THC - Educator/Interpreter (Education Specialist I) 24-2500-80 (00041637) 

Washington on the Brazos SHS

Barrington Plantation SHS

23400 Park Road 12 

Washington 77880

Job

Employee Status

Schedule

State Job Code: 0820   

Salary Admin Plan: B 

Grade: 17   

Salary (Pay Basis)

Number of Openings

Overtime Status

Job Posting

Closing Date

Description

JOB OBJECTIVE:  Under the supervision of the Site Manager, this position performs moderately complex educational and Living History interpretive services and technical assistance work primarily for the Barrington Plantation State Historic Site but will also assist in educational and interpretive services at the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site and the Star of the Republic Museum 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. Greet visitors, provide site orientation, and conduct tours.
3. Improve and modify existing programs, events, and exhibits as required.
4. Maintains historic site grounds and livestock. Includes, but is not limited to, poultry care, weeding/gardening ornamental and edible plants, hearth cooking in all weather, historic house cleaning, white-washing, reproduction clothing sewing, and/or repair.
5. Provides routine facility maintenance on historic and reproduction structures.
6. Research, develop, and deliver new interpretive outreach programs.
7. Perform research related to the site’s collections, exhibits, and cultural/natural resources as needed.
8. Monitor and review programs for policy compliance and adherence to site goals.
9. Create a program evaluation process to evaluate the quality and impact of all programs.
10. Participate in volunteer recruitment, training, and scheduling.
11. Prepare reports and maintain records, particularly regarding site programming.
12. Conduct outreach programs both on and off-site for diverse audiences.
13. Develop collaborative relationships with relevant education stakeholders.
14. Provide living history demonstrations to the public and dress in historic costumes (period correct clothing) on a daily basis.
15. Collaborate with local agencies, businesses, universities, and organizations to create and implement mutually beneficial programming and strengthen the site’s partnership with the community to better serve key audiences.
16. Write articles for newspapers, newsletters, and publications, print or electronic, for all audiences.
17. Speak to public and private groups to promote interest in the site and museum.
18. Use social media and new media as interpretive tools.
19. Assist with the supervision of interns and volunteers from time to time, particularly in the absence of the Lead Interpreter or Site Manager.
20. Assist in site marketing efforts by creating advertisements, print materials, and website/social media posts to promote programs and special events.
21. Assist with maintenance and housekeeping, as needed.
22. May train others.
23. Develop and maintain training materials (instructional manuals, videos, etc.) as needed.
24. Adhere to an established work schedule with regular attendance.
25. Follow all THC safety guidelines/procedures and ethics requirements.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

(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 15% 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 American history, primarily 1820-1870;
• Knowledge of State and local regional history;
• Knowledge of current methods and strategies of interpretation;
• Knowledge of fundamentals of cultural resource management;
• Knowledge of historic farming practices of the mid-19th century;
• Knowledge of historic foodways preparation and mid-19th century lifeways;
• 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 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;
• Skill in working with livestock such as cattle/oxen, swine, fowl, or other associated farm animals;
• Skill in 19th-century crafts such as woodworking, blacksmithing, leatherwork, etc.;
• 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 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 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. This employee’s schedule includes days off other than Saturdays, Sundays, and some 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 50 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer. Occasional travel with an overnight stay.

MILITARY EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE: All CAPPS Recruit job postings extend priority of service to veterans, a surviving spouse, orphan of a veteran who was killed while on active duty, spouse of a member of the US Armed Forces/Texas National Guard serving on active duty, or spouse of a veteran with a disability if the spouse is the primary income for the household. 

To receive Military Employment preference, a copy of the DD 214, NA Form 13038, VA Summary Benefits Letter, or a DD Form 1300 must be provided before an interview can be extended.

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 (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.

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 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 on the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER