SENIOR PLANNER

Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is an urban hub bursting with energy. Milwaukee provides a casual sophistication – big city appeal without the big city hassles. We are accessible and affordable, and our residents are welcoming. Milwaukee has evolved through the years, bringing together its unsurpassed historic charm with a breathtaking art museum, top-flight cultural attractions, professional sports, lakefront festivals, recreational opportunities, and great restaurants.

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary service to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

Under the direction of the City Clerk, the Senior Planner supervises, implements and manages activities related to historic preservation, including staff support for the Historic Preservation Commission, research and environmental review, and Certificates of Appropriateness for construction work on locally-designated historic structures.

Technical

• Conduct research of individual buildings, neighborhood histories and specified other historic topics to prepare historic designation study reports in response to nomination of historic structures and districts.
• Compile building and neighborhood histories for publications and promotional materials.
• Ensure timely review and comment on architectural plans for projects affecting historical buildings; and conduct Section 106 reviews following federal requirements.
• Ensure timely response to applications for Certificate of Appropriateness and applications for local historic designation. Ensure timely preparation of staff reports.
• Formulate architectural guidelines for the rehabilitation of historic buildings.
• Oversee the work of consultants, student interns and staff responsible for drafting National Register nominations, conducting building inventories, and documenting historic buildings through photography.
• Produce public information on historic preservation topics, including appropriate sections of the department's website, publications, and displays.
• Participate in enforcement process to ensure compliance with historic preservation ordinance and conditions of Certificates of Appropriateness.
• Serve as staff to the Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission. Prepare monthly meeting presentations, research and write monthly staff reports, and staff subcommittees as necessary.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Please be advised that new employees are required to have received either both doses of the Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine prior to their employment start date or have an approved religious or medical accommodation prior to their employment start date. You can find further information relative to the City’s Covid-19 Vaccination Policy here.

• Must be able to travel to meetings at various locations throughout the city.

  
  

1. Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Historic Preservation, Urban Planning or another closely related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Two years of professional experience performing at least two of the following functions: reviewing alterations to historic buildings for compatibility with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, conducting intensive-level surveys of architectural resources, working as a historic architect on restoration projects, designing infill projects for historic districts, or engaging in Section 106 consultation on behalf of an agency, consulting party, or applicant.
3. Alignment with the Professional Qualification Standard (PQS) in Architectural History or Historic Architecture within one year of appointment and throughout employment. For more information regarding this requirement see the PQS LINK: https://www.nps.gov/articles/sec-standards-prof-quals.htm
4. Valid driver's license at time of appointment and throughout employment. Private automobile allowance may be paid pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Notice: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

• Master’s Degree in Architecture, Historic Preservation or Architectural History from an accredited college or university.
• Recognition by the Association of Preservation Technology International. (APTI)

Technical

• Knowledge of architectural history, historical preservation, preservation architecture, or preservation planning.
• Knowledge of constructions methods and practices.
• Knowledge of building materials, properties and applications.
• Knowledge of preservation technology and appropriate techniques used for preservation of buildings.
• Knowledge of state and federal preservation law and programs.
• Knowledge of building trades such as masonry, electrical and carpentry.
• Knowledge of architectural design.
• Skill in developing and implementing guidelines, policies and procedures related to preservation and restorations of historic buildings.
• Ability to distinguish original materials from replacements and appropriate replacement parts, such as windows and moldings.
• Ability to read architectural plans and drawings.
• Ability to produce scale drawings.
• Ability to take professional quality photographs.
• Ability to do forensic analysis to determine date of construction or date of alteration.
• Ability to formulate preservation guidelines.
• Ability to provide specifications for storefront design, porch design, and additional to existing properties.
• Ability to locate hard-to-find building materials.
• Ability to learn web-based software programs.
• Ability to conduct field inspections to check the accuracy of projects under construction.
• Ability to interpret and implement municipal ordinances and administrative codes.
• Ability to use computer equipment and software, including a scanner, digital camera, Windows Photo Viewer, Windows Paint, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Communication and Interpersonal

• Written communication skills to compose clear and error-free correspondence and reports.
• Verbal communication and training skills to clearly convey information to staff and others.
• Customer service knowledge and skills; ability to serve customers in a patient and friendly manner.
• Ability to build effective relationships with staff and elected officials, contractors, representatives of various governmental agencies, and the public.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
• Ability to successfully interact with diverse groups of citizens and community partners.
• Ability to make presentations before groups of various sizes.

Judgement and Planning

• Ability to carry out complex assignments with a high degree of independence and provide direction to consultants and interns.
• Critical thinking skills, including analytical and problem-solving abilities as well as sound judgment.
• Ability to plan and organize work.
• Time management, project management, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with owners, contractors, the public, government agencies and other City departments.

The current salary range (Pay Range 2IX) is $74,204-$85,151 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $76,430-$87,706 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

Note: Employees in possession of APT Recognized Professional shall be paid an additional 3%.

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: education and experience evaluation; written, oral, or performance tests, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to oral and performance examinations. Oral examinations may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The examination will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

• Applications and further information can be accessed by visiting www.jobaps.com/MIL.
• Applications should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

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The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.