THC - Texas Main Street Project Design Specialist (Project Design Specialist I/II/III) 26-47

JOB OBJECTIVE: This position serves as part of the design team for the Texas Main Street Program, which promotes use of historic preservation tools as drivers for economic revitalization in historic downtowns and Main Street communities across the state. A person in this role will perform moderately complex design and architectural assistance work for Texas Main Street Program participants, with an emphasis on historic commercial buildings and public spaces. Work involves providing assistance from an office and in the field to building owners, small business owners, and Main Street managers, including encouraging rehabilitation and restoration work in Main Street districts. Work also includes participating in the preparation and delivery of public design presentations and trainings. A suitable candidate will be able to work independently under moderate supervision and direction of the Texas Main Street Program state coordinator and licensed Main Street architect. A good candidate will document experience with and/or interest in historic preservation, digital design, project management tools, and working in a collaborative team environment. The job requires occasional travel, averaging two nights per month with some ability to control the travel schedule.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Compose design recommendations, field reports, and resource documents under the supervision of Texas Main Street Architect

1. Work directly with Main Street managers to develop written and graphic design recommendations and reports, ensuring their timely delivery and adherence to internal policies.

2. Undertake site visits and preservation consultations, discussing the scope and findings with building owners, Main Street managers, and the Main Street architect before and after any visits.

3. Utilize computer and graphic resources to convey design and preservation concepts or solutions effectively and efficiently.

4. Develop concepts and renderings in conformance with The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.

5. Utilize design recommendations and reports as a tool for community development and preservation, demonstrating to managers and property owners the purpose, benefit, and feasibility for preservation outcomes.

Design Office Responsibilities

6. Receive, review, and maintain files of materials, including preparing the appropriate reports.

7. Develop, maintain, and improve resource documents and the Main Street Online Resource Library.

8. Development of the technical library and images as in-house design resources.

Training and Education

9. Assist in the preparation and delivery of public design presentations, including occasionally training others.

10. Communicate design concepts, Texas Historical Commission procedures, and Main Street methods.

11. Participate in manager training sessions.

12. Provide training for new or existing design staff on the effective use of digital graphic and design tools.

13. Exhibit enthusiasm and passion for community development and historic preservation principles encouraging a high standard of excellence in Main Street communities.

14. Take initiative to coach others and share expertise.

15. Maintain effective and productive relationships with Main Street Managers.

Field Visits

16. Assist and collaborate with the architect and other staff on Resource Teams, site visits, or other work in communities.

17. Develop concepts and sketches, and capture quality images, while in the field and on site.

18. Provide general assistance to the entire team.

Preservation Issues, Knowledge & Expertise

19. Perform analyses of architectural materials for use in historic buildings and settings.

20. Pursue knowledge of preservation and associated techniques, and trends for their potential ramifications on Main Street communities and property owners.

21. Adhere to established work schedule with regular attendance.

22. Follow all THC safety guidelines/procedures and ethics requirements.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

23. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS (The application must specifically state how each of the following qualifications are met):

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a pre-professional or professional degree in architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, urban design, historic preservation, or a closely related field; a professional degree is preferred.
• Experience in AutoCAD, as well as in using digital tools like Adobe Photoshop™, Illustrator™ and SketchUp™;
• Ability to consider and communicate spatial design opportunities, challenges, and solutions;
• Ability to perform design functions and to train others;
• Free-hand drawing capabilities;
• Ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure;
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record and ability to drive a state vehicle; and
• Required to travel up to 10% of the work period.

PREFER:

• Specialization or experience in historic preservation;
• Experience in applying the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties;
• Ability to read, write, and converse fluently in Spanish and English;
• Ability to utilize AutoCAD proficiently to produce design documents;
• Graphic design expertise;
• Experience in professional design work, including but not limited to architecture, interior design, and urban design;
• Evidence of architectural project and/or basic construction management experience; and
• Experience with producing 2D/3D design concepts for historic buildings, including office, retail, and other uses.

• Skill in architectural and spatial design, as well as in graphic presentation;
• Knowledge of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards;
• Skill in interpreting the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards;
• Knowledge or experience related to sustainable design or LEED;
• Knowledge of architectural principles, techniques, and procedures;
• Knowledge of historic materials and construction techniques;
• Skill in professional verbal and written communication with both internal and external audiences;
• Skill in maintaining files and records;
• Ability to think critically and to assess validity of and process information in a logical manner;
• Skill in the use of standard tools of the profession and in interpreting architectural plans and specifications;
• Skill in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers;
• Ability to research facts and analyze a situation before reaching design decisions;
• Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and recommend effective solutions;
• Ability to work in a setting requiring self-motivation and cooperative decision-making;
• Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups from a variety of backgrounds, skill levels, and roles;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail;
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to adapt successfully and quickly to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner;
• Ability to plan, organize, and work both independently and within a team environment;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, OR LICENSURE:
Must have or obtain a valid Driver’s License and Defensive Driving Course to be able to operate state vehicles.

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping, and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able work extended periods at a computer, and may require working extended hours and some evenings, weekends and overnight, as needed. Involves safely operating a state vehicle and driving for long distances and traveling by airplane.

REMARKS (Application procedures, Special requirements): State of Texas application must be submitted through the CAPPS website. Only applicants interviewed will be notified of their selection or non-selection. Resumes will NOT be accepted in place of a completed application.

The Texas Historical Commission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information, or protected activity in recruitment, selection, appointment, training, promotion, retention, or any other personnel action or deny any benefits or participation in programs or activities which it sponsors.

Section 651.005 of the Government Code requires males, ages 18 through 25, to provide proof of their Selective Service registration or of their exemption from the requirement as a condition of state employment.

As part of the employment process, THC will conduct a driving and criminal background check. Unsatisfactory information relevant to the position may disqualify the applicant from employment.

Disability access for testing and interview accommodations can be provided upon reasonable notice by contacting Human Resources at 512-305-6729.

THC participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at:

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_EngineeringandDesign.pdf

Veterans: Go to www.texasskillstowork.com for assistance with translating your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

For New Hires/Rehires: Health insurance is available the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER