
NJ residency required by N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70)
Pursuant to Federal Law, proof of US Citizenship or immigration status will be required upon hire
Employee benefits include medical and dental insurance, vision reimbursement, and prescription drug plan access; thirteen paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal leave; training and continuing education, including tuition reimbursement up to $2,750 annually; non-resident benefits of Princeton Public Library and recreation program use.