Educator/Interpreter (Education Specialist I) | Denison, TX

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Description

JOB OBJECTIVE: Under the supervision of the Site Manager and the Assistant Site Manager, this position performs routine (journey-level) consultative services and technical assistance work for the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site of the Texas Historical Commission (THC). This position will assist primarily with providing tours and other public programs, volunteer recruitment and scheduling, and customer service.  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. The position will work as part of an educational team consisting of three educators and the Assistant Site Manager. This program will assist with program support at the Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site in Bonham, Texas, as needed and will coordinate social media and adult programing at both sites. This position will work under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1.       Implement educational and interpretive programs both on site and online.

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

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

4.       Research, develop and deliver new interpretive programs.

5.       Conduct and ongoing program of visitor and stakeholder experience feedback, provide analysis in consultation with the site manager, and incorporate into the improvement of site programs and visitor experience.

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.       Participate in volunteer recruitment, training, and scheduling.

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

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

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

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

13.   Prepare site for daily operations and visitation.  Assist with maintenance and housekeeping, as needed.

14.   Assist with supervision of interns and volunteers from time to time.

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

16.   May train others.

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

18.   Adhere to established work schedule with regular attendance.

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

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

20.   Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

·       Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in history, public 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;

·       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 history, public history, museum studies or closely related field.

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 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 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. Weekend availability (Saturday and Sunday) is required as this position works a Wednesday-Sunday schedule.  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.