HISTORIC SITE CURATOR I4077E1 Pay Grade: 20 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is specialized work directing the operations of a small state-owned historic site or assisting with the operations of a large historic site. Work involves planning, organizing, and implementing the operations of a historical site such as developing and conducting programs; providing information to the public; conducting primary and secondary research on the site; serving as a liaison in the community; supervising support staff and volunteers; recommending preservation treatment for historic objects and structures; and maintaining site property and grounds. Work also includes participating in short and long-range site planning and promoting community involvement in site activities. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision…" Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL B: The purpose of the contact is to plan, coordinate and advise on work efforts, interpret guidelines or instructions, elicit opinions or give guidance on the basis of facts to resolve common issues or problems when the information is not sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are working toward mutual goals and have basically cooperative attitudes. Well developed communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical exertion. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B: Involves functional leadership responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the evaluation of work performance. Distinguishing Features Differs from Historic Site Curator II class in which incumbents are responsible for a large site, serve as resource persons for staff at a small site, and supervise lower level curators. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Organizes and implements the daily operations of a state-owned historical site. Plans, conducts, and evaluates on-site and outreach programs such as annual festivals, week-end and seasonal events, slide/lecture presentations, and guided tours. May assist a higher level curator in the operation of a large site. Researches the historic site and its relation to local, regional and national history; promotes the site and provides historical information to the public and news media. Acts as local representative for collections, conservation, state and national register nominations and other programs. Develops positive relationships with the local media, schools, civic organizations, city government(s) and individuals; promotes community involvement in site activities; solicits local support for additional funding, artifact donations, volunteer services, and public relations. Ensures that community input is not in conflict with policies and goals of the historic site and state guidelines. Performs maintenance and minor repair work at the site which includes historic structures, modern support buildings, equipment, grounds and nature/history trails. Ensures that security measures are adequate, appropriate, and consistent. Records number of visitors and monetary donations, sells gift shop items, and maintains monthly records. Determines site needs, recommends activities and solutions to problems, identifies historic objects and structures and recommends preservation and/or conservation treatments, and prepares reports as requested. Participates in short and long-range site planning. Oversees the work of subordinate staff and volunteers. May serve as ex-officio member of organized groups who support historical sites. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge Knowledge of the history and the events of the site, area, region, and nation. Knowledge of pertinent segments of Kansas history. Knowledge of practices and skills of cleaning, maintaining, and repairing buildings, equipment and grounds. Abilities *Ability to conduct research. *Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. *Ability to plan and implement educational and public programming. *Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory relationships with superiors and the public. *Ability to maintain records and prepare reports. *Ability to use equipment and tools in performance of custodial, maintenance and repair tasks. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree relevant to the field of historical organization, agency or museum work and one year of experience in historical society or museum work. Additional experience in the areas listed above may be substituted for the required education as determined relevant by the agency. NC: 06/94 |