General Description

Under the direction of the Lead Interpretive Planner, this position performs project management and interpretive planning for exhibits in Texas State Parks.  Responsibilities include working visitor and nature centers, as well as outdoor exhibits, publications, and other types of media.  Responsible for Interpretive planning including stakeholder consulting and collaboration, theme and concept development, research, and interpretive writing.  Project management includes stakeholder reviews, scope development, coordinating with purchasing teams, budgeting, vendor evaluation, implementation, and general oversight to ensure projects are completed on time and on budget.  Researches content and writes interpretive messages to reach diverse audiences.  Provides expertise and support to Interpretive Services programs and park staff with park messaging initiatives, interpretive media and master plans.  Provides interpretive planning and writing workshops to State Park staff.  Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  Performs additional duties as assigned.  Complies with all Agency, Division and Branch rules, regulations and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 
Education:

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree.

Experience:

  • Three years of experience researching and developing written content for interpretive materials, exhibits or educational materials.

Licensure:       

  • If driving is required, applicant must possess a valid State driver’s license.

ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTIONS: 
Experience:

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree may substitute for one year of the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 
Education:

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s  degree, with major coursework in History, Natural Sciences, Environmental Education, Geography, Anthropology, American Studies, Museum Studies, Education or closely related field;
  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree with major coursework in History, Natural Sciences, Environmental Education, Geography, Anthropology, American Studies, Museum Studies, Education or closely related field.

Experience:

  • Three years experience working in a conservation-focused or park setting;
  • Two years experience writing for diverse audiences or in outreach to diverse audiences;
  • Two years experience in project management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of agency mission;
  • Knowledge of cutting-edge best practices and standards and techniques for presenting information to the public;
  • Knowledge of ADA regulations, archeological regulations, agency policies and federal, state and local laws as they apply to the presentation of information;
  • Knowledge of cultural resources subjects: history, culture, and archeology;
  • Knowledge of natural resources subjects: geology, geography, ecology, other natural sciences;
  • Knowledge of best practices and standards in interpretation and interpretive writing;
  • Skill in using MS Word, Excel and Outlook;
  • Skill in effective verbal and written communication;
  • Skill in overall interpretive planning, plus other media planning and implementation;
  • Skill in using primary, secondary, and scholarly source research for a variety of topics;
  • Skill in research, writing and editing for diverse audiences;
  • Skill in facilitating group planning sessions and resolving conflicts;
  • Skill in estimating budgets and schedules for projects;
  • Skill in meeting deadlines;
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with co-workers and work-related contacts;
  • Ability to create specialized text for a wide range of media, including interpretive displays, articles, brochures, newsletters, web sites, multimedia, proposals, plans, reports and marketing materials for diverse audiences;
  • Ability to provide leadership and team-building across organizational lines of authority;
  • Ability to perform project management and budget oversight for projects;
  • Ability to work with little or no supervision;
  • Ability to maintain flexibility and work with frequent interruptions and multiple changing priorities;
  • Ability to learn new subjects quickly;
  • Ability to create a narrative description of exciting and educational visitor experiences of various venues in state park settings for diverse audiences;
  • Ability to conduct work activities in accordance with TPWD safety program.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Required to work from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday;
  • Required to work overtime as necessary;
  • May be required to operate a State vehicle;
  • Required to travel 20% with possible overnight stays;
  • Non-smoking environment in State buildings and vehicles.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
In order to be considered for this position, the following information is required:
  • Submittal of a completed online application;
  • Work history experience MUST be completed in the online application;
  • A scanned copy of official college transcript(s) issued from the registrar must be attached to the online application (if applicable);
  • Applicants must attach a DD214 or other supporting documentation to the online application to claim Veterans Preference.
NOTE: Resume and professional references may be attached to the online application, but not in place of the completed application.  A skills test may be conducted at time of interview.
For more information and to apply, click here.