How to Be Historic Preservation Officer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 10, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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FAQ

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The Historic Preservation Officer is responsible for protecting significant historic properties and landmarks. They work closely with local governments and organizations to identify and preserve areas of historical or cultural importance. The effects of their work are evident in the preservation of historic architecture, the support of local economies, and the protection of cultural heritage.

Not only do these officers protect important properties, they also help to educate future generations on the importance of preserving history. Their efforts create a lasting impact by preserving the past, while also creating a better future.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a degree in historic preservation or a related field. Most employers prefer candidates who have a Bachelors degree in history, architectural history, architectural conservation, urban planning, or similar fields. Some may accept applicants with an Associates degree and relevant work experience.
Obtain relevant work experience. Experience in the field of historic preservation will give you an edge when applying for jobs. You can gain experience through internships, volunteer work, or paid jobs at a local historical society or with a state or federal agency.
Look for job postings. You can find job postings for Historic Preservation Officers on job search websites, in newspapers and magazines, and through professional organizations.
Prepare a resume and cover letter. When applying for jobs, make sure to include your relevant education, work experience, and any other qualifications you may have.
Submit your job application materials. Make sure to follow the instructions given in the job posting and send your resume and cover letter to the appropriate contact person.
Interview for the position. If you are chosen to interview for the position, make sure to prepare beforehand by researching the organization and the position.
Start working as a Historic Preservation Officer. Once you have been hired, you will be responsible for researching and preserving historical buildings, sites, and artifacts in your area.

A Historic Preservation Officer is a skilled and qualified professional tasked with protecting and preserving the historical significance of a place or structure. This requires a deep understanding of the local history and culture, as well as knowledge of the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks. To accomplish this, a Historic Preservation Officer must be able to identify and assess historical sites, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and create an action plan for their preservation. Furthermore, the Officer must be familiar with building codes, architectural designs, and standards of preservation in order to carry out the mission of protecting and preserving these important parts of our history.

You may want to check Legal Historian, Genealogical Researcher, and Visual Historian for alternative.

Job Description

Research and analyze historic properties, documents, and other related materials.
Identify, evaluate, and prioritize historic sites for preservation.
Develop preservation plans to ensure the protection of historic resources.
Advise on the effects of proposed construction and development projects on historic resources.
Work with local governments, property owners, and other stakeholders to develop preservation strategies.
Prepare grant applications and coordinate with funding sources for historic preservation projects.
Develop and implement educational programs to promote historic preservation awareness.
Monitor and enforce regulations related to the protection of historic resources.
Provide technical assistance to property owners on preservation issues.
Represent the interests of the agency in public forums and hearings.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of architectural history and styles
Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to historic preservation
Ability to prepare applications for historic designation, grants, and other funding
Ability to research and analyze historic properties
Ability to identify potential historic sites
Ability to develop preservation plans and strategies
Ability to work with community stakeholders and local governments
Ability to create and maintain accurate records
Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations related to historic preservation
Strong organizational skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize

Historic preservation officers play a vital role in protecting and preserving the history of our communities. Their knowledge and expertise in historic preservation methods are essential to preserving historic sites, buildings, and artifacts. To be an effective historic preservation officer, one must possess a strong knowledge of local and state laws pertaining to historic sites, a thorough understanding of the historical context of a site or building, and the ability to communicate effectively with other stakeholders.

they must have strong research and problem-solving skills to identify and address any threats to a sites authenticity, identify potential resources to support its preservation, and devise solutions to help protect it. Finally, having the ability to work well with a variety of people from different backgrounds, including local and state officials, is critical for success in this role. Historic preservation officers are essential to preserving our history for generations to come.

Forensic Historian, Music Historian, and Historian Educator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the field of historic preservation?
How would you go about assessing the historical significance of a building or site?
What strategies do you use when communicating with stakeholders to encourage support for preservation projects?
How do you stay up to date on laws and regulations related to historic preservation?
How do you balance the need for preservation with practical considerations, such as budget restrictions?
How have you successfully managed and completed projects in the past?
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy and authenticity when restoring historic sites?
Describe a time when you had to adjust your approach to an historic preservation project?
What methods do you use to evaluate and prioritize preservation projects?
Describe a time when you had to work with local government entities on a preservation project?

Common Tools in Industry

GIS Software. A digital mapping system used to analyze and visualize spatial data, such as land use, infrastructure, and cultural heritage sites. (eg: ArcGIS)
Digital Asset Management Software. Software used to organize and store digital documents, photos, and other media related to a historic site. (eg: Adobe Bridge)
Research Databases. Databases containing information about historic sites for research purposes. (eg: National Register of Historic Places Database)
Database Management Software. Software used to store and manage information about historic sites and preservation efforts. (eg: FileMaker Pro)
Preservation Planning Software. Software used to develop plans for preserving historic sites. (eg: Preservica)
Historic District Designation Software. Software used to designate an area as a historic district. (eg: Historic Districts Online)
Heritage Lottery Fund Grant Management Software. Software used to apply for and manage grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund. (eg: Grants Online)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Trust for Historic Preservation
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
Association for Preservation Technology International
International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)
Society for American Archaeology
American Society of Landscape Architects
National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers
National Alliance of Preservation Commissions
US/ICOMOS
The Cultural Landscape Foundation

We also have Paleontological Historian, Biographical Historian, and History Lecturer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Cultural Heritage. Refers to the physical artifacts, monuments, sites, and other expressions of a culture that are passed down from generation to generation.
Preservation. Refers to the act of protecting a cultural heritage site from destruction or damage in order to maintain its significance and integrity.
Conservation. Refers to the practice of protecting, restoring, and maintaining a cultural heritage site in its original form.
Restoration. The process of returning a cultural heritage site to its former condition.
Archaeology. The scientific study of past societies and cultures through the recovery and analysis of material remains and artifacts.
Site Management. The practice of managing a cultural heritage site for its preservation, conservation, and interpretation.
Interpretation. The practice of providing meaning and context to a cultural heritage site through storytelling, exhibitions, and other educational activities.
National Register of Historic Places. An official list of sites deemed significant in American history, architecture, engineering, archaeology, or culture and worthy of preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Historic Preservation Officer? A1: A Historic Preservation Officer is a professional who works to protect, conserve and maintain historic buildings, sites and monuments. Q2: What qualifications are required to become a Historic Preservation Officer? A2: To become a Historic Preservation Officer, typically a bachelor's degree in history, archaeology, architecture or a related field is required. Additional knowledge of conservation and preservation techniques and local, state and federal regulations may be necessary. Q3: What responsibilities does a Historic Preservation Officer have? A3: The duties of a Historic Preservation Officer may include researching and documenting historic sites, conducting surveys of historic properties, developing programs to preserve and protect historic resources, preparing plans for conservation and restoration projects, and educating the public on the importance of historic preservation. Q4: What organizations employ Historic Preservation Officers? A4: Historic Preservation Officers may be employed by local, state or federal government agencies, museums, historical societies, universities, conservation organizations and private businesses. Q5: How much does a Historic Preservation Officer earn on average? A5: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Historic Preservation Officers was $49,860 in May 2020.

Web Resources

Cara Bertron: Historic Preservation Officer | Urban Studies urbanstudies.stanford.edu
Historic Preservation | Weitzman School www.design.upenn.edu
Historic Preservation | Arizona State University - cfo.asu.edu cfo.asu.edu