Planner - Historic Preservation at Town of Warrenton – Warrenton, Virginia

Grade 10

Non-exempt

The Town of Warrenton, Virginia is seeking a knowledgeable and community-oriented Historic Preservation Planner to lead and support the Town’s preservation planning efforts within the Historic District. This position plays a vital role in protecting and enhancing Warrenton’s historic character while balancing growth, economic vitality, and regulatory compliance. The Historic Preservation Planner works closely with Town staff, elected officials, property owners, developers, and the public to preserve the architectural and cultural heritage that defines Warrenton.

The Historic Preservation Planner administers the Town’s historic preservation program, including oversight of locally designated historic districts, review of certificates of appropriateness, policy development, long-range preservation planning, and public outreach. The position provides professional planning support to the Architectural Review Board (ARB) and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal preservation regulations. This position is within the Community Development Department and reports to the Planning Manager and collaborates regularly with other Town departments.

This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work requires reaching, standing, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and accessibility accommodations can be made; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operation of machines, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:

Program Administration

· Administer and manage the Town’s historic preservation program in accordance with local ordinances and the Comprehensive Plan.

· Serve as staff liaison to the Architectural Review Board (ARB), including preparing agendas, staff reports, findings, and recommendations and coordinating ARB monthly meetings.

· This position will also require occasional attendance/presentation at other monthly Board meetings, such as Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and Town Council meetings, as needed.

· Coordinate and conduct site visits for ARB applications, as needed.

· Maintain and update historic district guidelines and related policies, as needed.

· Maintain Warrenton’s Certified Local Government (CLG) status.

· Answers public inquiries regarding general information on planning, zoning, and the Historic District, as needed.

· Ability to ensure compliance with ordinances, statutes, and regulations at the local, state, and federal level

· Preparing and maintaining records and files both digitally and in hard copy format.

· Performs related tasks as required.

Development Review & Regulatory Oversight

· Review applications for Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) for exterior alterations, new construction, demolitions, signage, etc. within designated historic district. Determines which COAs require ARB review and approval and which are eligible for administrative review and approval.

· Evaluate all proposals for consistency with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and the Historic District Guidelines.

· Provide technical assistance to applicants, architects, contractors, and property owners regarding preservation standards and best practices.

· Occasionally coordinate with the Planning Commission and Town Council on preservation-related matters, as needed.

Planning & Policy Development

· Contribute to updates of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinance, and design guidelines with respect to historic preservation, as needed.

· Conduct historic resource surveys and maintain inventory of historic structures.

· Identify opportunities for new historic district designations or landmark protections.

· Research and pursue preservation grants and funding opportunities.

Public Engagement & Education

· Serve as a resource to residents and business owners on preservation incentives and regulatory requirements.

· Develop educational materials and workshops on historic preservation best practices.

· Coordinate with local organizations, such as the Fauquier Historical Society and Old Town Warrenton, to promote heritage awareness.

· Represent the Town at community meetings and regional preservation initiatives, as needed.

Intergovernmental Coordination

· Liaise with state and federal preservation agencies, including the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.

· Ensure compliance with Section 106 review processes when applicable.

· Monitor changes in preservation laws and recommend policy adjustments as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

The Town of Warrenton offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), paid leave, and professional development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Town of Warrenton is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s degree in Historic Preservation, Urban Planning, Architecture, Architectural History, Public Administration, or closely related field (Master’s degree preferred).

· Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in historic preservation planning or related field or four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in a closely-related field.

· Knowledge of federal, state, and local preservation laws and regulations.

· Familiarity with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.

· Strong research, analytical, and report-writing skills.

· Excellent public speaking and interpersonal communication abilities.

· Ability to interpret architectural drawings and site plans.

· GIS experience preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience staffing an Architectural Review Board or Historic Preservation Commission.

· Knowledge of Virginia land use law and local government procedures.

· Experience with grant writing and administration.

· Demonstrated experience working in a small-town or historic downtown context.

Core Competencies

· Strong attention to detail and regulatory consistency

· Sound professional judgment and ethical decision-making

· Ability to balance preservation goals with economic development needs

· Collaborative and solution-oriented mindset

· Commitment to public service and community engagement

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia.