Specialist III - Lead Interpreter

Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.

SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package , competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.

Posting Information This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Requisition S Title Specialist III - Lead Interpreter FLSA status Non-Exempt Hiring Salary This position is a pay grade
6. Please see Pay Grade Table at:
https://pa-hrsuit Occupational Category Technical/Para-Professional Department Museum Division Division of University Advancement Open Date 09/04/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Educational and Experience Requirement Associates Degree in related field. Bachelors degree preferred. College study courses in history, anthropology, art history, natural history, education, or museum studies preferred. Three years experience as museum interpreter or in public programming or related experience is required. A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered.

Nature & Purpose of Position Performs advanced specialist duties for the Museum. Primary Responsibilities Provides both first-person and third person interpretation. Conveys historical information to visitors through role playing, living history reenactments, and other techniques. Uses material culture artifacts and museum objects in a variety of public programs. Travels to schools and other venues as a demonstrator. Serves as tour guide for scheduled and unscheduled groups of visitors through historic structures and Museum galleries.

Responsible for extensive knowledge of early Texas history and general United States history. Interprets early Texas history with an emphasis on Sam Houston, pioneer lifestyles, folklife, and frontier arts and crafts to Museum visitors. Interprets for several original and reconstructed historic structures. Educational programming requires life skills demonstrations as assigned. Assists Curator of Education in management of Interpreters, part time employees, and student workers.

Fulfills duties of Education Curator in Curator’s absence. Performs other related duties as assigned. Other Specifications May collect fees and other charges as required. May operate cash register as needed in Museum gift shop. Position requires familiarity with computers, audio‑visual equipment, and general office equipment. Must enjoy working with people, both individually and in larger groups. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are necessary.

Historic clothing or costumes are a feature of Museum interpretation and are expected to be worn as needed. Works outside throughout the year. Must be able to work a flexible schedule which would include evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Requires a general knowledge of standard office functions. Requires good knowledge of procedures and practices. Must be able to use standard office software.

Must be able to apply policies and procedures and solve routine problems of a repetitive nature. Full Time Part Time Full Time Temporary Position Number Quicklink

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as…