HISTORIC SITE CURATOR II

4078E1

Pay Grade: 23

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is specialized work directing the operations of a large state-owned 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; serving as a liaison in the community; recommending preservation treatment for historic objects and structures; supervising subordinate curators, support staff and volunteers; and maintaining site property and grounds. Work includes participating in short and long-range site planning, promoting community involvement in site activities, and serving as a resource for historical sites at other locations.

Standard Classification Factors

Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…" Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to established policies and requirements.

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 C: Typically involves limited supervisory responsibility which entails performing as a "first line supervisor" for a small number of employees. Supervision is not the primary responsibility of the job. Responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling, and reviewing work and recommending hiring and disciplinary actions to a higher level of authority.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Historic Site Curator I class in which incumbents serve as principal curator at a small site, do not supervise other curators or have responsibilities for other sites.

Differs from the Historic Sites Administrator class in which incumbents are responsible for the operations and programming at all historic sites.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Plans, coordinates and evaluates the daily operations and programs of a historical site. Develops and implements site and outreach programs such as annual festivals, week-end and seasonal events, slide/lecture presentations, and guided tours.

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.

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.

Interviews and hires subordinate staff, assigns work, provides instructions and technical assistance, and evaluates performance. May supervise and coordinate the work of volunteers.

Provides consultation and guidance for programs or problems at historical sites in other locations.

May serve as ex-officio member of groups who support historical sites.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge

Knowledge of the principles and techniques of supervision.

Knowledge of the history and the events of the site, area, region and nation.

Knowledge of pertinent segments of Kansas history.

*Knowledge of historic preservation and conservation.

*Knowledge of practices and skills of maintaining buildings, equipment and grounds.

Abilities

*Ability to plan, assign, and evaluate the work of others.

*Ability to conduct research.

*Ability to plan and implement educational and public programming.

*Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

*Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory relationships with superiors and the public.

*Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree relevant to the field of historical organization, agency or museum work and two years 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
REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 08/05
REV: 06/08