Lead Military Educator/Interpreter | Fort McKavett, TX

Texas Historical Commission

Job Vacancy Notice

Position Title: Lead Military Educator/Interpreter

Classification Title: Program Specialist III

Job Posting Number: 24-900-45

Salary: $3,900.00-$4,513.19/Monthly

Salary Group/Class#: B19/1572

FLSA: Exempt

Opening Date: 01/08/2024

Closing Date: Until filled

Duration: Regular, Full-time

Hours/Week: 40

Work Location Address: Fort McKavett State Historic Site, 7066 FM 864, Fort McKavett, TX 76841

JOB OBJECTIVE: Under the direction of the Site Manager and the Director of Historic Sites Operations (DHSO), this position will perform advanced (senior-level) interpretive, educational, and historical research, writing, providing guidance and technical assistance for forts and select military sites of the Historic Sites Division (HSD) of the Texas Historical Commission (THC). Work involves research and writing, planning, developing, and implementing a full range of interpretive, educational, and outreach programs and events based on the interpretive master plans intended to promote the division’s military 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. Work collaboratively with the Site Managers of the Historic Sites Division, select THC military sites interpretive staff, and the Director of Historic Sites Operations to increase consistent interpretation of the THC military sites. Plan, organize, and manage history activities by researching, developing, and delivering new education and interpretive programs at the sites and improving and/or modifying existing programs, events, and exhibits as required.

2. Perform historical research, including the history of all military sites within HSD related to the site’s collections, exhibits, and cultural/natural resources, as needed.

3. Coordinate historical research and reference services. Receives and assigns priority to historical information queries. Use reference materials, unit knowledge, and research experience to answer queries. Provide historical information. Maintain collective historical document repository for the military sites.

4. Develop procedures for preparing historical publications dealing with the military history of THC sites.

5. Conduct quality assessments of historical programs, rates content, supporting documents, compliance with the agency's administrative directives, and adherence to site goals.

6. Prepare historical publications, including periodic histories, studies, and papers, covering diverse topics of site-specific military history.

7. Determine topics of special interest or importance. Evaluate data for accuracy, objectivity, and pertinence. Compose well-organized, fully documented, analytical narratives of site-specific military history.

8. Use selected photographs to support military site narratives. Select, reproduce, and assemble supporting documents.

9. Travel to THC or non-THC military history sites to meet operational requirements, conduct research, secure significant documentation, and prepare historical reports.

10. Collect, organize, index, and maintain administrative, historical reference, historical files, and research publications and documents.

11. Work collaboratively with the central HSD Interpretive and Education team and military Site Managers to coordinate program content and review information contained in permanent and temporary exhibits at THC military sites.

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

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

14. Prepare charts, tables, graphs, statistical summaries, and reports of significant information and maintain records, particularly regarding site programming.

15. Conduct educational/interpretive programs on and off-site for diverse audiences. Speaks 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 with supervising interns and volunteers, maintaining schedules, and submitting time sheets.

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

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

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

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

21. 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, public history, museum studies, or a closely related field.

· Minimum three years of 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 20% of the work period.

PREFER:

· Master’s degree in Military History.

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 the use of hand and power tools and equipment operation and maintenance.

· Skill in providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.

· Skill in operating a personal computer with word processing, database, and spreadsheet software.

· Skill in marketing design and basic web development.

· Ability to conduct multiple programs daily, 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 and 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 remote West Texas, in an office and outdoor setting with 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., Tuesday – Saturday, and select holidays. This position may involve walking, standing, pulling and pushing, kneeling, stooping, and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds; and climbing two steep flights of stairs on a regular basis. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer. Occasional travel with an overnight stay.

REMARKS (Application procedures, Special requirements): The 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.

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

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER