Architectural Survey Specialist 65035116-HYBRID

Agency

Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division

Historical Resources

Job Classification Title

Historic Preservation/Restora Spec (NS)

Position Number

Grade

NC09

Description of Work

The position supports the Survey and National Register Branch in maintaining the statewide architectural survey by conducting and overseeing surveys of counties and municipalities in North Carolina’s western region. Fieldwork is primarily in Avery and Mitchell counties, with additional opportunities in Madison, Caldwell, and Wilkes Counties.

Responsibilities

• Conduct historic resource surveys according to state and federal standards, including fieldwork, research, photographic recordation, and site plan creation.
• Engage with local government representatives, non‑profit organizations, property owners, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare draft and final survey reports; evaluate National Register eligibility of individual properties and historic districts; recommend sites or districts for the National Register Study List.
• Create and present PowerPoint presentations of survey findings to various audiences.
• Assist the Architectural Survey Coordinator in managing consultant‑conducted county, municipal, and thematic surveys, including file‑room research and review of consultants’ draft and final products.
• Maintain the architectural survey file room for the SHPO Western Office.
• Frequently travel day trips and overnight to conduct fieldwork across designated counties.
• Maintain database records and photographic documentation of surveyed resources.

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in documenting historic resources using observation, note‑taking, oral history, site plan creation, and photography.
• Experience conducting a county‑wide or municipal‑wide comprehensive architectural survey in North Carolina; knowledge of National Register criteria.
• Ability to analyze patterns, synthesize history from primary and secondary sources, and access primary resources such as deeds, maps, and newspapers.
• Strong knowledge of American architectural history and North Carolina history preferred.
• Ability to work efficiently, independently, and meet deadlines.
• Proven skill in interacting successfully with the public and building trustful relationships with property owners and tenants.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in historic preservation, planning, architecture history, or a closely related field + three years of related experience.
• or Bachelor’s degree in history, planning, architectural history, or a closely related field + four years of related experience.
• or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience conducting a comprehensive county or municipal architectural survey in North Carolina.
• Proficiency in using database tools for record management.
• Experience preparing and presenting technical reports and presentations.

Travel and Physical Requirements

• Frequent travel, both day trips and overnight, to conduct fieldwork across North Carolina counties.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license.
• Employee must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for history or architectural history and be able to meet physical demands of fieldwork.

Telework

The position is eligible for hybrid telework under DNCR’s Telework Policy.

Position Location

176 Riceville Rd, Asheville, NC 28805

Time‑Limited

The position is time‑limited for three years through March 31, 2029.

Recruiter

Elizabeth Lewis Benson

Contact Information

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Division of Human Resources109 E. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601Phone: 919‑814‑6670

Employment Commitment Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing a work environment free from unlawful discrimination. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities and known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.