THC - Project Reviewer, Courthouse Preservation Program (Architect II) 26-61
Centralized Accounting and Payroll/Personnel System, Austin, TX, United States
Job Title
THC – Project Reviewer, Courthouse Preservation Program (Architect II) – 26-61 (00057780)
Organization
TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Primary Location
Austin, Texas – El Rose Bldg 108 W 16th St Austin 78701
Job Summary
Preserve and protect county courthouses across Texas as part of the Division of Architecture’s renowned Courthouse Preservation Program. Score grant applications for Round XIV of the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) based on professional expertise in historic preservation. Provide technical assistance and project reviews, partner with counties, consultants, and contractors to advise on best preservation practices, materials conservation, construction processes, and maintenance planning.
Essential Duties
Review and score grant applications for funding through Round XIV of the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) for a scoring period between May 13 and June 15, 2026; participate in the Division of Architecture grant scoring meeting scheduled for June 22–23, 2026.
Adhere to an established work schedule with regular attendance.
Non‑Essential Duties (as needed)
Administer grant‑funded construction and planning projects to ensure compliance with the program statute, rules, and grant manual.
Review proposals for changes to historic courthouses for compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties under state laws and the Antiquities Code of Texas, Recorded Texas Historic Landmark designation, and preservation easements.
Review and comment on preservation master plans, historic structures reports, paint and finish analyses, structural assessments, and project completion reports, focusing on Restoration Treatment.
Perform detailed review of and recommend changes to architectural plans and specifications at schematic design, design development, 60%, and 95% construction document phases to comply with program standards and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
Review hazardous materials assessments and understand state laws regarding hazardous materials treatment as related to preserving historic fabric.
Review and request changes to structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing designs/drawings as they impact the architectural drawings and historic architecture.
Apply the International Building Code, International Fire Code, National Fire Protection Association, and Texas Accessibility Standards to historic buildings.
Prepare conceptual designs as part of the review of architectural plans & specifications.
Review construction budgets and owner/architect/contractor contracts.
Work with the project team to meet the project budget and schedule.
Review and recommend changes to ASIs, change orders, submittals, shop drawings, mock‑ups, samples, and progress meeting minutes during construction.
Attend and participate in monthly on‑site progress meetings for grant‑funded construction projects.
Meet regularly with elected officials, owner representatives, project architects, contractors, and subcontractors to provide guidance on construction solutions as they impact historic building materials and architecture.
Review and provide comments on attachments to grant contracts, preservation easements, and grant fund reimbursement requests.
Track building conditions and cyclical maintenance activities on restored courthouses, including those protected by preservation easements.
Provide technical guidance on treatment of building elements and materials for courthouse preservation, repair, and maintenance.
Perform research using historic photographs and documents, including on‑site investigations, as part of the courthouse preservation planning process.
Develop and conduct training sessions to educate county facilities managers and county officials on best practices for courthouse preservation and facility management.
Work with the program specialist to process grant paperwork for the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) and maintain site visit reports, work logs, digital project files, and program databases.
Present programmatic information to agency staff, architects/consultants, property owners, governmental agencies, community organizations, and the general public.
Work collaboratively with staff from THC’s Communications Division, History Programs Division, Archaeology Division, and the Community Heritage Development Division.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Graduation with a degree in architecture or a closely related field from an NAAB‑accredited college or university (or comparably accredited professional architecture degree) with coursework in historic preservation.
Minimum two years’ full‑time professional experience in architecture, including production or review of construction drawings and specifications, coordination of architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings, and construction administration.
Minimum two years’ full‑time professional experience in historic preservation, including review or creation of detailed investigations of historic structures, historic architectural research, and production or review of construction drawings and specifications for preservation projects OR a graduate degree or certificate in historic preservation.
Experience with in‑depth application of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
Demonstrated public speaking and writing skills.
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.
Availability to travel up to the required 30% of the work period.
Preferred
Five or more years of full‑time professional experience in architecture and historic preservation, including in‑depth administration of historic restoration planning and construction projects.
Graduate degree in architecture, historic preservation, preservation planning, or a closely related field with coursework in preservation technology and/or materials conservation.
Experience applying best practices in historic facility maintenance.
Experience applying local, state, and federal laws related to the protection of historic structures.
Experience working in partnership with elected and appointed officials.
Experience in regulatory review related to easement monitoring and management.
Experience in records management for large programs or organizations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Extensive knowledge of architectural principles, techniques, and procedures such as building systems, project planning and development, RFQ process, and budgeting.
Knowledge of construction methods, historic and modern building materials, and causes of deterioration.
Knowledge of state and federal laws related to historic preservation.
Knowledge of the International Building Code, International Existing Building Code, Texas Accessibility Standards, and sustainable building design.
Skill in effective communication with elected county and state officials.
Skill in interpreting architectural construction drawings and specifications.
Skill in providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
Skill in operating a personal computer with word processing, database, and spreadsheet software.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.
Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail.
Ability to explain complex issues clearly and concisely.
Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective solutions.
Ability to adapt to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner.
Ability to plan, organize, and work independently within a diverse team environment.
Ability to communicate with sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy.
Ability to work with government officials.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Licensure and Certification
Must hold an active architectural license with the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE).
Must have or obtain a valid driver’s license and Defensive Driving Course to operate state vehicles.
Benefits
Health insurance available to new hires following a 60‑day waiting period of the first month of employment.
EEO Statement
The Texas Historical Commission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, age, or disability in recruitment, selection, appointment, training, promotion, or any other personnel action.
Legal Requirements
Section 651.005 of the Government Code requires males aged 18‑25 to provide proof of Selective Service registration or exemption. Applicants will undergo driving and criminal background checks as part of the employment process. Disability access for testing and interview accommodations is available upon reasonable notice.
Application
Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
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THC – Project Reviewer, Courthouse Preservation Program (Architect II) – 26-61 (00057780)
Organization
TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
Primary Location
Austin, Texas – El Rose Bldg 108 W 16th St Austin 78701
Job Summary
Preserve and protect county courthouses across Texas as part of the Division of Architecture’s renowned Courthouse Preservation Program. Score grant applications for Round XIV of the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) based on professional expertise in historic preservation. Provide technical assistance and project reviews, partner with counties, consultants, and contractors to advise on best preservation practices, materials conservation, construction processes, and maintenance planning.
Essential Duties
Review and score grant applications for funding through Round XIV of the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) for a scoring period between May 13 and June 15, 2026; participate in the Division of Architecture grant scoring meeting scheduled for June 22–23, 2026.
Adhere to an established work schedule with regular attendance.
Non‑Essential Duties (as needed)
Administer grant‑funded construction and planning projects to ensure compliance with the program statute, rules, and grant manual.
Review proposals for changes to historic courthouses for compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties under state laws and the Antiquities Code of Texas, Recorded Texas Historic Landmark designation, and preservation easements.
Review and comment on preservation master plans, historic structures reports, paint and finish analyses, structural assessments, and project completion reports, focusing on Restoration Treatment.
Perform detailed review of and recommend changes to architectural plans and specifications at schematic design, design development, 60%, and 95% construction document phases to comply with program standards and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
Review hazardous materials assessments and understand state laws regarding hazardous materials treatment as related to preserving historic fabric.
Review and request changes to structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing designs/drawings as they impact the architectural drawings and historic architecture.
Apply the International Building Code, International Fire Code, National Fire Protection Association, and Texas Accessibility Standards to historic buildings.
Prepare conceptual designs as part of the review of architectural plans & specifications.
Review construction budgets and owner/architect/contractor contracts.
Work with the project team to meet the project budget and schedule.
Review and recommend changes to ASIs, change orders, submittals, shop drawings, mock‑ups, samples, and progress meeting minutes during construction.
Attend and participate in monthly on‑site progress meetings for grant‑funded construction projects.
Meet regularly with elected officials, owner representatives, project architects, contractors, and subcontractors to provide guidance on construction solutions as they impact historic building materials and architecture.
Review and provide comments on attachments to grant contracts, preservation easements, and grant fund reimbursement requests.
Track building conditions and cyclical maintenance activities on restored courthouses, including those protected by preservation easements.
Provide technical guidance on treatment of building elements and materials for courthouse preservation, repair, and maintenance.
Perform research using historic photographs and documents, including on‑site investigations, as part of the courthouse preservation planning process.
Develop and conduct training sessions to educate county facilities managers and county officials on best practices for courthouse preservation and facility management.
Work with the program specialist to process grant paperwork for the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) and maintain site visit reports, work logs, digital project files, and program databases.
Present programmatic information to agency staff, architects/consultants, property owners, governmental agencies, community organizations, and the general public.
Work collaboratively with staff from THC’s Communications Division, History Programs Division, Archaeology Division, and the Community Heritage Development Division.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Graduation with a degree in architecture or a closely related field from an NAAB‑accredited college or university (or comparably accredited professional architecture degree) with coursework in historic preservation.
Minimum two years’ full‑time professional experience in architecture, including production or review of construction drawings and specifications, coordination of architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings, and construction administration.
Minimum two years’ full‑time professional experience in historic preservation, including review or creation of detailed investigations of historic structures, historic architectural research, and production or review of construction drawings and specifications for preservation projects OR a graduate degree or certificate in historic preservation.
Experience with in‑depth application of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
Demonstrated public speaking and writing skills.
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.
Availability to travel up to the required 30% of the work period.
Preferred
Five or more years of full‑time professional experience in architecture and historic preservation, including in‑depth administration of historic restoration planning and construction projects.
Graduate degree in architecture, historic preservation, preservation planning, or a closely related field with coursework in preservation technology and/or materials conservation.
Experience applying best practices in historic facility maintenance.
Experience applying local, state, and federal laws related to the protection of historic structures.
Experience working in partnership with elected and appointed officials.
Experience in regulatory review related to easement monitoring and management.
Experience in records management for large programs or organizations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Extensive knowledge of architectural principles, techniques, and procedures such as building systems, project planning and development, RFQ process, and budgeting.
Knowledge of construction methods, historic and modern building materials, and causes of deterioration.
Knowledge of state and federal laws related to historic preservation.
Knowledge of the International Building Code, International Existing Building Code, Texas Accessibility Standards, and sustainable building design.
Skill in effective communication with elected county and state officials.
Skill in interpreting architectural construction drawings and specifications.
Skill in providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
Skill in operating a personal computer with word processing, database, and spreadsheet software.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.
Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail.
Ability to explain complex issues clearly and concisely.
Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective solutions.
Ability to adapt to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner.
Ability to plan, organize, and work independently within a diverse team environment.
Ability to communicate with sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy.
Ability to work with government officials.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Licensure and Certification
Must hold an active architectural license with the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE).
Must have or obtain a valid driver’s license and Defensive Driving Course to operate state vehicles.
Benefits
Health insurance available to new hires following a 60‑day waiting period of the first month of employment.
EEO Statement
The Texas Historical Commission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, age, or disability in recruitment, selection, appointment, training, promotion, or any other personnel action.
Legal Requirements
Section 651.005 of the Government Code requires males aged 18‑25 to provide proof of Selective Service registration or exemption. Applicants will undergo driving and criminal background checks as part of the employment process. Disability access for testing and interview accommodations is available upon reasonable notice.
Application
Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
#J-18808-Ljbffr