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Director Historic Preservation information

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$74K

$344.7K

$400K

How much do director historic preservation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for director historic preservation in the United States is $344,742.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $281,000.00 and $400,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Historic Preservation when balancing development and conservation goals?

A Director of Historic Preservation often navigates the complex interplay between advocating for the protection of historic sites and accommodating modern development needs. Challenges can include negotiating with developers, addressing conflicting stakeholder interests, and ensuring compliance with regulations while promoting adaptive reuse. Success in this role requires strong communication and problem-solving skills to find creative solutions that honor historic integrity without stifling community growth. Collaborating with architects, city planners, and local governments is essential to achieving sustainable outcomes.

What does a Director of Historic Preservation do?

A Director of Historic Preservation oversees efforts to protect, conserve, and manage historic buildings, sites, and districts. They develop and implement preservation policies, coordinate restoration projects, and work with government agencies, community groups, and stakeholders. Their responsibilities often include securing funding, ensuring compliance with regulations, and promoting public awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Historic Preservation, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Historic Preservation, you need a strong background in architectural history, preservation planning, and project management, typically supported by an advanced degree in historic preservation or a related field. Familiarity with preservation laws, the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, GIS mapping, and grant management systems is often required. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and public communication skills help build consensus among diverse stakeholders and advocate for preservation initiatives. These abilities are crucial for successfully overseeing preservation projects, ensuring compliance, and fostering community support for historic resources.

What is the difference between Director Historic Preservation vs Preservation Planner?

AspectDirector Historic PreservationPreservation Planner
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Architecture, Planning, or Historic Preservation; often with certifications like AICP or LEEDBachelor's or Master's in Planning, Architecture, or Historic Preservation; may also hold AICP certification
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing preservation projects, managing teams, and liaising with stakeholdersResearch, planning, and policy development within government agencies or consulting firms
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, preservation societies, government agenciesUrban planning firms, government planning departments, consulting firms

The Director Historic Preservation typically holds a leadership role, managing preservation initiatives and teams, while the Preservation Planner focuses on research, planning, and policy development. Both roles require similar credentials and often work within government or consulting environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and seniority.

What cities are hiring for Director Historic Preservation jobs? Cities with the most Director Historic Preservation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Historic Preservation jobs? The most popular types of Historic Preservation jobs are:
What states have the most Director Historic Preservation jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Historic Preservation jobs include:
Director Historic Preservation jobs near you
City Historic Preservation Planner

City Historic Preservation Planner

City of West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach, FL • On-site

$87K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

City Of West Palm Beach rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

609th of 832 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Summary
Under general direction, manages the Historic Preservation Division, to include technical assistance to the City Commission, staff, community organizations and individuals. Reviews and makes recommendations on building applications affecting the City of West Palm Beach Register properties and corresponding treatments for approval by the Historic Preservation Board to ensure compliance with the Historic Preservation Ordinance; and performs other related duties as assigned.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Which are not in any hierarchical order)
1.Prepares staff reports for HPB meetings and assists the Board in meeting its administrative requirements.
2.Prepares and manages Division budget.
3.Reviews and makes recommendations on Section 106 requests, demolition requests and permit requests, and nominations for the National Register of Historic Places.
4.Provides educational assistance to individuals and the general public relative to historic preservation.
5.Applies for and administers State Historic Preservation grants.
6.Makes site visits and window studies for historic preservation evaluations.
7.Updates and maintains maps and database of historic sites and districts.
8.Administers Ad Valorem Tax Exempt program.
9.Coordinates Certified Local Government programs and prepares historic preservation quarterly and annual reports.
10.Performs other related duties as assigned.
Salary
$87,184 - $130,794 DOQ Annually (Pay Grade 73)
Excellent Benefits!
Qualifications
Bachelors degree with a major in Urban Planning, Historic Preservation, or closely related field (education will be verified using the Education Requirements listed below) and three (3) years of experience in a historic preservation program is required, or any equivalent combination of training and experience. One (1) year of lead work or supervisory experience is required.
Alternate Requirements: Masters degree with a major in Urban Historic Preservation, or a closely related field. Education will be verified using the Education Requirements listed below. One (1) year of progressively responsible working experience in a planning environment, including one (1) year of lead work or supervisory experience, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
A current and valid Florida drivers license is required. For application purposes, a valid drivers license from any state (equivalent to a State of Florida Class E) may be utilized; with the ability to obtain the State of Florida drivers license within thirty (30) days from date of employment.
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:
a) a public education institution in the State of Florida or any State or Territory of the United States; or
b) an institution accredited by an accrediting organization that is recognized by the Florida Department of Education or the U.S. Department of Education; or
c) an institution that is accredited by an organization that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); or
d) an institution whose degree or certification is accepted by institutions identified in either a), b), or c), above, for the purpose of admission to institutions identified in either a), b), or c) above.
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.
How To Apply
If you are interested in applying for this position you may apply online by selecting the Apply Now button at the end of the job posting. Applications must be received in Human Resources by the closing date.
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.
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