Site Manager [Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site, Brazoria, TX]

Description

Texas Historical Commission

Job Vacancy Notice

Position Title:                                   Site Manager, Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site

Classification Title:                         Program Supervisor III

Job Posting Number:                     16-1200-11

Salary:                                               $3,883.34-$4,800/Monthly

Salary Group/Class#:                     B-19/1582

FLSA:                                                  Exempt

Opening Date:                                 1/26/2016

Closing Date:                                    Until Filled

Duration:                                          Regular, Full-time

Hours/Week:                                   40

Work Location Address:               Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site, 7234 FM 521, Brazoria, TX  77422

LEVI JORDAN PLANTATION STATE HISTORIC SITE

The Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site, located south of Brazoria, Texas, is one of the best-preserved archeological sites associated with African Americans in 19th century Texas. The African American community at the Levi Jordan Plantation began in 1848 when Levi Jordan, a wealthy planter, purchased 2,200 acres in Brazoria County, and brought enslaved workers to the site to construct the plantation and to work the sugar cane and cotton fields. Dr. Kenneth Brown of the University of Houston led a series of archeological excavations at the site between 1986 and 2002, which focused primarily on the slave quarters area and revealed numerous artifacts relating to the African American community that lived there during Levi Jordan’s lifetime and beyond. Artifacts recovered from these excavations make up the majority of the site’s collections. On site today is the standing plantation house, which has recently undergone stabilization and exterior restoration, and extensive significant archeological remains including the slave quarters and other plantation domestic and agricultural structures. The site is not currently open for regular visitation. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is designing a new visitor center, exhibits and support facilities which are expected to be completed in late 2017 when the site will open to the public.

The mission statement for the Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site is as follows:

“Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site explores the establishment of Texas plantations, their intense social and political evolution, and the impact the plantation system had upon the people who lived on them by examining the history of the Levi Jordan Plantation between 1848 and 1892. The site engages visitors in considering the diverse and challenging experiences of the people who lived and worked on this plantation, the moral and ethical choices they made, and the legacy of slavery.”

Site interpretation will work to provide an understanding of the slavery-based plantation system from the point of view of the enslaved workers as well as the owners and others involved in that economic system.

JOB OBJECTIVE:

Under the direction of the Historic Sites Supervisor, while the Levi Jordan Plantation is under development the Site Manager will assist Division architectural and exhibit staff to oversee and work with the architectural contractor and exhibit design and fabrication contractors. In addition, the Site Manager is responsible for effective administration, management and operation of the Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site before, during and after construction. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: budget development and management; maintenance of site; resource management and curatorial care of original and reproduction artifacts and exhibits; visitor services, interpretive and educational program planning, development, scheduling, production and evaluation; development of beneficial partnerships, volunteer management, media relations, promotional and marketing activities; records management and reporting; management of minor repair and maintenance projects; and personnel management. The Site Manager assists the Historic Sites Supervisor and Division Director with effective coordination and interaction with headquarters staff, landowners, and local government entities on matters affecting the site. Provides leadership to site staff, volunteers and other stakeholders to successfully manage and conserve the site’s natural and cultural resources.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Hiring and supervision of site staff, including an Educator, Administrative Assistant, and Maintenance staff.
2. Direct the day-to-day operations of the site, including visitor services, programs, safety and security.
3. Responsible for program planning, development, and implementation.
4. Develops and implements effective techniques for evaluation of operation and programs.
5. Studies and analyzes operations and problems, and prepares reports of findings and recommendations.
6. Prepares justifications for and assists in implementing procedural changes and policy compliance.
7. Works with program staff in determining trends and resolving technical problems.
8. Works with and speaks to community and professional groups to coordinate, improve, and stimulate interest in the program and to secure support for local programs.
9. Evaluate employee performance and identify mentoring, coaching and training opportunities for staff members.
10. Provide recommendations on staffing needs and organization.
11. Communicate THC policy, business and information to staff in a timely basis.
12. Communicate issues, opportunities, Friends group ideas and initiatives to supervisor in a timely and effective way.
13. Maintain knowledge of current historic preservation and museum best practices.
14. Participate with the Division, THC leadership and Commission in defining site mission.
15. Communicate mission to stakeholders, Friends and community.
16. Identify priorities and resources in annual and long range planning for the program.
17. Provide effective liaison with site Friends group and assists them in annual planning, submission of annual program and timely reporting to Division as required.
18. Represent THC and the Historic Sites Division as needed in public meetings, seminars and other events.
19. Coordinate public relations, media and marketing activities with Public Information and Education Division.
20. Oversee collections care and management in consultation with the Division of Historic Sites’ Chief Curator, to insure that artifact and paper collections are under the site’s physical and intellectual control, appropriately stored and documented collections include historic buildings and features of the site.
21. Oversee maintenance and preservation planning and identify needed projects and appropriate resources to accomplish them.
22. Implement cyclical maintenance program for the historic site.
23. Direct the interpretive program for the site, including research, planning, development of programs and exhibits and conducting special and educational programs and audience research needed.
24. Provide subject matter expertise related to the historic site and its period of Texas history and insures the accuracy of material produced about the program or site.
25. Prepare annual budget proposal, monitor site expenditures to prevent overspending and approve expenditures from site budget.
26. May develop procedure manuals and planning documents.
27. May train others.
28. Adheres to established work schedule with regular attendance.
29. Follows all THC safety guidelines, policies and procedures and ethics requirements.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS (The application must specifically state how each of the following qualifications are met):

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in African American Studies, History, American Studies, Archeology, Museum Studies or closely related field that included course work in museum studies;
• Minimum four years’ work experience in the museum field with one year of administrative and supervisory experience in directing a museum or historic site;
• 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 African American Studies, History, American Studies, Archeology, Museum Studies or a closely related field that included museum studies course work with two years’ work experience in the museum field;
• Strong background in African American history or related archeology, and experience with interpreting contested history from multiple view-points.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of historic site administration and operations;
• Knowledge of cultural resource management;
• Knowledge of museum interpretation/education;
• Knowledge of African American history and plantation economies;
• Skill in overseeing facility/equipment/grounds repair programs and repair techniques;
• Ability to develop marketing, promotional activities and special events;
• Ability to manage programs and projects;
• Ability to develop and maintain financial systems;
• Ability to develop relationships and professional partnerships with diverse communities;
• Effective verbal and written communication, human relations and organizational skills;
• Effective critical thinking skills;
• 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.

·        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;

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: Workplace setting is a historic site, in an office and outdoor setting where occasional exposure to weather, dust, insects, and traveling on uneven and unpaved surfaces, and lack of environmental control are part of the working conditions. Required to work 40 hours per week including flexible scheduled hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with days off other than Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Must be able to safely lift up to 30 pounds and required to respond to emergency situations. Require to travel with an occasional overnight stay.

REMARKS (Application procedures, Special requirements):  State of Texas application must be submitted through the Work In Texas website at www.workintexas.com. You must have a Work In Texas profile in order to login and complete the application. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact your local Work in Texas office. 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, national origin, genetic information, age or disability 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.texas.gov/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 the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER