Historic Resource Supervisor (Parks & Recreation)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Historic Resource Supervisor is responsible for managing all aspects of the facility management functions of the Departments historic sites, collections, and archives: including care, conservation, organization, records, storage, research and security; historic interpretation and preservation; to promote understanding through guided tours, lectures, educational and public programs and exhibits within all Parks areas; and to coordinate assigned activities and events. Position oversees and manages the daily operation and visitor services functions of the Berks County Heritage Center. Supervises full-time, seasonal, part-time positions and volunteers based at the Heritage Center or assigned to the Heritage Center.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

– Oversee Museum and Historic Sites activities, including collections/archives and research, education, exhibits, in-house and outreach public programs, security, administration, facility maintenance, marketing, and publicity.
– Plan, prioritize, direct and manage collections including all paperwork, computer databases, object inventories, collections care, accessioning and deaccessioning, cataloguing housekeeping, internal and external loans, donations and storage safety and maintenance.
– Research, develop and coordinate exhibits and development of informational materials including labels and brochures for all Parks as needed
– Assist with the recruitment, hiring, training and supervision of employees and volunteers who carry out the same duties.
– Assist Cultural Program Supervisor in coordination of purchases of materials and supplies for sites retail activities, including gift shop and snack bar; assists with cash management activities including credit card transactions and sales tax reporting
– Prepare, maintain and manage budgets as they pertain to Heritage Center and other historic sites operations and needs.
– Establish and deliver community outreach programs
– Coordinate with Parks Maintenance Supervisor about site specific projects and repairs.
– Manage photographic services including collections photography, photography archives and rights and reproductions activities.
– Provide information and access to the collections for educational and public program purposes; including the monthly BCTV program.
– Provide strategic direction for Historic Sites and Historic Preservation within the Parks System.
– Schedule and conduct guided tours and participate in educational programs and events. 
– Identify, apply and administer grants for collections, conservation, exhibits and historic site operations. Ensure the department is operating in compliance with grant requirements and filing necessary reports.
– Collaborate with and helps to plan special events and programs along with other programing staff; participates in all other park programs and events; Assists with logistics (including set up and tear down) for events and exhibits.
– Prepare and provide information for public relations and marketing of programs and events as needed; assist with social media updates.
– Prepare and approve payroll of seasonal employees.
– Required to take training as assigned.
– Serve as department representative in internal and external meetings and events.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

– Bachelors degree in Public History, Historic Site Management, Museum Studies, Recreation and Parks Administration or related field and 3 years of museum or related experience; prefer at least 2 years of supervisory experience involving all levels of museum management or operation of a parks & recreation department historic site.
– Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities
– Masters degree preferred. An equivalent co bination of education, training and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.
– Experience with exhibit development and coordination
– Experience with museum collections databases and museum ethics
– Must successfully pass PA State Police Criminal Record Check, Childline clearance and FBI fingerprint screening
– Must possess a valid state-issued Drivers license

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

– Knowledge of best practices and procedures for collections care and management. Ability to communicate effectively and possess good public speaking skills
– Expected to participate in appropriate organizations and affiliations related to the field
– Must have basic computer skills including word processing, presentation, databases and collections management software experience
– Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills, grant writing experience preferred
– Ability to recognize liabilities for the county and immediately act upon them
– Ability to work as part of a team
– Ability to carry out light maintenance for daily operations and events
– Must be able to read/write/speak English.
– Must present pleasant and professional presence when interacting with the public
– Strong organizational and management skills
– Ability to handle stress.
– Physical presence in the office/parks in required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to sit and stand for extended periods. Work involves sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, climbing, talking, hearing, using hands to handle and feel objects, tools or controls. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. The employee must have the ability to lift and/or move objects up to 50 lbs. May occasionally wear protective gear (safety vest, hearing and eye protection, masks and gloves). Must have ability to climb a step ladder and assist in raising the elevator at the Gruber Wagon Works.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

This position will require both office and field work. Required to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed; especially May through October. Occasional exposure to inclement weather, extreme heat, cold, snow, ice and rain. Will work at various sites as assigned. Occasional contact with domestic and wild animals. Occasional exposure to chemicals and other hazardous materials when performing responsibilities. Casual work attire. Must be available for emergencies outside of normal working hours. Occasional historic attire may be required. Noise level is usually moderate.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.

About Us

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The County of Berks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy appli