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Preservation Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Planner

Telluride, CO · On-site

$90K - $126K/yr

Historic Preservation, Planning and Building Reports to: Historic Preservation and Planning Director FLSA: Exempt Grade: 75 The application period for this position closes at 8am MT on Monday August ...

Historic Preservation Officer

Denton, TX · On-site

$94K - $122K/yr

Performs professional planning work involving historic preservation such as developing and reviewing ordinances, design guidelines, tax incentive programs, grants, maintaining and updating historic ...

Preservation Librarian

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

This position is responsible for leading physical preservation planning efforts, including disaster preparedness, response, and recovery planning for the library's physical collections. Education and ...

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Preservation Planner information

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$15

$29

$48

How much do preservation planner jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for preservation planner in the United States is $29.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a preservation planner?

Preservation planners are professionals who work to protect, conserve, and manage historic buildings, sites, and cultural resources within communities. They create plans, policies, and guidelines to ensure that historic places are preserved for future generations. Preservation planners often collaborate with government agencies, property owners, and the public to balance development needs with the importance of maintaining a community’s heritage. Their work includes conducting research, preparing preservation plans, reviewing development proposals, and educating others about the value of historic preservation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a preservation planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Preservation Planner, you need a solid background in urban planning, historic preservation, and architectural history, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, preservation laws, and certifications such as AICP or related credentials is highly valued. Strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills are essential for collaborating with stakeholders and balancing preservation with development needs. These skills ensure effective management of historic resources while accommodating community growth and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by preservation planners when balancing development needs with historic preservation goals?

Preservation Planners often encounter the challenge of finding a balance between facilitating new development and protecting historic resources. They must navigate regulatory requirements, work with developers and property owners to find solutions that honor community heritage, and mediate differing stakeholder interests. Effective communication and negotiation skills are crucial, as the role frequently involves public meetings and collaboration with local government, architects, and community groups to develop plans that respect both preservation and growth objectives.

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

AspectPreservation PlannerHistoric Preservation Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Planning, Architecture, or related field; often requires preservation certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Historic Preservation, Architecture, or related field; may also hold preservation certifications
Work EnvironmentUrban planning offices, government agencies, consulting firmsMuseums, government agencies, preservation organizations, consulting firms
Employer & IndustryMunicipal planning departments, federal agencies, private consultingHistoric sites, museums, preservation organizations, government agencies

Preservation Planners and Historic Preservation Specialists often share similar credentials and work environments, focusing on conserving historic resources. Preservation Planners typically work on broader urban or regional planning projects, while Historic Preservation Specialists focus more on specific historic sites or structures. Both roles are essential in the preservation industry, often collaborating to ensure historic integrity within development projects.

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For Preservation Planner jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Preservation Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,552 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

City Historic Preservation Planner

West Palm Beach, FL • On-site

City of West Palm Beach
1 - 5K employees

$87K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Reviews and makes recommendations on building applications affecting historic properties to ensure compliance with the Historic Preservation Ordinance.

  • Prepares staff reports for Historic Preservation Board meetings and assists the Board in meeting its administrative requirements.

  • Reviews and makes recommendations on Section 106 requests, demolition requests, permit requests, and nominations for the National Register of Historic Places.


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


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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