08/25/1997 26630

CUSTODIAL GUIDE SUPERVISOR

DEFINITION: This is supervisory and advanced level guide work in the development and implementation of complex museum and historical site interpretive programs for the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Employees in this class conduct basic archival inquiries on historical subject matter, develop exhibition materials, and present that material through conducting guided visitor tours and/or living history programs at museums or historical sites. Work includes routine collections care, guarding valuable property of historical significance, securing artifacts or property, cleaning buildings and exhibits, maintaining grounds, and performing minor repair and maintenance work. Work may also include driving vehicles off-site, or from one area of a site to another to perform the duties of the position. Supervision is exercised over a staff of guides, security personnel, and/or maintenance workers. All developmental activity is closely monitored and evaluated by a professional level employee for historical accuracy and presentation effectiveness.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Initiates corrective disciplinary action for minor misconduct by subordinate employees and recommends major corrective disciplinary actions or dismissals.

Receives grievances or complaints, reviews initial investigation into causes and conditions, discusses with subordinate employees, approves or recommends resolution to complaint.

Prepares and signs employee performance evaluations.

Plans, supervises, and participates in employee training activities.

Supervises and conducts interpretive tours and/or participates in living history programs designed to present museum history to the public in an entertaining and educational manner.

Supervises and provides skilled craft demonstrations of techniques and materials used by historical subjects.

Addresses community groups about historical material.

Participates in researching basic historical and archival records, books, and documents in order to assist in the preparation of new and ongoing museum interpretive programs, exhibits, and tours; and prepares scripts, costumes, food, and beverages authentic to the historical time period.

Trains volunteers and lower-level guides engaged in museum tour and interpretive activities.

Supervises the planning and design of complex exhibits related to interpretive activities.

Greets visitors, sells tickets, takes reservations, and maintains visitor records.

Maintains inventories of exhibit materials and orders supplies and equipment as needed.

Supervises and participates in securing property, exhibits, buildings, and grounds during open and closed hours.

Implements complex, multi-day interpretive programs involving coordination with other museum staff.

Performs minor clerical work related to public programming, interpretation and guiding.

Cares for objects on and off exhibit and assists with preparation and arrangement of artifacts for storage and/or exhibit.

Drives a car or small truck to various areas of the historic site, or off-site to pick up supplies.

Employees in this class may participate in the performance of their subordinates work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and methods of employee supervision including the assignment of work and overtime, scheduling of employees, handling of grievances, and evaluation of work performance.

Knowledge of the general history of Pennsylvania.

Knowledge of basic archival inquiry skills and historical source materials.

Ability to assist, address, and control visitors effectively and to work with the public in a courteous manner.

Ability to communicate historical subject material to the general public in an interesting and effective manner.

Ability to present and interpret a skilled historical craft or technique to the general public.

Ability to observe and control visitors to ensure safe and orderly tours of the museum or historical site.

Ability to provide guidance and training, and review the work of others.

Ability to clean buildings and exhibits.

Ability to perform minor repair and maintenance.

Ability to successfully complete basic first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation training within six months of employment.

Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations such as the adding and subtracting of whole numbers and decimals; and multiplying and dividing by one digit whole number or decimal multipliers and divisors.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Three years of experience in security or buildings and grounds work, with one year experience in work involving significant public contact in a group setting; and graduation from high school or equivalent.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Some positions in this classification may be required to possess a valid Class C motor vehicle operator's license.