ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - HERITAGE TOURISM PROGRAM ASSISTANT

County of El Paso; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

County of El Paso seeks an entry-level Heritage Programs Assistant to support countywide heritage tourism, museum operations, historic preservation, visitor services, and educational programming. You will assist with collections care, exhibit preparation, public programming, and guided tours under supervision.

The role involves supporting compliance with professional museum standards and THC guidance, while promoting County history and cultural resources to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic collections management principles and preservation standards.
• Ability to follow established collections handling procedures and engage diverse audiences.
• Experience with research, grant and report writing practices is a plus.
• Criminal Background Check required; bilingual preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with cataloging, inventory, and documentation of artifacts countywide.
• Assist with safe handling, unpacking, movement, storage organization, and transportation of museum objects.
• Monitor museum storage and exhibit environments and report conditions affecting preservation or security.
• Assist with installation, prep, gallery maintenance, and removal of exhibits and interpretive materials.
• Support development of educational materials, programs, and public tours.
• Enter and update museum records in databases and tracking systems.

Skills

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Public history interpretation

Education

Associate’s Degree in Public Administration / Museum Studies / History / Anthropology / Public History

Job description

Acceptable Experience and Education

Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, Museum Studies, History, Anthropology, Public History, or related field;

Or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree

Internship or volunteer experience in a museum or cultural institution

Bilingual (English/Spanish) Skills preferred

Certificates, Licenses, and other Requirements:

In order to access into the County’s network and systems, a personal smart device is required by the hire start date.

Have or obtain by date of hire a valid driver's license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of El Paso.

Essential Duties

Assist with cataloging, inventory, and documentation of artifacts countywide in accordance with accepted museum standards and THC guidance;

Assist with safe handling, unpacking, movement, storage organization, and transportation of museum objects and materials in accordance with established collections procedures and preventive conservation standards under supervision;

Assist with monitoring museum storage and exhibit environments and report conditions or issues that may affect the preservation, security, or condition of collections and exhibits.

Assist with the installation, preparation, gallery maintenance, modification, and removal of temporary and permanent exhibits, displays, interpretive materials and gallery spaces under established procedures and direction;

Conduct basic research to support exhibit development, grants, and interpretive planning; Assist with preparation and delivery of educational programs, materials and supplies, workshops, demonstrations and other public programming and tours under the direction of museum staff;

Enter and update collections, exhibits, visitor, program, and other Museum records in applicable databases and tracking systems under established procedures and consistent with County records retention policies;

Assist with site visits, research, documentation, inventories, photographs, and other information-gathering activities related to County historic properties, landmarks, historic preservation projects, and cultural resource initiatives;

Support the development of educational materials, curriculum resources, exhibits, and interpretive content that promote El Paso County history and heritage;

Assist in maintaining archives, oral history collections, photographs, maps, and other historical records that support County preservation and educational efforts;

Assist with compiling and maintaining documentation and information needed for grant applications; reports, and related funding activities as assigned;

Assist with and, as trained and assigned, conduct guided tours and basic interpretive activities for visitors, school groups, community organizations, and the general public using approved interpretive materials and information;

Provide routine visitor services, including greeting visitors, providing general information, assisting with admissions, responding to basic visitor inquiries, and directing visitors to appropriate resources or staff;

Assist with the setup, preparation, operation, and breakdown of Museum programs, cultural events, exhibits, tours, and public activities;

Assist with maintaining Museum galleries, public spaces, exhibit areas, and program areas in a clean, orderly, safe, and visitor-ready condition and report maintenance or safety concerns to appropriate staff;

Assist with community outreach activities, festivals, public events, and other activities that promote County museums, historic sites, and cultural resources;

Assist with collecting attendance, visitor feedback, program participation, and other routine information used to support Museum program reporting and evaluation;

Other Important Duties*

Performs such other related duties as may be assigned;

Must have the ability to work weekends, evenings and holidays as required;

Substitutes, if assigned, during temporary absences by performing delegated duties sufficient to maintain continuity of normal operations;

Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrate commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts;

Creates a high-quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills.

May require travel throughout El Paso County; and

As members of the County of El Paso Emergency Response System, all El Paso County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train on emergency response and/or perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor.

Summary of Position

Under general supervision, the Heritage Programs Assistant provides entry level support for Countywide heritage tourism, museum operations, historic preservation, visitor services, educational programming, and public engagement initiatives. The position assists with the care and interpretation of County owned historic sites and cultural resources, including Los Portales Museum, the Old El Paso County Jail, Casa Ronquillo, and other County historic properties as assigned. Responsibilities include supporting collections management, exhibit preparation, educational programming, guided tours, cultural events, visitor experiences, and heritage tourism initiatives while assisting with the stewardship and interpretation of County historic resources. The position supports compliance with professional museum standards, Texas Historical Commission (THC) guidance, and County policies related to collections management, preservation, and public access.

Minimum Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: and understanding of basic collections management principles and preservation standards; professional ethics as outlined by the American Alliance of Museums and Texas Historical Commission (THC); public history interpretation principles; basic historic preservation ethics; event/project planning and public engagement, purchasing and procurement practices, media practices and procedures; marketing and promotion of cultural tourism programs; application electronic and social media; software utilized in graphic layout and design for brochures, flyers, advertising layouts, and promotional items. Good Knowledge of: historic preservation concepts, federal, state and local historic preservation rules and regulations such as the National Historic Preservation Act and the Certified Local Government Program; research, grant and report writing practices and methods; the culture and history of the El Paso southwest area; the principles of rehabilitation, restoring and preserving historic properties. Knowledge of: English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling; techniques for effective interpersonal communications; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment to include Windows and Microsoft based products.

Skill/Ability to: Ability to follow established collections handling procedures; to engage diverse audiences in an inclusive and respectful manner; work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment; assist with the coordination and implementation of historic preservation programs; conduct research, compile data, analyze findings, identify key issues; clear concise oral and written communication to prepare and present reports to management; operate personal computer using standard office operating software and general office equipment; prepare and maintain records; maintain filing systems; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; be dependable and self-motivated; establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with those contacted during the course of work; Pass a Criminal Background Check; Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred;

Each and every county position requires the following professional skills and abilities as key and necessary elements of performance:

• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance;
• Work well with others and participate fully in a team oriented environment;
• Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner;
• Maintain strict confidentiality;
• Project positive support of their department and all county organizations at all times; and,
• Maintain and enhance the County's commitment to customer service excellence

Organizational Relationships

Reports to: Supervisor, Manager, or designee

Directs: This is a non-supervisory position

Other: Has frequent contact with representatives of courts, law enforcement agencies, general public and other county employees