Educator/Interpreter | Brazoria, TX

Texas Historical Commission

Job Vacancy Notice

Position Title: Educator/Interpreter

Classification Title: Program Specialist II

Job Posting Number: 24-1200-6

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

Salary Group/Class#: B18/1571

FLSA: Exempt

Opening Date: 09/25/2023

Closing Date: Until filled

Duration: Regular, Full-time

Hours/Week: 40

Work Location Address: Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site, 10510 FM 524, Brazoria, TX 77480

JOB OBJECTIVE: Under the supervision of the Site Manager and Assistant Site Manager, this position performs moderately complex consultative services and technical assistance work for the Levi Jordan Plantation Historic Site of the Texas Historical Commission (THC). 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. Improve and modify existing programs, events, and exhibits as required.

3. Research, develop, and deliver new interpretive 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. Create a program evaluation process to evaluate the quality and impact of all programs.

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

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

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

10. Develop collaborative relationships with relevant education stakeholders.

11. Collaborate with local agencies, businesses, universities, 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.

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

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

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

15. Assist with the supervision of interns and volunteers from time to time, particularly in the absence of the Site Manager.

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

17. Assist in preparing the annual budget for interpretive and educational initiatives and programs and monitoring related expenses.

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

19. Assist with maintenance and housekeeping, as needed.

20. May train others.

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

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

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

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

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, African American 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;

· This position is Wednesday- Sunday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm; and

· Required to travel up to 15% 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 diverse American history, government, 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;

· 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 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 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 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. Mostly sedentary in nature but may 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 to work extended periods at a computer. Occasional travel with an overnight stay.

REMARKS (Application procedures, Special requirements): State of Texas application must be submitted through the Work In Texas website at www.workintexas.com. You must have a Work In Texas profile in order to login and complete the application. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact your local Work in Texas office. 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.

Additional Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at:

http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/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