Preservation Planner (Internal Applicants Only)

Are you passionate about preserving the regions rich cultural heritage As part of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Directors Office this is an exciting opportunity to join the dynamic team in King Countys Historic Preservation Program (HPP). In this role you will help safeguard King Countys historic built environment by reviewing a wide range of projects for potential impacts to above-ground historic and cultural resources. You will apply your knowledge of local state and federal preservation regulations and actively participate in regulatory processes to support the countys compliance efforts. Additional responsibilities include maintaining the countys GIS-based historic resources inventory leading preservation planning activities for King County and partner cities and developing outreach and educational initiatives that encourage community engagement in preservation. This position also offers growth opportunities including expanding your expertise in identifying regional cultural resources strengthening GIS and data management skills and building connections across the environmental cultural resource management and historic preservation fields.

About the Role:

King County regularly undertakes new capital maintenance and land acquisition projects many of which have the potential to affect above-ground historic properties and archaeological resources. This ongoing activity creates a strong and steady demand for HPPs cultural resources review services as well as a need for continuous training to help new County staff understand the laws and policies that guide the treatment of these close collaboration with HPPs archaeologist you will play a key role in managing this high volume of project review requests and supporting staff training efforts. Your work will help ensure County agencies meet the requirements of the King County Executive Policy on Cultural Resources and comply with all applicable local state and federal environmental regulations related to cultural position follows a hybrid work model blending remote and in-person work.

About the Team:

HPP is a small collaborative team within the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) an agency dedicated to fostering sustainable communities and a healthy natural environment through its four divisions: Wastewater Treatment Solid Waste Parks and Recreation and Water and Land Resources. We partner closely with DNRP staff as they steward more than 26000 acres of parks and natural lands restore critical habitat protect farmland build water-quality facilities and more. Guided by our mission to identify document preserve and steward the countys significant historic and archaeological resources serving all people and communities in King County HPP manages the work of the King County Landmarks Commission leads educational programs and provides preservation and cultural resource review services for County agencies 24 local cities private developers and property owners.

Commitment to Equity Racial and Social Justice:

King County named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. We prioritize equity racial and social justice making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Preservation Planner you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at now for a rewarding career with King CountyDepartment of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP) Director Office. Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient sustainable and equitable communities. Enjoy trainingcomprehensive benefits and growth opportunities.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Review projects submitted by County agencies interlocal cities and private developers for potential impacts to above-ground historic and cultural resources using historic maps aerial photographs the King County Historic Resources Inventory (HRI) Washingtons WISAARD system and other research tools.
• Conduct research field investigations and evaluations of potentially significant properties; prepare written reports that document historic characteristics and determine eligibility for listing in local historic registers.
• Maintain the Countys GIS-based above-ground historic resources inventory (HRI) and archaeological/ethnographic place inventory; recommend and oversee database improvements to enhance functionality and data-sharing with WISAARD.
• Coordinate preservation planning services for interlocal cities develop and participate in educational workshops and trainings and provide analysis and technical guidance to strengthen local planning documents and preservation efforts.
• Serve as HPPs strategic planning lead by representing the program in the Countys comprehensive planning process and integrating preservation priorities into broader planning initiatives.
  

Qualifications You Bring:

• Demonstrated ability to research analyze and interpret information related to the historic built environment including historic buildings structures sites districts and objects.
• Ability to gather information from historic resources inventories including King Countys Historic Preservation Viewer and Washington States WISAARD database and use ArcGIS for mapping and data management.
• Working knowledge of federal state and local preservation regulations and experience applying these regulatory processes including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act SEPA and relevant local ordinances.
• Skilled in applying quantitative and qualitative analysis to evaluate data that supports cultural resource review decisions and landmark eligibility determinations.
• Strong communication skills including preparing clear concise written reports; delivering trainings and workshops; presenting in public settings; and explaining technical information to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of architectural history landscape history and/or community history relevant to the Pacific Northwest and Puget Sound region.
• Skilled in building collaborative relationships and cultivating partnerships that support shared goals and strengthen community understanding of historic preservation and cultural resource stewardship.

Competencies You Bring:

• Decision Quality: Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Cultivates Innovation: Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
• Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Self-Development: Actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

• Masters Degree in historic preservation planning architecture architectural history or a closely related field.
• Meets the National Park Service Professional Qualifications Standards (36 CFR Part 61) for Architectural History Architecture or Historic Architecture.
• Demonstrated ability to apply the Secretary of the Interiors Standards and Guidelines for Preservation Planning as listed on the National Park Service (NPS).

Working Conditions:

• Work Location:The DNRP Directors Office team works in a hybrid model with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is King Street Center 201 S. Jackson Seattle Washington 98104. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the departments hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
• Work Schedule:This full-time position works a 40-hour work week. This position is exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible.
• Union Representation: This position is not represented by a union.

Application Instructions:

Currently this position is open to King County Employees only.

Application materials will be screened for clarity completeness and alignment with the experience qualifications knowledge and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.

To apply submit a:

• Complete Application
• Resume

Note documents wont be considered during minimum qualification screening.

Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook X (formerly Twitter) LinkedIn TikTok Instagram YouTube and Keeping King County Green News.

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Are you ready to make a difference Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nations best places to live work and play.

Application Process

If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King Countys vision for unified equitable and high-performing government please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process please contactNia Williams at

King Countys Vision Mission and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles engage directly with communities and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards embrace change stay curious and continuously improve. Across all interactions we listen first act quickly and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision Mission and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

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Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions including but not limited to recruitment hiring selection for training promotion transfer demotion layoff termination rates of pay or other forms of compensation.