Educator/Interpreter | Goliad, TX

Texas Historical Commission

Job Vacancy Notice

Position Title: Educator/Interpreter

Classification Title: Program Specialist II

Job Posting Number: 24-2700-15

Salary: $3,650.00-$3,962.80/Monthly

Salary Group/Class#: B18/1571

FLSA: Exempt

Opening Date: 10/05/2023

Closing Date: Until filled

Duration: Regular, Full-time

Hours/Week: 40

Work Location Address: Presidio La Bahia State Historic Site, 217 Loop 71, Goliad, TX 77963

JOB OBJECTIVE: Under the direction of the Site Manager, this position performs moderately complex educational and interpretive services and technical assistance work for the Presidio La Bahia State Historic Sites Complex, including Presidio La Bahia, Fannin Battleground and Lipantitlan State Historic Sites. Work involves planning, developing, and implementing a full range of interpretive, educational, and outreach programs and events intended to promote the site’s history, increase visitation, and encourage stakeholder participation. Work under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Create and implement innovative interpretive programs at the site.

2. Greet visitors, provide site orientation, conduct tours, and perform customer service duties as needed.

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

4. Assist with organizing and scheduling tour groups to, include maintaining a database and sending out information to groups.

5. Research, develop, and deliver new interpretive outreach programs.

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

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

8. Create a program evaluation process to evaluate the quality and impact of all programs.

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

10. Prepare reports and maintain records, particularly regarding site programming.

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

12. Develop collaborative relationships with relevant education stakeholders.

13. Collaborate with local agencies, businesses, universities, schools, museums, and organizations to create and implement mutually beneficial programming, as well as strengthen the site’s partnership with the community to better serve key audiences.

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

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

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

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

18. Assist with maintenance and housekeeping, as needed.

19. May train others.

20. Develop and maintain training materials (instructional manuals or videos, etc.) as needed.

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

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

23. Assist in the planning and programming of special events on-site.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

24. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS (The application must specifically state how each of the following qualifications are met):

· Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in education, history, museum studies, or a closely related field;

· 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;

· 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.

PREFER:

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

· Certification in interpretive techniques from a nationally recognized institution;

· Experience planning, implementing, and managing a museum school tour education program;

· Experience recruiting, training, and managing volunteers for education programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

· Knowledge of State and, local, regional history;

· Knowledge of current methods and strategies of interpretation;

· Knowledge of fundamentals of cultural resource management;

· Knowledge of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS),

· 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 public speaking;

· 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, 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 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 work as a member of a team;

· 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 outdoor setting where occasional exposure to weather, dust, insects, traveling on uneven and unpaved surfaces, and lack of environmental control are part of the working conditions. Required to work 40 hours per week, including flexible scheduled hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with days off other than Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Must be able to safely lift up to 30 pounds and be required to respond to emergency situations. Required to travel with an occasional overnight stay.

REMARKS (Application procedures, Special requirements): 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, national origin, genetic information, age, or disability 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.

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at:

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ProgramManagement.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 the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER