Program Specialist

Job Description

JOB OBJECTIVE: Under the leadership of the Division Director and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) Coordinator, the NRHP Program Specialist provides consultative and technical assistance to program staff, State Board of Review members, governmental agencies, community organizations, and the general public, including but not limited to public inquiries and requests for specific program information. May perform complex historical and preservation work related to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and provide consultative and technical assistance regarding the planning, development, and implementation of the division's federal programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Provide primary support to the program coordinator to ensure that the THC's National Register program follows federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures;

2. Occasional travel for site visits, meeting planning, board training, public meetings regarding nominated districts, and State Board of Review meetings (minimum of three per year, held on Saturdays);

3. Coordinate preparation and transmission of federally required notification letters to property owners, county judges, chief elected officials, and certified local governments regarding properties nominated to the National Register;

4. Coordinate the publication of public notices regarding properties being nominated to the National Register;

5. Prepare program-related correspondence; assist in developing and updating the THC agency website, Historic Sites Atlas, and NR database;

6. Manage incoming nominations and eligibility determinations through NR program database and supports applicants and NR staff to ensure compliance with submission standards;

7. Assist in preparing federal and state annual reports, including reports on the effectiveness of program activities.

8. Assist with departmental record keeping, fulfilling information requests, and filing National Register documentation;

9. Provide consultative and technical assistance to State Board of Review members, governmental agencies, community organizations, and the general public regarding the National Register Program and related federal preservation programs;

10. Serve as the staff liaison to an 11-member State Board of Review; arrange board member travel by completing and submitting conveyance forms and travel reimbursements; and maintaining and managing on-boarding for State Board of Review meetings; and may assist in planning tours, arranging overnight accommodations and meeting spaces.

11. Engage and interact with community and professional groups regarding federal programs, often securing support for local initiatives;

12. Assist in facilitating public workshops and other training opportunities regarding the National Register and other programs.

13. May assist in the researching, coordinating, preparing of nominations for the National Register of Historic Places;

14. Adhere to an established work schedule with regular attendance;

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

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

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

• Bachelor's degree in history, architectural history, historic preservation, or a closely related field.

• Work experience with Microsoft Office applications and database management.

• Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and ability to drive a state vehicle; and

• Required to travel up to 25% of the work period.

PREFER:

• Master's degree in history, architectural history, historic preservation, or a closely related field;

• Meet National Park Service Professional Qualifications Standards (36 CFR Part 61);

• Work experience in historic preservation;

• Knowledge of the National Register of Historic Places program guidelines and requirements;

• Experience conducting archival and primary-source research, evaluating the historic significance of properties and applying National Register criteria to properties;

• Knowledge of Texas history and geography.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Effective critical thinking skills;

• Effective verbal and written communication, human relations, and organizational skills;

• Skill in database and website management;

• 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 work in a setting requiring self-motivation/cooperative decision-making and to work effectively with diverse groups of people;

• Ability to plan, organize, and work independently, as well as within a team environment;

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining attention to detail;

• Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective solutions;

• Ability to process information in a logical manner and to assess validity;

• Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures;

• Ability to train others;

• 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 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 is housed in a historic building next to the agency's headquarters near the state capitol in Austin and 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 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, 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 with an applicable marriage license or birth certificate must be provided before an interview can be extended.

REMARKS (Application procedures, Special requirements): 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 .

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:



Veterans: Go to for assistance 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 EMPLOYE