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County Historian Page 1 I 2 Jurisdiction: Cortland County Jurisdictional Class: Non-competitive Adopted: 10/20/05 Amended: 10/18/22; 3/3/26 COUNTY HISTORIAN DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves responsibility for researching, collecting and preserving local historical records and properties to advance the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Cortland County's heritage. Work also involves presenting programs of a historical nature to local groups, as well as preparing articles for historical publications. Work is performed under the general direction of the County Legislature. Does related work as required. TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only) Interprets and promotes Cortland County history through research and writing, publications, teaching, public presentations, programs and events and exhibits; Initiates and oversees county-wide historical projects in conjunction with local town, village, and city historians; Disseminates historical information about Cortland County through research and publications, speeches, correspondence, and press releases; Researches accuracy of new information; Collects, preserves, and provides security for records related to the history of Cortland County such as photographs, microfilms, and newspapers; Provides guidance and support to the municipal historians in the County and serves as a conduit of information between the State Historian in Albany and the local historians in the County; Identifies historic structures and districts and prepares nominations to the State and national register of historic places; Assists general public in researching local and public history; Attends workshops, studies publications and writes narrative reports; Manages the historic marker program; Prepares annual report as required. FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of local, regional and New York State history; Good knowledge of research methods and techniques; Good knowledge of historic preservation and methods of compiling and organizing historical data; Good knowledge of public information and public relations techniques; Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Ability to prepare and deliver presentations in a clear, concise and articulate manner; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; Physical condition commensurate with demands of the position. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree or higher in History, Journalism or closely related field; OR ---PAGE BREAK--- County Historian Page 2 I 2 Possession of a high school diploma or equivalency diploma and four years of experience conducting historical research, archival records work or a related activity; OR An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of and NOTE: Degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If the degree was awarded by an educational institution outside of the United States and its territories, applicant must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. Applicants must pay the required evaluation fee. NOTE: Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer experience may be prorated toward meeting full-time experience requirements.