Brief Job Description (essential functions of the job):

Works in the Environment Department under the supervision of the Director of Design Review for the Boston Landmarks Commission (BLC) as part of the preservation team. Serves as professional staff to the BLC Design Review Committee advising on quality and appropriateness of submissions of applications for proposed projects at individually designated existing and pending landmarks in accord with legislation and policies while assisting applicants to achieve solutions that comply with regulatory guidelines and satisfy applicants’ needs. Develops design review guidelines for proposed individual landmarks and historic districts, and conducts Article 85 Demolition Delay reviews. Oversees and/or conducts project reviews under state and federal preservation and environmental regulations and local legislation such as zoning, provides guidance at hearings, and at inter-agency and public meetings, and prepares project review correspondence. Provides preservation staff with professional review of proposed and in-process design, construction, and alteration projects in historic districts and at individual designated and pending landmarks, and participates in outreach activities.  Assists in developing and implementing citywide programs with the Executive Director, BLC and Environment Department.

• Acts as a resource to staff on historic building styles, types, designs, materials, historic preservation planning and regulation, and building conservation best practices.

• Reviews design review and Article 85 Demolition Delay applications.

• Completes public outreach related to Article 85 Demolition Delay and manage review process through completion.

• Reviews proposals to alter rights-of-way throughout the city to ensure proposals will not adversely impact landmarks or historically sensitive features.

• Reviews Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) projects at properties eligible for National Register listing.

• Reviews and responds to all Section 106 requests for comments.

• Works with design review applicants to complete applications and bring proposed projects into compliance with design review guidelines.

• Prepares agendas and post online.

• Distributes agendas to interested parties.

• Coordinates mailing of abutters notices with Preservation Assistant.

• Compiles design review hearing presentations and post online.

• Prepares and distributes staff comments to commissioners prior to monthly public hearings, and review with commission chairs.

• Coordinates hearing room setup with Preservation Assistant.

• Provides support to chair and commissioners during public hearings and meetings.

• Issues determination letters following public hearings.

• Takes minutes during all public hearings and meetings.

• Manages records of BLC with Preservation Assistant.

• Conducts site visits to assess existing conditions, proposed projects, and material mock-ups.

• Investigates violations and issue violation notices.

• Directly responds to requests about specific regulatory requirements.

• Reviews building permits through the Inspectional Services Department online portal.

• Provides technical assistance to developers, design and construction professionals, and property owners.

• Provides initial project consultations to developers, design and construction professionals, and property owners.

• Solicits and manages new Commissioner Appointments, as necessary.

• Participates in public outreach.

• Performs related duties as required.

• At least three (3) years of comparable experience in related areas, such as historic project design review and/or historic architectural design. A Bachelor of Architecture Degree is strongly preferred and may be substituted for two (2) years of required experience. A Master of Architecture Degree may be substituted for the required experience.
• Strong knowledge of historic building styles, types, designs and materials.
• Must meet the Professional Qualifications Standards as laid out in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines.
• Registered Architect in MA required.
• Strong knowledge of historic preservation planning and regulation.
• Strong knowledge of building conservation best practices.
• Familiarity with sustainability and climate resiliency best practices.
• Familiarity with building and zoning codes is required.
• Ability to review plans and proposals to ensure compliance with applicable guidelines and regulatory mandates.
• Ability to work evenings, occasional early mornings and occasional weekends to staff bi-monthly hearings, sub-committee meetings and workshops.
• Ability to communicate architectural and preservation concepts and to work with commissioners, developers, design and construction professionals, property owners, and staff.
• Strong verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Strong business writing skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgement, focus on detail as required by the job, and handle multiple tasks.

Boston Residency Required.

Terms: Union/Salary Plan/Grade: MO-12

Hours per week: 35