Historic Preservation Specialist Jobs
Historic Preservation Specialist jobs are open across government agencies, nonprofits, consulting firms, and universities, from entry-level to senior and director roles, with specializations in architectural documentation, Section 106 compliance, and historic tax credit review. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Description
Job Title
The City of West Palm Beach is a municipality where high performers blossom and operational excellence is a hallmark. To maintain and build upon its stellar workforce, the City is strongly committed to providing its employees with competitive salaries that are at or above market and comprehensive health and retirement benefits that are second to none. In furtherance of these goals, the City has implemented a new salary structure in which all non-public safety pay ranges and minimum starting salaries were increased by 7%. Additionally, all City positions including on-call and part time positions have a minimum hourly starting rate of $17.00 or higher. Certain non-public safety positions may qualify for hybrid work arrangements under specific conditions. If you are a high performer, seeking an opportunity to blossom and grow, we have a place for you in our workforce. We invite you to join our team – apply today!
The City of West Palm Beach (pop. 117,286 – 2021) with its sunny, palm-lined streets, scenic waterfront views, quaint shopping districts, historic neighborhoods and year-round outdoor festivals is a slice of paradise. Among the City’s many attributes is an active and vibrant downtown and waterfront that serves to host a variety of nationally recognized cultural and leisure activities for residents and visitors alike.
Incorporated in 1894 and encompassing over 55 square miles, the county seat of Palm Beach County is one the fastest growing areas in the country. The City offers a dynamic setting in which to live, work, play and enjoy all the attributes of South Florida living. Our ethnically and culturally diverse community and workplace are the bedrock of our strength and resilience.
Explore the many opportunities available for joining our diverse and winning team!
Summary
Under limited direction, reviews and analyzes historic preservation requests. Prepares and presents recommendations to the Historic Preservation Board regarding historic preservation requests and assists the public and City personnel with issues related to Historic Preservation; and performs other related duties as assigned.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Which are not in any hierarchical order)
1. Prepares and presents recommendations to the Historic Preservation Board on requests to properties within a historic district or listed as an individual site in the West Palm Beach Register of Historic Places.
2. Provides technical expertise in historic preservation to the public and City personnel.
3. Reviews building permit applications for properties located within a historic district or listed as a historic site in the West Palm Beach Register of Historic Places for compliance with the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
4. Reviews demolition permit applications and Section 106 requests.
5. Administers the street signage program for historic districts.
6. Prepares nominations for a structure to be designated as a historic site, district or resurvey as needed.
7. Develops public education programs and programs to preserve the City’s historic resources.
8. Manages historic preservation case files and tracking systems.
9. Updates and maintains database and related maps of historic properties and districts.
10. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Salary
Depending on qualifications the starting salary for this position will be in the range of (Pay Grade 62)
$69,770 Annually
Excellent Benefits!
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree with a major in Historic Preservation, Urban Planning, or a closely related field (education will be verified using the “Education Requirements” listed below) and one (1) year of experience in historic preservation is required, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
Some graduate level coursework in Historic Preservation or a related field is highly desirable.
Education Requirements: To be considered valid (or verified) for position qualification purposes, and consistent with City Hiring Policy 4-5, a High School, GED or equivalent diploma, and all higher education degrees or certifications must have been issued by:
International degrees will be evaluated to determine if they satisfy qualification requirements.
Additional Details
The selection process for this position may consist of any, all or a combination of the following tests: evaluation of training and experience, written examination, structured oral interview or other assessment method.
State of Emergency: When normal operations of City departments are suspended or interrupted due to a declaration by the Mayor that a state of emergency exists, all employees will be deemed critical by the City. For the preparation and/or continuation of emergency operations or for special work detail, employees deemed necessary shall be required to work. Employees deemed critical by the City but not needed for the initial preparation and/or continuation of emergency operations or for special work detail may be directed not to report to work, and given paid administrative leave or they may be reassigned to another location that best meet the needs of the City.
The City of West Palm Beach is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City values the service of veterans to our country, supports recruitment of veterans and veterans' preference will be given in accordance with Chapter 295 of the Florida Statutes for those who met the minimum requirements of the position. Background investigation and physical is required as a condition of employment. Drug and alcohol screening may be required depending on the position.
How To Apply
If you are interested in applying for this position you may apply online by selecting the Apply Now button. Applications must be received in Human Resources by the closing date.
Currency
Closing Date
Description
Job Title
The City of West Palm Beach is a municipality where high performers blossom and operational excellence is a hallmark. To maintain and build upon its stellar workforce, the City is strongly committed to providing its employees with competitive salaries that are at or above market and comprehensive health and retirement benefits that are second to none. In furtherance of these goals, the City has implemented a new salary structure in which all non-public safety pay ranges and minimum starting salaries were increased by 7%. Additionally, all City positions including on-call and part time positions have a minimum hourly starting rate of $17.00 or higher. Certain non-public safety positions may qualify for hybrid work arrangements under specific conditions. If you are a high performer, seeking an opportunity to blossom and grow, we have a place for you in our workforce. We invite you to join our team – apply today!
The City of West Palm Beach (pop. 117,286 – 2021) with its sunny, palm-lined streets, scenic waterfront views, quaint shopping districts, historic neighborhoods and year-round outdoor festivals is a slice of paradise. Among the City’s many attributes is an active and vibrant downtown and waterfront that serves to host a variety of nationally recognized cultural and leisure activities for residents and visitors alike.
Incorporated in 1894 and encompassing over 55 square miles, the county seat of Palm Beach County is one the fastest growing areas in the country. The City offers a dynamic setting in which to live, work, play and enjoy all the attributes of South Florida living. Our ethnically and culturally diverse community and workplace are the bedrock of our strength and resilience.
Explore the many opportunities available for joining our diverse and winning team!
Summary
Under limited direction, reviews and analyzes historic preservation requests. Prepares and presents recommendations to the Historic Preservation Board regarding historic preservation requests and assists the public and City personnel with issues related to Historic Preservation; and performs other related duties as assigned.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Which are not in any hierarchical order)
1. Prepares and presents recommendations to the Historic Preservation Board on requests to properties within a historic district or listed as an individual site in the West Palm Beach Register of Historic Places.
2. Provides technical expertise in historic preservation to the public and City personnel.
3. Reviews building permit applications for properties located within a historic district or listed as a historic site in the West Palm Beach Register of Historic Places for compliance with the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
4. Reviews demolition permit applications and Section 106 requests.
5. Administers the street signage program for historic districts.
6. Prepares nominations for a structure to be designated as a historic site, district or resurvey as needed.
7. Develops public education programs and programs to preserve the City’s historic resources.
8. Manages historic preservation case files and tracking systems.
9. Updates and maintains database and related maps of historic properties and districts.
10. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Salary
Depending on qualifications the starting salary for this position will be in the range of (Pay Grade 62)
$69,770 Annually
Excellent Benefits!
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree with a major in Historic Preservation, Urban Planning, or a closely related field (education will be verified using the “Education Requirements” listed below) and one (1) year of experience in historic preservation is required, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
Some graduate level coursework in Historic Preservation or a related field is highly desirable.
Education Requirements: To be considered valid (or verified) for position qualification purposes, and consistent with City Hiring Policy 4-5, a High School, GED or equivalent diploma, and all higher education degrees or certifications must have been issued by:
International degrees will be evaluated to determine if they satisfy qualification requirements.
Additional Details
The selection process for this position may consist of any, all or a combination of the following tests: evaluation of training and experience, written examination, structured oral interview or other assessment method.
State of Emergency: When normal operations of City departments are suspended or interrupted due to a declaration by the Mayor that a state of emergency exists, all employees will be deemed critical by the City. For the preparation and/or continuation of emergency operations or for special work detail, employees deemed necessary shall be required to work. Employees deemed critical by the City but not needed for the initial preparation and/or continuation of emergency operations or for special work detail may be directed not to report to work, and given paid administrative leave or they may be reassigned to another location that best meet the needs of the City.
The City of West Palm Beach is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City values the service of veterans to our country, supports recruitment of veterans and veterans' preference will be given in accordance with Chapter 295 of the Florida Statutes for those who met the minimum requirements of the position. Background investigation and physical is required as a condition of employment. Drug and alcohol screening may be required depending on the position.
How To Apply
If you are interested in applying for this position you may apply online by selecting the Apply Now button. Applications must be received in Human Resources by the closing date.
Currency
Closing Date
See All 9 Historic Preservation Specialist Jobs
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Find JobsHistoric Preservation Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in historic preservation specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in historic preservation, architecture, history, or a closely related field
- Knowledge of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties
- Experience conducting Section 106 consultations under the National Historic Preservation Act
- Proficiency in architectural documentation methods including HABS, HAER, or HALS standards
- Ability to research, write, and prepare National Register of Historic Places nominations
- Familiarity with historic tax credit programs and preservation easement review processes
Tips for Your Historic Preservation Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to Secretary standards
Hiring managers in historic preservation consistently screen for alignment with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. Name the Standards explicitly in your resume and describe projects where you applied them, so reviewers can confirm your familiarity without guessing.
Highlight Section 106 consultation experience
Many federal and state agency postings require demonstrated Section 106 experience. Specify the agencies you coordinated with, the project types involved, and whether you led or supported the consultation, since depth of involvement matters as much as exposure.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists historic preservation specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Build a targeted portfolio of documentation work
Employers expect to see HABS, HAER, or HALS documentation samples, not just project descriptions. Include photographs, measured drawings, or written histories you authored or contributed to, and note whether the work was accepted by the National Park Service.
Search by program type, not just job title
Openings are often posted under titles like cultural resource specialist, heritage planner, or preservation planner. Searching those variants alongside the standard title surfaces roles you'd otherwise miss, especially in planning departments and tribal historic preservation offices.
Prepare for technical portfolio reviews in interviews
Many preservation interviews include a review of your documentation samples or a hypothetical Section 106 scenario. Practice explaining your methodology for a past nomination or survey project out loud, since interviewers want to hear your reasoning, not just your conclusions.
Historic Preservation Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most historic preservation specialists?
City of West Palm Beach, The Lane, and State of Georgia are hiring the most historic preservation specialists right now, with openings concentrated in Florida, Missouri, and Georgia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. State historic preservation offices and federal land management agencies tend to post the most consistent volume throughout the year.
How many historic preservation specialist jobs are remote?
About 100% of historic preservation specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with most remote roles concentrated in research, grant writing, and policy work rather than field survey or documentation. Positions that require physical site visits, condition assessments, or coordination with local agencies are almost always on-site or hybrid.
How do you become a historic preservation specialist?
Start with a degree in historic preservation, architectural history, public history, or a related field, since most agency and consulting positions list it as a minimum requirement. Build field experience through internships with a State Historic Preservation Office, a federal agency, or a preservation nonprofit. Develop working knowledge of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, Section 106 processes, and National Register nomination writing, then document that work in a portfolio you can show employers.
How do you get hired as a historic preservation specialist with little experience?
Focus on roles posted by State Historic Preservation Offices, Tribal Historic Preservation Offices, and AmeriCorps preservation programs, which are structured to bring in early-career candidates. Volunteer on survey projects or National Register nominations through local preservation organizations to build documented fieldwork. Emphasize coursework projects, thesis research, or any HABS or HAER documentation you completed, since demonstrated familiarity with federal standards carries weight even without paid experience.
What does the historic preservation specialist interview process look like?
Most interviews include a competency-based screen followed by a panel interview with preservation staff, planners, or project managers. Expect questions about a specific project where you applied the Secretary of the Interior's Standards or managed a Section 106 consultation. Some employers, particularly consulting firms, ask you to walk through a documentation sample or describe how you'd approach a hypothetical nomination. A writing sample or take-home scenario is common at the final stage for research-heavy roles.
Where can I find and apply to historic preservation specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to historic preservation specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level and specialization, then apply directly to each one that fits.
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