THC - Educator/Interpreter (Education Specialist I) 26-1000-57

JOB OBJECTIVE: Performs routine (journey-level) consultative and technical assistance work related to one or more agency educational programs. Under the supervision of the Site Manager, this position performs moderately complex consultative services and technical assistance work for the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site of the Texas Historical Commission (THC). Work involves planning, developing, and implementing a full range of school field trips, educational, and outreach programs and events based on the interpretive master plan intended to promote the site’s history, increase visitation, and encourage stakeholder participation. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1.       Implement school field trips and other educational and interpretive programs at the site and online.

2.       Improve and modify existing programs, events, and exhibits as required.

3.       Research, develop, and deliver new school field trips and educational programs.

4.       Perform research related to the site’s collections, exhibits, and cultural/natural resources as needed.

5.       Monitor and review programs for policy compliance and adherence to site goals.

6.       Participate in volunteer recruitment, training, and scheduling.

7.       Prepare reports and maintain records, particularly in regard to site programming.

8.       Conduct outreach programs both on and off-site for diverse audiences.

9.       Write articles for newspapers, newsletters, and publications, print or electronic, for all audiences.

10.   Speak to public and private groups to promote interest in the site and museum.

11.   Use social media and new media as interpretive tools.

12.   Assist with the supervision of interns and volunteers, maintaining schedules, and submitting time sheets.

13.   Assist in site marketing efforts by creating advertisements, print materials, and website/social media posts to promote programs and special events.

14.   Assist with front counter duties, including revenue handling, museum retail sales, phone calls, and visitor interactions as needed.

15.   Assist with tours, welcome visitors to the site, and familiarize yourself with the site's history, architecture, exhibits, and area attractions. Respond intelligently and succinctly to visitors' questions.

16.   Assist with programming for the Friends of Fulton Mansion.

17.   Assist with light maintenance and housekeeping, as needed.

18.   May train others.

19.   Adhere to an established work schedule with regular attendance.

20.   Follow all THC safety guidelines/procedures and ethics requirements.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

21.    Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

·       Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in history, public history, museum studies, or a closely related field; Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

·       Minimum one-year work experience in at least two of the following areas: (1) cultural resource interpretation at a historic site, museum, or similar facility; (2) researching, developing, and implementing public interpretive programs or events; (3) researching and writing for publication in a related field listed above;

·       The 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; and

·       Required to travel up to 10% of the work period.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

·       Master’s degree in history, public history, museum studies or a closely related field.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

·       Knowledge of American and Texas history;

·       Knowledge of State and, local, regional history;

·       Knowledge of current methods and strategies of interpretation;

·       Knowledge of fundamentals of cultural resource management;

·       Effective verbal and written communication, human relations, and organizational skills;

·       Effective critical thinking skills;

·       Skill in conducting and documenting historical research;

·       Skill in public speaking, planned or extemporaneous, in front of diverse audiences;

·       Skill in the use of hand and power tools and equipment operation and maintenance;

·       Skill in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers;

·       Skill in operating a personal computer with word processing, database, and spreadsheet software;

·       Skill in marketing design and basic web development;

·       Ability to conduct multiple programs in a day’s time, with long periods of standing and walking;

·       Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective solutions;

·       Ability to process information in a logical manner and to assess validity;

·       Ability to work in a setting requiring self-motivation/cooperative decision-making and to work effectively with diverse groups of people;

·       Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail;

·       Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;

·       Ability to adapt successfully and quickly to change and deliver quality results in a timely manner;

·       Ability to plan, organize, and work independently, as well as within a team environment;

·       Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion; and

·       Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, OR LICENSURE:
Must have or obtain a valid Driver’s License and Defensive Driving Course to be able to operate state vehicles.

ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: The workplace setting is a historic site, in an office and in outdoor settings where there is exposure to high temperatures, weather, dust, insects, and pollution. This employee typically works irregular hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with days off other than Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays. Required to respond to emergency situations. This position may involve walking, standing, pulling and pushing, kneeling, stooping, and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds; and climbing two steep flights of stairs regularly. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer. Occasional travel with an overnight stay.

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE: All CAPPS Recruit job postings extend priority of service to veterans, a surviving spouse, orphan of a veteran who was killed while on active duty, spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on active duty, or spouse of a veteran with a disability if the spouse is the primary income for the household. 

To receive Military Employment preference, a copy of the DD 214, NA Form 13038, VA Summary Benefits Letter, or a DD Form 1300 with an applicable marriage license or birth certificate must be provided before an interview can be extended.

REMARKS (Application procedures, Special requirements): The State of Texas application must be submitted through the CAPPS website. Only applicants interviewed will be notified of their selection or non-selection. Resumes will NOT be accepted in place of a completed application.

The Texas Historical Commission is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (gender, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age, military status, genetic information, or protected activity in recruitment, selection, appointment, training, promotion, retention, or any other personnel action or deny any benefits or participation in programs or activities which it sponsors. 

Section 651.005 of the Government Code requires males, ages 18 through 25, to provide proof of their Selective Service registration or of their exemption from the requirement as a condition of state employment.

As part of the employment process, THC will conduct a driving and criminal background check.  Unsatisfactory information relevant to the position may disqualify the applicant from employment.

Disability access for testing and interview accommodations can be provided upon reasonable notice by contacting Human Resources at 512-305-6729.

THC participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. 

 

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at:

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_Education.pdf

Veterans: Go to www.texasskillstowork.com for assistance with translating your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications/requirements, and skill sets.

For New Hires/Rehires: Health insurance is available on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER