Economic Development Department - Heritage Tourism Specialist, Senior

County of El Paso•Tx 79901, TX

About The Position

Under general direction, the Heritage Tourism Specialist Senior plans, develops, coordinates, and implements museum operations, heritage tourism initiatives, historic preservation programs, educational outreach, exhibitions, and cultural programming for El Paso County. The position supports stewardship, interpretation, and promotion of County-owned historic and cultural resources, including Los Portales Museum, the Old El Paso County Jail, Casa Ronquillo, and other assigned County historic properties, while advancing countywide efforts to preserve, interpret, and promote the region’s diverse heritage. The role encompasses museum administration, collections and exhibit support, heritage tourism development, public engagement, historic preservation planning, educational programming, special events, and collaboration with community partners to enhance visitor experiences and promote cultural tourism. The specialist delivers historically accurate interpretation consistent with Texas Historical Commission standards and supports public stewardship, preservation ethics, and cultural resource education. The position reports to the Heritage and Tourism Coordinator and directs the Heritage Tourism Program Assistant, volunteers, and other personnel as assigned. It has frequent contact with the El Paso County Historical Commission, historic preservation groups, private business owners, City and County economic development offices, the Chamber of Commerce, tourism groups, and the general public. A personal smart device is required by the hire start date to access County networks and systems. A valid driver’s license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County, is required by the date of hire. The role may require travel throughout El Paso County and availability for weekends, evenings, and holidays as required. County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train for or perform emergency services at a supervisor’s direction.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, historic preservation, history, fine arts, anthropology, architecture, archaeology, or a related field, and two years of professional experience working in a museum, historic site, or educational setting; or an equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Have or obtain by the date of hire a valid driver’s license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County.
A personal smart device is required by the hire start date to access County networks and systems.
Pass a criminal background check.
Knowledge of 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, and marketing and promotion of cultural tourism programs.
Knowledge of applications and electronic and social media, and software used for graphic layout and design of brochures, flyers, advertising layouts, and promotional items.
Good 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 historic property preservation.
Knowledge of English usage, grammar, punctuation, spelling, effective interpersonal communication techniques, modern office procedures, and computer equipment, including Windows and Microsoft-based products.
Ability to engage diverse audiences inclusively and respectfully and work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Ability to assist with coordination and implementation of historic preservation programs; conduct research; compile data; analyze findings; and identify key issues.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing, prepare and present reports to management, operate a personal computer with standard office software and general office equipment, and prepare and maintain records and filing systems.
Ability to be dependable and self-motivated and to establish and maintain cooperative, effective relationships with people contacted through work.
Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required.
May be required to travel throughout El Paso County.
May be required to train for emergency response and/or perform emergency services during a proclaimed emergency at a supervisor’s direction.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day operational and programmatic leadership for the Museum section, coordinating activities, priorities, schedules, resources, and services.
Provide direction, guidance, training, and coordination to assigned staff, volunteers, interns, and temporary personnel.
Coordinate the planning, development, and implementation of museum programs, exhibitions, educational activities, public events, tours, interpretive activities, and visitor experiences in accordance with approved plans, County policies, preservation practices, and Texas Historical Commission standards.
Coordinate the care, documentation, inventory, storage, handling, movement, and preservation of museum collections.
Coordinate the development, installation, modification, maintenance, and removal of permanent and temporary exhibits, including interpretive content, materials, displays, schedules, and logistics.
Monitor museum operations, program participation, visitor feedback, and other performance information; prepare reports or recommendations to support continuous improvement.
Build and maintain working relationships with Heritage Tourism staff, educational institutions, museums, preservation and tourism organizations, community organizations, and other partners to expand programming and promote County historical and cultural resources.
Monitor museum facilities, galleries, exhibits, and public spaces for operational, preservation, safety, maintenance, and visitor-service needs, and coordinate corrective actions.
Conduct and coordinate historical research and develop or review interpretive content for exhibits, tours, educational programs, publications, and other public-facing materials.
Conduct guided tours and interpretive programs for tourists, school groups, community organizations, and the general public, including walking tours, driving tours, and special experiences about El Paso County history.
Present historically accurate content aligned with approved interpretive plans and Texas Historical Commission standards and best practices.
Assist in developing and facilitating educational programming tied to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards where applicable.
Plan, coordinate, and support special events, heritage celebrations, and public history initiatives associated with Museum section programs and activities.
Provide front-line visitor services, including admissions support, orientation, and general information.
Promote inclusion and accessibility in public-facing programs.
Assist with Countywide heritage tourism initiatives promoting historic sites, cultural resources, and heritage destinations throughout El Paso County.
Support historic preservation outreach through educational presentations, workshops, and community engagement.
Represent County museums and historic sites at community events, festivals, tourism activities, and public meetings.
Perform other related duties as assigned and, if designated, substitute during temporary absences to maintain continuity of normal operations.
Provide excellent customer service, contribute to a cooperative team culture, and participate in training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, technical, and safety-related skills.
Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance, maintain confidentiality, work respectfully with colleagues and customers, and support the County’s commitment to customer service excellence.