Economic Development Department - Heritage Tourism Program Assistant

County of El Paso•Tx 79901, TX

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Heritage Programs Assistant provides entry-level support for countywide heritage tourism, museum operations, historic preservation, visitor services, educational programming, and public engagement initiatives. The position assists with the care and interpretation of County-owned historic sites and cultural resources, including Los Portales Museum, the Old El Paso County Jail, Casa Ronquillo, and other County historic properties as assigned. Duties include supporting collections management, exhibit preparation, educational programming, guided tours, cultural events, visitor experiences, and heritage tourism initiatives. The position supports compliance with professional museum standards, Texas Historical Commission (THC) guidance, and County policies related to collections management, preservation, and public access. The role assists with cataloging and documenting artifacts; handling, storing, and transporting museum objects; monitoring storage and exhibit environments; preparing and maintaining exhibits; supporting research, grant documentation, and interpretive planning; delivering educational programs and tours; maintaining museum and historical records; assisting with historic-property site visits and preservation initiatives; providing routine visitor services; and helping maintain public and exhibit spaces. The employee may travel throughout El Paso County and must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required. During a proclaimed emergency, County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and may be required to train for or perform emergency services at a supervisor’s direction.

Requirements

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, Museum Studies, History, Anthropology, Public History, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and training providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Have or obtain by date of hire a valid driver’s license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of El Paso.
A personal smart device is required by the hire start date to access the County’s network and systems.
Knowledge of basic collections management principles and preservation standards.
Knowledge of professional ethics outlined by the American Alliance of Museums and Texas Historical Commission, public history interpretation principles, and basic historic preservation ethics.
Knowledge of event and project planning, public engagement, purchasing and procurement practices, media practices and procedures, cultural tourism marketing and promotion, electronic and social media applications, and software used for graphic layout and design.
Knowledge of historic preservation concepts and federal, state, and local preservation rules and regulations, including the National Historic Preservation Act and Certified Local Government Program.
Knowledge of research, grant and report writing practices and methods; the culture and history of the El Paso southwest area; and principles of rehabilitation, restoration, and preservation of historic properties.
Knowledge of English usage, grammar, punctuation, spelling, effective interpersonal communication, modern office procedures, and computer equipment, including Windows and Microsoft-based products.
Ability to follow established collections handling procedures and engage diverse audiences inclusively and respectfully.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment and assist with coordinating and implementing historic preservation programs.
Ability to conduct research, compile data, analyze findings, and identify key issues.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing, including preparing and presenting reports to management.
Ability to operate a personal computer with standard office software and general office equipment; prepare and maintain records; and maintain filing systems.
Ability to be dependable and self-motivated and establish and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships.
Must pass a criminal background check.
Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance, work well with others, interact courteously and respectfully with employees and customers, maintain strict confidentiality, support County organizations, and maintain the County’s commitment to customer service excellence.
Must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Internship or volunteer experience in a museum or cultural institution.
Bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Responsibilities

Assist with cataloging, inventorying, and documenting countywide artifacts in accordance with accepted museum standards and THC guidance.
Assist with safe handling, unpacking, movement, storage organization, and transportation of museum objects and materials under established collections procedures and preventive conservation standards.
Monitor museum storage and exhibit environments and report conditions or issues affecting collections or exhibits.
Assist with installation, preparation, gallery maintenance, modification, and removal of temporary and permanent exhibits, displays, interpretive materials, and gallery spaces.
Conduct basic research to support exhibit development, grants, and interpretive planning.
Assist with preparing and delivering educational programs, materials, supplies, workshops, demonstrations, public programming, and tours.
Enter and update collections, exhibit, visitor, program, and other Museum records in applicable databases and tracking systems in accordance with procedures and County records retention policies.
Assist with site visits, research, documentation, inventories, photography, and information gathering related to County historic properties, landmarks, preservation projects, and cultural resource initiatives.
Support development of educational materials, curriculum resources, exhibits, and interpretive content promoting El Paso County history and heritage.
Assist in maintaining archives, oral history collections, photographs, maps, and other historical records.
Assist with compiling and maintaining documentation and information for grant applications, reports, and related funding activities.
Assist with and, when trained and assigned, conduct guided tours and basic interpretive activities for visitors, school groups, community organizations, and the public.
Provide routine visitor services, including greeting visitors, giving general information, assisting with admissions, answering basic inquiries, and directing visitors to resources or staff.
Assist with setup, preparation, operation, and breakdown of Museum programs, cultural events, exhibits, tours, and public activities.
Help maintain Museum galleries, public spaces, exhibit areas, and program areas in clean, orderly, safe, visitor-ready condition and report maintenance or safety concerns.
Assist with community outreach, festivals, public events, and activities promoting County museums, historic sites, and cultural resources.
Assist with collecting attendance, visitor feedback, program participation, and other information for program reporting and evaluation.
Perform other related duties as assigned and, when designated, substitute during temporary absences by performing delegated duties to maintain continuity of operations.
Provide excellent customer service and contribute to a cooperative team and a high-quality work culture, including through training and mentoring.
Travel throughout El Paso County as may be required.
As a County Disaster Service Worker, train for emergency response and/or perform emergency services during a proclaimed emergency as directed by a supervisor.