THC - Program Assistant (Customer Service Representative I) 26-2100-26

(Temporary thru August 31, 2026)

JOB OBJECTIVE: Performs entry-level to routine customer service and public program work for the French Legation State Historic Site at the Texas Historical Commission (THC). Work involves greeting visitors, assisting with museum store operations, assisting with site rentals, working with volunteers, helping with on-site educational programming and special events, assisting with general office operations, preparing the site for visitation (daily custodial and housekeeping of public areas), and historic housekeeping. Works under close to moderate supervision, with minimal latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Provide quality customer services for visitors, volunteers, community service workers, and the general public;

2. Provide information via telephone and email; provide quality customer service in a courteous, efficient, and positive manner; continually inform and promote the site’s and Texas Historical Commission’s mission and programs.

3. Collect admission fees; conducts cash and credit card transactions, gift shop store sales, and facility use fees; generate revenue reports; operate software programs including point of sale programs, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel; assist with ancillary product sales and inventory.

4. Complete minor maintenance duties, including daily and routine cleaning of interpretive and office areas, as well as restroom facilities, and assist with site vehicle cleaning and refueling.

5. Open and close the site’s facilities as required.

6. Introduce patrons (individuals and groups of all ages, including K-12 school groups) to the site with an emphasis on the history and legacy of the French Legation, Robertson Hill, and Austin.

7. Lead or facilitate interpretive tours tailored to suit the ages and needs of visitors.

8. Welcome visitors to the site, be familiar with the site’s history, architecture, exhibits, and area attractions, and respond intelligently and succinctly to visitors' questions.

9. Assist with conducting and promoting regularly scheduled and special public and private events on- and off-site, including assisting with hands-on education outreach events and programs.

10. Capture and document event and program participation as needed to support content creation.

11. Adhere to an established work schedule with regular attendance.

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

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

13. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent;
• Minimum one year work experience as a customer service representative, museum or historic site tour guide, and/or working in education outreach;
• The ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure;
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and ability to drive a state vehicle; and
• Required to travel up to 5% of the work period.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with various software packages such as Microsoft and related Point of Sale systems.
• Work experience in general clerical, cash handling, sales, inventory and reporting;
• Willingness to learn or gain experience in the museum or historic site field.

• Knowledge of office practices and administrative procedures;
• Effective verbal and written communication, human relations, and organizational skills;
• 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;
• Skill in the use of custodial materials and chemicals and the operation of custodial equipment;
• Ability to follow established security and safety guidelines and procedures for staff and visitors;
• Ability to collect fees, handle cash and credit card transactions accurately, and account for revenues collected using QuickBooks;
• Ability to work in a setting requiring self-motivation/cooperative decision-making and to work effectively with diverse groups of people;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines while maintaining extreme attention to detail;
• 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 plan, organize, and work independently, as well as within a team environment;
• 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: The workplace setting is a historic site, in an office and in outdoor settings where there is exposure to high temperatures, weather, dust, insects, and pollution. This employee typically works irregular hours other than 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with days off other than Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays. Weekend availability (Saturday and Sunday) is required. This position may involve walking, standing, pulling and pushing, kneeling, stooping, and bending, safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds, and climbing one steep flight of stairs on a regular basis. Work includes walking on uneven pathways and unpaved surfaces.

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 their exemption from the requirement as a condition of state employment.

THC will conduct a driving and criminal background check as part of the employment process. 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 512-305-6729.

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:

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_AdministrativeSupport.pdf

Veterans: Go to www.texasskillstowork.com for assistance with 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 EMPLOYER