Job Description
JOB OBJECTIVE: Perform highly complex (senior-level) exhibit and interpretive design, research work, and multi-media design, and provide consultative services and technical assistance to Texas Historical Commission (THC) program staff. Work involves concept creation and interpretive physical and multi-media design for broad aspects of the THC Historic Sites Division (HSD) on assigned projects, reviewing existing plans, exhibits, and information; assisting in the development of priorities and budgets; working with exhibit fabrication firms, multi-media firms, and other consultants in project management to oversee the design and fabrication of in-house designed projects and assigned projects contracted to outside exhibit firms, to include assistance in solicitations, vendor firm selection, contracting, contract and project management, closeout, and warranty issues; review all assigned HSD interpretive installations for accuracy and design as part of a team to assess overall visitor experience. Work under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Work under the direction of the THC Historic Sites Division Chief Interpretive Specialist.
2. Work with Interpretation Leadership to identify strategies for exceptional active engagement experiences accessible to various ages and abilities.
3. Develop innovative history exhibits, interpretive installations, and multi-media interactives that feature dynamic storytelling, clean design, and creative use of artifacts and archives.
4. Develop creative concepts for exhibits, considering the theme, target audience, and educational goals and envisioning the overall layout and flow of the exhibit.
5. Exhibit planning and physical design in collaboration with Historic Sites Division team members in the main office and field locations.
6. Create the spatial layout of exhibits on assigned projects; determine the placement of display cases, interactive elements, and other exhibits to create an engaging and cohesive visitor experience.
7. Creation of virtual 3-D models as necessary, considering lighting, color schemes, and materials to enhance the visual appeal.
8. Creation of active engagement interpretive exhibit experiences and media that create exhibits to engage broad communities.
9. Collaborate with professionals on assigned projects, including curators, graphic designers, architects, and multimedia specialists. They coordinate efforts to ensure all exhibition elements align with the overall vision.
10. Develop RFPs or other procurement documents to secure qualified exhibit/interpretive media fabrication and installation in coordination with HSD staff and additional THC staff as appropriate.
11. Provide oversight on the fabrication and installation of assigned exhibits, ensuring everything is installed according to the design plans and project goals.
12. Assist in developing priorities for exhibit and interpretive media development.
13. Manage multiple projects concurrently as assigned, maintain and meet deadlines, prioritize, and multitask.
14. Generate timelines and developmental and fabrication deliverables on assigned projects.
15. Review and maintenance of all assigned project documentation and files.
16. Assist sites in trouble-shooting multi-media and technological exhibit elements across THC Historic Sites, facilitating repair or specifications for replacement.
17. Generate project reports and updates as required.
18. Ability to support the development of and manage simple budgets.
19. Anticipate the needs of division and agency management.
20. Assist senior interpretive staff in developing site-specific exhibit plans as required.
21. Participate in developing HSD plans, goals, and objectives under the supervision of the Historic Sites Division Interpretive Specialist.
22. Adhere to an established work schedule with regular attendance.
23. 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 college or university with a degree in Exhibition Design, Museum Studies, Interior Design, Architecture, Fine Arts, Visual Communication, Anthropology, Technology Design and Management, or a related discipline;
• Minimum three years of work experience in a professional museum or historic site and/or paraprofessional museum work in exhibit design and specification;
• Experience with physical exhibit design and multi-media elements for various venues;
• Experience with the development of exhibit layouts and designs and multi-media interactive elements of the exhibit;
• Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), 3D modeling software (such as SketchUp or Rhino), and multimedia editing tools;
• Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and ability to drive a state vehicle; and
• Required to travel up to 30% of the work period.

PREFER:

• Master's degree in Exhibition Design, Museum Studies, Interior Design, Architecture, Fine Arts, Visual Communication, Anthropology, Technology Design and Management, or a related discipline;
• Experience with comprehensive design processes from conceptual and schematic design through development and fabrication oversight;
• Experience with vendor solicitations, selection, and contract and project management;
• High level of fluency with MS Office; proficiency with Adobe CS Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Google Drive/Docs, and social media tools.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of exhibit design and fabrication techniques and current museum design materials;
• Knowledge of the design process to deliver complex project specifications for fabrication/installation;
• Knowledge of current interpretation theory and methodologies for exhibits and related interpretive materials, including multi-media and electronic interpretive products;
• Knowledge of the design and specification of both high-tech and low-tech interactive exhibit components;
• Knowledge of ADA requirements applicable to museum exhibits and interpretive installations;
• Knowledge of professional museum practices, protocol, and ethics;
• Effective verbal and written communication, human relations, and organizational skills;
• Effective critical thinking skills;
• 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 listen, converse, and work with multiple perspectives and articulate a strong conceptual 'why' behind each interpretive experience before determining the form it will take
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency personnel, officials of state and local government, and the public;
• Ability to perform research, plan and organize projects;
• 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 train others;
• 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: This position may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking, standing, pulling, 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 and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed.
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): 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.
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 the 1st of the following month after a 60-day waiting period.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER