THC - Educator/Interpreter (Program Specialist II) 23-2600-58
Job description
JOB OBJECTIVE: Under the direction of the Site Manager, this position performs moderately complex educational and interpretive services and technical assistance work for the Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State 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:
- Create and implement innovative interpretive programs at the site.
- Greet visitors, provide site orientation, conduct tours, and perform customer service duties as needed.
- Improve and modify existing programs, events, and exhibits as required.
- Assist with organizing and scheduling tour groups to include maintaining database and sending out information to groups.
- Research, develop and deliver new interpretive outreach programs.
- Perform research related to the site’s 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.
- Conduct outreach programs both on and off site for diverse audiences.
- Develop collaborative relationships with relevant education stakeholders.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assist in the planning and programming of special events on site.
NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Perform other duties as assigned.
(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 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 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’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 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 museum and office. This employee occasionally works irregular hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., often 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 20 pounds. Must be able 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 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.
For additional information regarding this posting, please visit https://www.thc.texas.gov/job-opportunities.
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