Preservation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $86,940.00 - $105,312.00 Annually
Location : Fresno
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26RD00012
Department: Planning and Development Department
Division: Historic Preservation
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: 11/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 13A
Come join the City of Fresno in Building a Better Fresno!
Want to see what it's like to work here? Explore our video series to discover the real stories, passion, and purpose of the team behind Fresno's success.
Position Description
RECRUITMENT IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED OR UNTIL A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. Recruitment may close at any time.
Position Description
Come and join the City of Fresno in achieving our mission of Building a Better Fresno!
Are you passionate about preserving history and shaping the future? The City of Fresno is seeking a dedicated Historic Preservation Specialist to lead efforts in safeguarding the city's rich cultural heritage. In this pivotal role, you'll manage the historic preservation program, evaluate significant archaeological and historic properties, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to protect Fresno's legacy. If you're ready to make a lasting impact and contribute to building a better Fresno, we want to hear from you!
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Lead and manage the City's historic preservation program and ordinance.
- Identify, evaluate, document, and register significant archaeological and historic properties.
- Review properties for eligibility to local, State, and National Registers of Historic Places.
- Draft nomination forms and oversee architectural survey contracts.
- Manage historic preservation grant applications and recommend funding projects.
- Collaborate with community groups, agencies, and committees on preservation efforts.
- Educate the public and property owners on the benefits of historic preservation.
- Prepare reports, correspondence, and technical documents related to preservation activities.
- Prepare for and staff monthly meetings of the Historic Preservation Commission, with supervisory support
- Manage the work of consultants supporting historic preservation programs
Duties and schedules may vary by assignment, please inquire about specific duties and/or schedules if called upon for an interview.
Full job specification may be viewed at:
View "We Work For You" video to get an inside look at how rewarding it is to work for the City of Fresno:
The current vacancy exists in the Planning and Development Department. Immediate and future vacancies will be filled from this eligible list for a period of three (3) months from the date the eligible list is created, with the option of extending that period at the City's discretion. If the examination process is suspended for this recruitment, the eligible list may be limited to three (3) months.
The Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications on or before the posted filing deadline in order to qualify for the examination and does not assure a place on the eligibility list.
OPTION 1:
Possession of a graduate degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or closely related field, with coursework in American architectural history.
OPTION 2:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation or a closely related field
AND
Two (2) years of full-time experience in research, writing, or teaching in American architectural history or restoration architecture with an academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution.
OPTION 3:
Possession of a graduate degree in history or closely related field.
OPTION 4:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree bachelor's degree in history or closely related field
AND
Two (2) years of full-time experience in research, writing, teaching, interpretation, or other demonstrable professional activity with an academic institution, historic organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution OR substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in the field of history.
APPLICANTS MUST ATTACH A COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS FOR EDUCATION VERIFICATION (instructions below on how to attach documents). Applications lacking the attachment may be rejected.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
The work experience section MUST be completed with detailed duties, dates and weekly hours worked for each title held. Please SPECIFY the relevant duties with which you have experience on your application. Resumes will not be accepted in substitute of a completed employment application and will not be used to evaluate minimum requirements. Applications lacking a completed work experience section may be rejected.
Possession of a valid California Driver's License may be required at time of appointment. Candidates considered for hire may be required to provide proof of a valid driver's license and current copy of their driving record.
Incumbents in this classification must meet the minimum professional qualifications pursuant to Code of Federal Regulations, 36 CFR Part 61.
The selected eligible candidates certified will be required to successfully pass a Department interview and a Department of Justice fingerprint prior to employment with the City of Fresno.
SELECTION PROCESS
The examination process may consist of the following:
Application Review - Qualifying Only: Applications which meet the minimum qualifications will be reviewed and a limited number of the most qualified candidates will be invited to the Oral Examination. Selection of the most qualified candidates will be based upon those applications demonstrating the greatest breadth and depth of applicable education, experience, skills and training. Therefore, applicants are urged to submit sufficiently detailed information in their application materials for evaluation.
Oral Examination - 100%: A panel of subject matter experts will conduct a job-related oral examination to evaluate the candidate's abilities in areas such as, but not limited to, interpersonal and communication skills, knowledge of applicable laws, codes, and regulations, understanding of historic preservation principles and methods, ability to manage historic and recreational sites, and other key competencies related to the position.
Candidates must achieve a passing score to qualify for the eligible list.
Oral examination is to be determined.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Fresno is an equal opportunity employer. Should you need a special accommodation due to a qualifying disability, please contact the Personnel Department at (559) 621-6950 in advance of the examination.
How To Apply
For information on how to complete an online application, please visit the tab. For NEOGOV Application Assistance, please call 1-855-524-5627 or email support@governmentjobs.com. ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS ARE ACCEPTED and must be submitted by midnight on the closing deadline, or they will not be accepted for any reason.
Required licenses, certifications, and education must be verified with supporting documents. Foreign education must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Please ensure all relevant attachments are uploaded with your application.
For the work experience section, provide detailed descriptions of job duties for each position related to the specific role you are applying for. Resumes are not a substitute for completing this section and will only be reviewed as supplemental information, not for determining minimum qualifications.
For other City of Fresno employment opportunities, please view our If you have recruitment questions, please call our office at 559-621-6950. Our office is located at 2600 Fresno Street, Room 1030, Fresno, CA 93721.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Fresno is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Should you need a special accommodation due to a qualifying disability, please contact the Personnel Service Department at (559) 621-6950 in advance of the examination.
Bargaining Unit 13
Management Non-Confidential and Non-Management Confidential
City of Fresno Profession Employees Association (CFPEA)
BENEFIT
DESCRIPTION
HEALTH INSURANCE
The City contributes toward monthly premiums for PPO medical, dental and vision for employee and dependents.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
IRS 125 Plan for health and dependent care expenses.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
Voluntary 457 plan with Fidelity Investments to increase your retirement savings.
ANNUAL LEAVE
15.5 - 20 hours per month based on years of service with cash out provisions.
LIFE INSURANCE
Benefit equal to annual salary with a maximum of $150,000; premium paid by the City.
SUPPLEMENTAL SICK
40 hours per fiscal year.
80 hours lifetime maximum.
MANAGEMENT LEAVE
60 hours per fiscal year with cash out provisions, for exempt employees only.
HOLIDAYS
10 City-observed annual holidays, plus birthday and 2 personal days.
LONG TERM DISABILITY
Benefit equal to 66.66% of monthly salary up to $7,500 per month after 30 days of disability; premium paid by the City.
BUS PASSES
Provided to Supervisors in FAX Operations.
BILINGUAL PREMIUM
$100 per month upon approved certification
HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT ARRANGEMENT (HRA)
Eligible retirees can use the remaining Sick Leave balance, in excess of 240 hours, at 80% of hourly rate and other qualified leave balances, tax free, to reimburse health insurance premiums and other qualified medical expenses.
RETIREMENT -City of Fresno Retirement Systems, one of the best funded public systems in the state. Reciprocity with other public California systems. Vested in Retirement benefits after 5 years of service. City employees do not participate in Social Security.
DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program):an optional, voluntary program that allows an employee to deposit retirement benefits in a special savings account within the Retirement System while continuing to work for the City of Fresno for up to 10 years. Participation minimum is age 50 and vested. Benefits include ownership of accumulated funds, compound interest earnings, and alternative distribution options.
Additional information regarding the City of Fresno benefits is available at
Please note that the benefits package described above is specific to permanent full-time employees. Employees engaged on a part-time, temporary, limited, or other basis may have different entitlements.
01
Do you possess a graduate degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation, or closely related field, with coursework in American architectural history.

• Architectural History
• Art History
• Historic Preservation
• American Architectural history
• None of the above
• Related Field

02
Do you possess a valid California Driver's License?

• Yes
• No
• Not currently, but I can obtain one by the time of appointment

03
Do you possess a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in history, or a closely related field AND Two (2) years of full-time experience in research, writing, teaching, interpretation, or other demonstrable professional activity with an academic institution, historic organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution OR Substantial contribution through research and publication to the body of scholarly knowledge in the field of history.

• Yes
• No

04
Please describe your specific qualifying work experience and education as it relates to the requirements of this position.
05
Do you possess a graduate degree from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in architectural history, art history, historic preservation or a closely related field. AND Two (2) years of full-time experience in research, writing, or teaching in American architectural history or restoration architecture with an academic institution, historical organization or agency, museum, or other professional institution.

• Yes
• No

06
Do you possess a graduate degree in History or closely related field.

• Yes
• No

Required Question