Senior Planner - Historic Preservation

The City of Valdosta is accepting applications for the position of Senior Planner for Historic Preservation, as part of the Planning Department.Primary work assignments focus on the areas of Historic Preservation and Urban Design in addition to occasional specialized planning projects as may be assigned by the Planning Director.

• Reviews development plans for architectural consistency with design guidelines both within the local Historic District and designated Overlay Districts, and attends weekly development review meetings as needed
• Develops and administers the overall work plan for the City’s historic preservation program (including regulatory, planning, educational and training functions, as well an annual HP awards program), provides technical assistance and administrative support to the Valdosta Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) -- including preparation of monthly meeting notifications and agenda packets as well as presentation of professional staff recommendations.
• Provides technical assistance to owners of historic and architecturally significant properties to include advice regarding proposed exterior work and required COA’s, as well as tax incentive applications within the Historic District
• Prepares and administers periodic grant applications related to historic resource surveys and other aspects of the City’s historic preservation program.
•  Coordinates the maintenance and dissemination of information relating to locally historic properties as well as those listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and also compiles annual reports of the City’s historic preservation activities as required by Georgia’s Certified Local Government (CLG) program and other projects related to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
• Coordinates with Code Enforcement staff regarding substandard housing and property demolition by neglect maintenance issues in the local Historic District, and prepares Section 106 historic and environmental reviews regarding historic properties being affected by the CDBG program and other state/federal funded projects.
• Assists other Planning staff with updates to the Comprehensive Plan and other special planning studies and projects as may be assigned

• Bachelor’s Degree in Historic Preservation, Urban Planning, Architecture or related field with two (2) years of planning experience in a governmental environment. A Master’s degree in one of these fields is preferred and may contribute to the experience requirement.
• Knowledge of the basic principles and practices of urban planning
• Knowledge of historic preservation practices, including familiarity with Section 106 review and Georgia and federal historic preservation tax incentive programs.
• Knowledge of American and local history, architectural history, construction materials and techniques.
• Skill in reading and interpreting architectural drawings, site plans, as well as GIS and other mapping-related data.
• Skill in visually identifying potentially historic sites, as well as organizing and carrying out systematic identification and documentation of such sites.
• Strong communication, map reading, organization, and writing skills, and possess the ability to deal effectively with government officials and the public.
• Computer-literate and possess sufficient skills with Microsoft Office products, including the creation of forms, tables, brochures, and simple graphics.
• Skill in photography, general research and technical analysis of planning-related information, and the ability to make sound assessments and recommendations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, as well as establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers and the development community.
• Possess knowledge about Valdosta’s history and geography, or have the ability to quickly learn such knowledge.
• Must possess or obtain a Georgia driver’s license and satisfactorily complete a background check and post-offer physical.