The City of Tacoma’s Planning and Development Services Department is seeking to hire an intern to provide support to the City of Tacoma’s Historic Preservation Program. Under staff supervision, the position will be responsible for assisting with the oversight of local historic property surveys/inventories, as well as Historic Preservation Month events and general program activities.

The position will directly support the City’s mission to provide high-quality, innovative and cost-effective municipal services that enhance the lives of our citizens, the quality of our neighborhoods, and the access and awareness of historic resources. The goal of the Planning and Development Services Department is to guide community growth and development in a manner that protects environmental resources, enhances quality of life, promotes distinctive neighborhoods and a vibrant downtown, and involves citizens in the decisions that affect them. For more information about the department, go to www.cityoftacoma.org/planning. The internship will offer a unique and highly desirable professional opportunity to engage with the historic preservation community, and conduct events programming, community outreach, as well as support other technical aspects of the Historic Preservation Program.

Responsibilities will include:

• Event coordination, staffing, and promotion
• Assist with preparing presentations, public notice and related materials to community groups and commissions and assist with coordinating and managing public outreach efforts
• Documentation and research of historic properties and areas within Tacoma.
• Provide technical support to the Landmarks Preservation Commission
• Provide support to neighborhoods and property owners involving historic preservation related issues.

Educational Benefits:
Educational benefits to be derived by students in this job include the following:

• Interaction with the professional historic preservation community
• Public speaking and presentation
• Events management
• Analytical skills
• Knowledge of interpretation strategies involving historic resources and public art, state laws, development regulations and best management practices

*Student should consult with their academic program regarding receiving academic credit for the internship.

Hours and Terms of the Position: 2080 hours
The hours for this position are up to 40 hours per week, for a period of approximately 12 months. This position will require the incumbent to be available on a regular schedule that will include some evenings and occasional weekends, with the understanding that the remainder of the time will be flexible based on the student’s schedule.

Location and Physical Requirements of Position:
This position requires being able to work both outdoors and in an office environment, to include computer and phones. Hybrid work schedules, including telework options, are available. Must be able to lift at least 20 pounds. 

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent
• Enrolled in vocational school, community college, four (4) year college or university, graduate student or a recent graduate who has completed a degree from an accredited college/university within the last year
• A valid Washington State Driver’s license is required at the time of appointment to the position

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of research methodology.
• Knowledge or experience with the assessment and interpretation of historic and cultural resources.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and utilizing rudimentary software.
• Experience with meeting facilitation, both virtual and in-person, and event coordination.
• Effective problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement programs  and events and to write clear, complete and logical reports and proposals.
• Ability to learn pertinent Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, governmental officials and representatives of private agencies and the community.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the audience.
• Ability to effectively collaborate and work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

All interested individuals must apply online and attach a resume that includes past work experience, and a brief cover letter stating why you want to participate in this internship; as well as a writing sample of no more than 2-3 pages in length. 

Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process. Appointment is subject to passing a background check.

For any questions specifically related to the Historic Preservation Program Intern position, please contact Susan Johnson at 253 281-7445. For any questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (253) 591-5400.

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/tacoma/jobs/4150306/intern-historic-preservation-program