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State of Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission

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Streetscape in Blackstone Valley RI

We're hiring! Project Review Coordinator

The RIHPHC is accepting applications for a Senior Historic Preservation Specialist - Project Review Coordinator. This position is central to the regulatory obligations of the agency and works closely with archaeologists, historians, and architects internally. Read the full job description and qualifications. Review of applications will begin in mid-January.

THE BASICS: Salary -- $76,902.00 - $87,071.00 annually (pay grade 131, non-union). Working schedule is 9:00 am -4:30 pm, 35 hours/week.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Within the Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission (RIHPHC), to perform difficult and complex professional historic preservation planning work within the area of specialization indicated in the title of the class of position; to be responsible for the preparation of studies, plans, and reports, as well as phases of major projects; and/or to be responsible for the review of projects undertaken by other state or federal agencies, including the assessment of impacts on historic resources; and/or to be responsible for agency public information, events, programs; and to do related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A working knowledge of the principles and practices of historic preservation planning, data sources, and methods of analysis as they relate to the area of specialization indicated by the title of the class of position and the ability to apply such knowledge in the performance of difficult and complex professional historic preservation planning work; a working knowledge of the methods and procedures required in order to carry out the relevant programs of historic preservation planning such as: National Register of Historic Places, environmental review, technical preservation services, survey, archeology, and/or public information; the ability to use standard technical procedures and established methodology; the ability to identify appropriate procedures developed by others, test them, and use them under varying circumstances; the ability to use field work, historical archives, maps, charts, aerial photographs, and similar materials to obtain or verify information; the ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions; the ability to review the activities of professional, technical and clerical personnel, and consultants; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with federal, state, local, private and public agencies, organizations and individuals; the ability to write effectively and to make oral presentations; the ability to engage in field work activities requiring physical stamina; and related capacities and abilities. Must satisfy the requirements specified in the Secretary of the Interior’s Historic Preservation Professional Qualifications Standards for the area of specialization. (12/15/24)

Federal Street streetscape

Small but Mighty: Woonsocket’s Federal Street Historic District Earns Federal Designation

Downtown business district added to National Register of Historic Places

(Woonsocket, RI) A cluster of six properties encompassing most of a city block in downtown Woonsocket has been recognized for its contributions to the community and architectural history of the city. Jeffrey Emidy, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, announced that the National Park Service has added the Federal Street Historic District to the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register is the official list of places and objects of significance in American history, architecture, and culture. 

The Federal Street Historic District is notable for its concentration of institutional properties, with its contributing buildings used for various religious, recreational, educational, and social functions. The District extends nearly the length of Federal Street, which was laid out between 1903 and 1911 to open new parcels for development as downtown Woonsocket expanded. Properties included in the Historic District designation are:

  • JOSEPH GRENON’S GARAGE/STADIUM GARAGE/INTERNATIONAL TRADES UNION BUILDING (1925), 122 Clinton Street/53 Federal Street
  • MASONIC TEMPLE (1929), 142 Clinton Street
  • FIRESTONE SERVICES STORES, INC. (1930, additions ca. 1965), 160 Clinton Street
  • FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH (1907-08), 1 Federal Street
  • YMCA (1910-11), 43 Federal Street
  • WOONSOCKET COMMERCIAL SCHOOL/SCHOOL OF COMMERCIALSCIENCES/HILL COLLEGE (ca. 1923), 77 Federal Street

(10/30/24)