The Historic Conservation Office is administered by the Urban Conservator, a position created by City Council in 1980. The Urban Conservator serves as secretary to the Historic Conservation Board and is an assistant to the Director of City Planning and Buildings. 

The Urban Conservator is required to have at least three years' experience in private development as an architect, planner, historic preservationist, builder or developer. 

The Urban Conservator, with the staff of the Historic Conservation Office, performs the following duties:

• provides professional guidance and recommendations to the Historic Conservation Board

• initiates, develops executes and administers policies and plans of action that establish historic preservation objectives

• prepares and supervises preparation of reports on historic designation, certificates of appropriateness, and other actions that affect Cincinnati's historic resources

• prepares conservation studies and develops conservation guidelines

• assures compliance of the City's programs with federal and state regulations mandating protection of historic resources

• reviews and approves minor alterations to historic buildings

• advises the Department of City Planning and Buildings and other City departments, such as Economic Development, Neighborhood Services, and Buildings and Inspections, on effects of projects on historic resources

• supervises staff of three city planners who are historic conservation specialists

• updates the Cincinnati Historic Inventory

• represents the City and Historic Conservation Board to federal, state and local agencies

• initiates and directs public education and information programs

• provides technical assistance to homeowners, developers and other interested parties