THC - Educator/Interpreter | La Grange, TX

Texas Association of Museums; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 44,640 - 49,662; Full time

Job summary

Texas Historical Commission seeks a Site Interpreter Specialist to plan and deliver interpretive, educational, and outreach programs at Kreische Brewery & Monument Hill State Historic Sites and Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic Site in Mexia, Texas. You will promote history, increase visitation, and engage diverse audiences.

Under moderate supervision, you will develop programs, greet visitors, conduct tours, write articles, and collaborate with agencies and communities to strengthen

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in education, history, museum studies, or 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.
• Must have or obtain a valid Driver’s License and be able to drive a state vehicle; travel up to 15% of the work period.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement innovative interpretive programs at the sites.
• Greet visitors, provide site orientation, and conduct tours.
• Develop and deliver outreach programs and collaborate with partners.
• Write articles for newspapers, newsletters, and publications; speak to groups.
• Assist with site marketing, advertisements, and social media posts.
• Maintain records, prepare reports, and assist in training materials.

Skills

Public speaking

Verbal communication

Written communication

Research skills

Curriculum development

Volunteer management

Event planning

Customer service

Multitasking

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education

History

Museum studies

Closely related field

Tools

Word processing

Database

Spreadsheet software

Job description

Salary Range: $4000.00 - 4450.00 per Month

JOB OBJECTIVE: Under the direction of the Site Manager, this position performs routine (journey-level) educational and interpretive services and technical assistance work primarily for the Kreische Brewery & Monument Hill State Historic Sites but will also assist in educational and interpretive services at Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic Site in Mexia, Texas. Work involves planning, developing, and implementing a full range of interpretive, educational, and outreach programs and events intended to promote the sites¿ history, increase visitation, and encourage stakeholder participation. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Create and implement innovative interpretive programs at the sites.
• Greet visitors, provide site orientation, and conduct tours.
• Improve and modify existing programs, events, and exhibits as required.
• Assist with organizing and scheduling tour groups.
• Research, develop and deliver new interpretive outreach programs.
• Perform research related to the sites¿ collections, exhibits, and cultural/natural resources as needed.
• Monitor and review programs for policy compliance and adherence to site goals.
• Create a program evaluation process to evaluate the quality and impact of all programs.
• Participate in volunteer recruitment, training, and scheduling.
• Prepare reports and maintain records, particularly regarding site programming.
• Assist with appropriate product creation and selection for the museum store to enhance the educational experience of visitors.
• Conduct outreach programs both on and off site for diverse audiences.
• Develop collaborative relationships with relevant education stakeholders.
• Collaborate with local agencies, businesses, universities, and organizations to create and implement mutually beneficial programming as well as strengthen the sites¿ partnership with the community to better serve key audiences.
• Write articles for newspapers, newsletters, and publications, print or electronic, for all audiences.
• Speak to public and private groups to promote interest in the site and museum.
• Use social media and new media as interpretive tools.
• Assist in site marketing efforts by creating advertisements, print materials, and website/social media posts to promote programs and special events.
• Assist with maintenance and housekeeping, as needed.
• May train others.
• Develop and maintain training materials (instructional manuals or videos, etc.) as needed.
• Adhere to established work schedule with regular attendance.
• Follow all THC safety guidelines/procedures and ethics requirements.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in education, history, museum studies, or 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 15% of the work period.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master¿s degree in education, public history, museum studies or closely related field;
• Certification in interpretive techniques from a nationally recognized institution;
• Experience planning, implementing, and managing a museum school tour education program; or
• Experience recruiting, training, and managing volunteers for education programs.

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 developing curricula;
• Skill in developing evaluation techniques and criteria for interpretive, educational, and outreach programs and events;
• Skill in public speaking, planned or extemporaneous, in front of diverse audiences;
• Skill in working with diverse groups and various age ranges;
• 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;
• 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 and communicate 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 maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and changing priorities;
• 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 occasionally 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. Position is active in nature and will involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping, and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able work extended periods at a computer. Occasional travel with an overnight stay.

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:

Veterans:Go to www.texasskillstowork.com for assistance 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 the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period.