GHF Job Openings

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR RAISING THE 1859 ASHTON VILLA HOUSE

CONTACT: LAURA BOURGEOIS | LAURA.BOURGEOIS@GALVESTONHISTORY.ORG | 409.765.3429 DEADLINE: September 30, 2023

ABOUT THE PROPERTY:

Ashton Villa is a three-story, 13,700 SF Italianate Villa constructed between 1855-1859. The original house rested on a raised basement elevated above Broadway, Galveston’s prime thoroughfare. After the 1900 storm and during the grade-raising of 500 city blocks in the following decade, the owners chose to bring top soil and sand to fill the basement and yard rather than elevate the house. In 1928 the El Mina Shrine purchased the house and demolished a rear addition and constructed an attached ballroom and kitchen.

PROJECT GOALS

• Elevate the main three-story house approximately five feet above the present-day grade.
• Expected outcomes of this project are to preserve the house and contents from flooding, and to speed up the drying time and recovery process following a flooding event.
• Create a new connection between the historic house and the 1928 ballroom.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

The main three-story house will be elevated approximately five feet above the present-day grade while the ballroom will stay at its current elevation. The decoupling of the two buildings creates several design and engineering challenges.

1. The connection of the two buildings use a two-story addition to the three-story building. This addition has been modified on at least two occasions to create a “service corridor” for the use of the ballroom.
2. The two-story building form characterized to as a “service corridor” is comprised of restrooms at the ground floor level adjacent to the ballroom, a staircase added in the 1970s-1980s to access the second floor of the main house, and a storage closet on the ground floor. The second floor was added to provided domestic bathrooms on the second-floor level of house. The service corridor acts to separate the historic Victorian mansion from the 1928 ballroom space.
3. The service corridor has been identified as the best location to separate the two buildings and allows for the necessary room and access to the back of the main house in order to raise the house the desired five feet above the existing yard grade.
4. During the demolition phase, specific safeguards will have to be put in place in order to protect the mansion’s and ballroom’s load-bearing brick masonry walls from structural damage during the house raising process. All necessary new mansion foundation design and crawlspace enclosure walls will have to be designed and engineered prior to the service corridor being demolished.
5. The service corridor area will be redeveloped into a new ballroom entry with an ADA compliant lift to access the new raised first floor level of the mansion.
6. GHF will contract with qualified and experienced contractors to separate the house from the partially buried basement and elevate the house. A new foundation will be built and entrances to the house and ballroom will be reconstructed for accessibility. We expect moderate repairs to be made to some of the original brickwork, doors and windows, and interior finishes. Ashton Villa will be reconnected to utilities and mechanical equipment, and furnishings and collection items will be returned to the house.

Architect and engineer will be responsible for designing a new connection between the historic three-story house and the 1928 ballroom, re-configuring storage and bathroom for the ballroom, and designing the new basement elevation on the main house utilizing historic data and images.

EVALUATION METRICS AND CRITERIA

CRITERIA 1: PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Architect and Engineer need to meet the Secretary of the Interior Professional Qualifications Standards.

ARCHITECT – A professional degree in architecture or a State license to practice architecture, plus one of the following:

• At least two years of graduate study in architectural preservation, American architectural history, preservation planning; or
• At least ten years of full-time professional experience on historic preservation projects.
• Such study or experience shall include detailed investigations of historic buildings, preparation of historic buildings research reports, and preparation of plans and specifications for preservation projects.

ENGINEER – A professional degree in structural engineering or a State license, plus:

• At least ten years of full-time professional experience on historic preservation projects and structures.
• Such experience shall include detailed investigations of historic structures, preparation of historic structures research reports, and preparation of plans and specifications for preservation projects.

CRITERIA 2: GULF COAST EXPERIENCE

• Architect and Engineer need to be familiar with the challenges faced in Gulf Coast Texas and have disaster mitigation experience.
• Architect and Engineer need to be familiar with Galveston, Ashton Villa and Victorian masonry buildings.
• Architect and Engineer need to have experience with adapting historic properties to meet new climate change challenges.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Only Architect & Engineer teams meeting the requirements should submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ).
• Proposals must be sent in by September 30, 2023.
• SOQ should also contain a one to two-page “Project Approach” describing how the team will approach the project.
• Include an estimated timeline for design schematics & construction documents for the project.
• Submittal should be email to Laura.Bourgeois@galvestonhistory.org or Foundation@glavestonhistory.org.

Title: Chief of Real Estate Operations

Reports To: Executive Director

Job Summary: The Chief of Real Estate Operations is a newly created full-time position at Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) to lead all aspects of managing the organization’s portfolio of historic properties and the staff who operate them, as well as to create new opportunities for GHF to advance its mission by preserving and rehabilitating historic buildings in Galveston. This position will be in-person, working from GHF’s office on The Strand in Galveston, and will report to GHF’s Chief Executive Officer.

Responsibilities: The Chief of Real Estate Operations will lead GHF’s work in both new development opportunities and the management of its existing historic properties.

Property Development

• Develop and lead the implementation of a dynamic organizational strategy for the acquisition and redevelopment of historic properties in Galveston
• Oversee the rehabilitation and disposition of single-family [and small commercial] historic properties in GHF’s portfolio
• Represent GHF in all aspects of its joint venture partnership for the historic Santa Fe Building, serving as the organization’s primary decision maker in the forthcoming redevelopment of the property
• Identify and pursue strategic acquisitions of historic properties in support of GHF’s mission, vision and goals, and pursue joint venture partnerships to redevelop targeted properties as appropriate
• Provide project management throughout the acquisition, pre-development, construction and operations of properties
• Lead financing of property redevelopment efforts, including utilizing the Texas Historic Preservation Tax Credit
• Negotiate contracts with development team members, consultants and vendors involved in development projects
• Build strong relationships with the City of Galveston, Texas Historical Commission and other public agencies for zoning, permitting, financing, and other development needs
• Conduct feasibility analyses of redevelopment opportunities including site selection, entitlements, environmental, financing and other considerations
• Represent GHF with local community stakeholders relevant to development projects
• Liaise with contractors, architects, preservation consultants, and others in the industry
• Participate in local, regional and/or national practitioner networks to remain abreast of relevant policies, regulatory requirements, funding opportunities and best practices
• Participate in state and national preservation conferences and build relationships with the National Trust and other preservation organizations around the country

Asset Management

• Manage tenant and vendor relationships in operating properties, including ensuring rent collection and contractor performance and payments
• Prepare and manage development and operating budgets
• Review property-level financial statements in collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer
• Budget for capital improvements and manage building reserves
• Manage property insurance policies and real estate taxes, including pursuing incentives
• Oversee easements and other preservation covenants that GHF has recorded on various properties

Staff Management & Organizational Development

• Manage a staff of three professionals involved in the development and maintenance of GHF’s property portfolio
• Collaborate with GHF’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to participate in the organization’s fiscal management and long-term strategic planning
• Participate in monthly Board of Directors meetings to report on progress toward objectives

Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of related real estate development experience including work with the rehabilitation or restoration of significant historic buildings.
• Master’s degree in real estate, business, urban planning, or a related field required.
• High level of proficiency in real estate practice, regulations and documentation, including experience with land use regulations, feasibility assessments, and closing on property acquisitions and diverse financing sources.
• Knowledge of and commitment to historic preservation policies and regulations, including the US Department of Interior Standards and the Federal and Texas Historic Preservation Tax Credit programs.
• Excellent demonstrated writing skills for a range of audiences.
• High level of organizational skills, both in managing one’s own work and that of consultants/ contractors.
• Demonstrated effective team leadership and strong ability to communicate with employees and partners.
• Familiarity with design and construction methods and practices.
• Familiarity with relevant Texas regulatory policies and politics is preferred but not required.
• Strong skills with MS Office and other related software.

Compensation Package

Salary is competitive with similar non-profit organizations and is commensurate with experience and levels of education. Estimated salary range from 110,000-125,000 annual with full benefits.

Please send your resume, references, and cover letter to Dwayne Jones, Executive Director, Galveston Historical Foundation, at dwayne.jones@galvestonhistory.org or to PO Box 149, Galveston, TX 77553.

Position is open until filled.

Title: Captain (relief), SEAGULL II, Galveston Historic Seaport

Reports To: Port Captain, Galveston Historic Seaport

Job Summary: The captain (relief) is responsible for the operational aspects of the tour vessel SEAGULL II. These duties include scheduling and supervising deckhands, narrating tours (for both adults and children), and maintaining the vessel. This position requires reasonable physical fitness and strength. This is a part time, hourly position. Weekend work may be required.

Job Duties:

• Serves as relief captain of the vessel and ensures the safety of the vessel and all on board.
• Trains, schedules, and supervises deckhand.
• Responsible for maintenance of the vessel to USCG, underwriters’, and owners’ standards.
• Purchases materials and services required to carry out vessel operations and maintenance.
• Assists in the planning and execution of special events.
• Maintains proper logs and records on a daily basis.
• Works closely with the Port Captain, Prime Captain and other TSM and GHF staff to develop and implement educational, interpretive, and promotional programs involving the SEAGULL II.
• Works closely with GHF Education Department, TSM/GHF staff, and clients to ensure that a high-quality educational experience is consistently provided.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Port Captain.

Education: Minimum high school diploma, college degree or equivalent preferred. USCG 50-ton inland license or higher required.

Skills: Demonstrated experience in vessel operations. Thorough working knowledge of marine diesel engine maintenance requirements and basic preventive maintenance. Strong background in working with the public. Ability to work independently, as well as with colleagues, staff, volunteers, and passengers. Good computer skills, especially regarding Microsoft Office programs.

Experience: Minimum three years increasingly responsible role in professional vessel operations, preferably in a passengers-for-hire / educational setting. Command and management experience desired.

Please send resume, references, and cover letter to Dwayne Jones, Executive Director, Galveston Historical Foundation at dwayne.jones@galvestonhistory.org.

Title:​​​ Deckhand, SEAGULL II, Galveston Historic Seaport

Reports To:​​ Seagull Captain, Galveston Historic Seaport

Job Summary: ​The deckhand assists the captain with operational aspects of the tour vessel SEAGULL II. These duties include cleaning and maintaining the vessel, assisting passengers and acting as a tour guide for the harbor tour. This position requires reasonable physical fitness and strength. This is a part-time, hourly position. Weekend work may be required.

Job Duties:

• Serves as deckhand of the vessel and ensures the safety of the vessel and all on board.
• Under the direction of the captain performs maintenance of the vessel to USCG, underwriters’, and owners’ standards.
• Purchases materials and services required to carry out vessel operations and maintenance.
• Performs other duties as assigned by GHS Director or Seagull Captain.
• Be able to lift minimum of 50 lbs.
• Routinely perform man overboard and fire drills.
• Assist passengers with first aid needs.
• Set up/take down Marine Biology Tours’ materials as well as assist Marine Biologist in performance of Marine Biology Tours.
• Learns and give a hour our talking tour in conjunction with the Captain.
• Must be enrolled in random drug testing program.

Requirements: Be able pass USCG physical exam CG-719KE

Education:​ Minimum high school diploma.

Skills:

• Experience in vessel operations.
• Knowledge of marine diesel engine maintenance requirements, basic preventive maintenance, and painting skills are desirable.
• Strong background in working with the public.
• Ability to work independently, as well as with colleagues, staff, volunteers, and passengers.

Experience: Experience in vessel operations, preferably in a passengers-for-hire / educational setting desired.

Please send resume, references, and cover letter to Dwayne Jones, Executive Director, Galveston Historical Foundation at dwayne.jones@galvestonhistory.org.

Title: Visitor Services Associate (VSA) – ‘AND STIL WE RISE…GALVESTON’S JUNETEENTH STORY AT THE 1859 ASHTON VILLAGE CARRIAGE HOUSE

Job Summary: VSA is responsible for the daily operations of the retail store at the And Still We Rise experience: selling admission tickets, retail merchandise and providing information about historic Galveston, and helping to ensure that museum visitors and retail customers receive a positive experience from their first point of contact.

Job Duties: Duties include but are not limited to:

Retail

• Handles cash, checks, and credit card sales, keeping prompt and accurate records of transactions.
• Opens and closes as needed, including preparation of daily cash report and balancing of cash at the end of the business workday.=

General Office

• Greets and assists visitors with information about GHF properties, Galveston, and area museums/attractions with an emphasis on heritage tourism and retail skills. Learns, knows, and shares comprehensive information about the experience.
• Answers telephone inquiries and takes accurate messages for staff members as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education: High School Graduate. Some College Preferred.

Skills: Friendly, outgoing personality combined with an ability to maintain grace and composure in stressful situations. Ability to learn and communicate information about GHF sites, Galveston, and its social history and attractions in a clear, concise, and interesting manner. Must have reliable transportation and the ability to work scheduled hours, including weekends on a regular basis. Demonstrated responsibility in high-volume money handling situations, including accuracy in frequent cash counts and register operations. Aptitude for working with diverse personalities.

Experience: Knowledge of Square platform or willingness to learn. Familiarity with museums or tourists, retail business preferred.

Please send resume, references, and cover letter to Dwayne Jones, Executive Director, Galveston Historical Foundation at dwayne.jones@galvestonhistory.org.

Title: Visitor Services Associate (VSA) – 1895 Moody Mansion

Job Summary: VSA is responsible for the daily operations of the retail store at the 1895 Moody Mansion: selling admission tickets, retail merchandise and providing information about historic Galveston, and helping to ensure that museum visitors and retail customers receive a positive experience from their first point of contact.

Job Duties: Duties include but are not limited to:

Retail

• Handles cash, checks, and credit card sales, keeping prompt and accurate records of transactions.
• Assists visitors with admissions to Moody Mansion and Bishop’s Palace if applicable.
• Assists visitors with retail purchases. Greet customers and ascertain what each customer needs or wants.
• Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise.
• Describe merchandise and explain use, and operation to customers.
• Opens and closes as needed, including preparation of daily cash report and balancing of cash at the end of the business workday.=

General Office

• Greets and assists visitors with information about GHF properties, Galveston, and area museums/attractions with an emphasis on heritage tourism and retail skills. Learns, knows, and shares comprehensive information about the 1895 Moody Mansion.
• Answers telephone inquiries and takes accurate messages for staff members as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education: High School Graduate. Some College Preferred.

Skills: Friendly, outgoing personality combined with an ability to maintain grace and composure in stressful situations. Ability to learn and communicate information about GHF sites, Galveston, and its social history and attractions in a clear, concise, and interesting manner. Must have reliable transportation and the ability to work scheduled hours, including weekends on a regular basis. Demonstrated responsibility in high-volume money handling situations, including accuracy in frequent cash counts and register operations. Aptitude for working with diverse personalities.

Experience: Knowledge of Square platform or willingness to learn. Familiarity with museums or tourists, retail business preferred.

Please send resume, references, and cover letter to Dwayne Jones, Executive Director, Galveston Historical Foundation at dwayne.jones@galvestonhistory.org.

Title: Visitor Service Associate (VSA) – Galveston Historic Seaport. Part-time (3-4 days per week), Hourly Wage.

Reports To: Gift Shop Manager

Job Summary: VSA is responsible for the daily operations of the retail store at the Galveston Historic Seaport, Home of the 1877 Tallship ELISSA: selling admission tickets, retail merchandise, and providing information about historic Galveston and helping to ensure that museum visitors and retail customers receive a positive experience from their first point of contact.

Job Duties:

• Handles cash, checks, credit card sales, keeping prompt and accurate records of transactions.
• Assists visitors with admissions to all GHF properties.
• Assists visitors with retail purchases. Greets customers and ascertain what each customer needs or wants.
• Maintains knowledge of current sales and promotions and security practices.
• Recommends, selects, and helps locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.
• Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise.
• Describes merchandise and explains use, operation to customers.
• Monitors appearance of the store; fills brochure racks, restocks retail merchandise, performs light housekeeping as needed to maintain appearance.
• Opens and closes as needed, including preparation of daily cash report and balancing of cash at the end of business workday.
• Greets and assists visitors with information about GHF properties, Galveston, and area museums/attractions with an emphasis on heritage tourism and retail skills.
• Learns, knows, and shares comprehensive information about the 1877 Barque ELISSA and other GHF properties, programs and events; actively promotes other programs and properties operated by GHF.
• Answers telephone inquiries and takes accurate messages for staff members as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education: High School Graduate. Some College Preferred.

Skills: Friendly, outgoing personality combined with an ability to maintain grace and composure in stressful situations. Ability to learn and communicate information about GHF sites, Galveston, and its social history and attractions in a clear, concise, and interesting manner. Must have reliable transportation and ability to work scheduled hours, including weekends on a regular basis. Must be self-motivated. Bilingual ability a plus. Demonstrated responsibility in high-volume money handling situations, including accuracy in frequent cash counts and register operations. Strong organizational skills. Aptitude for working with diverse personalities.

Experience: Strong knowledge of retail sales and computerized point of sale systems. Must be proficient in WORD, EXCEL, OUTLOOK. Familiarity with museum or tourist, retail business preferred.

Please send resume, references, and cover letter to Dwayne Jones, Executive Director, Galveston Historical Foundation at dwayne.jones@galvestonhistory.org.

Title: Visitor Services Associate (VSA) – 1892 Bishop’s Palace | Part-Time, 3-4 Days Per Week

Job Summary: VSA is responsible for the daily operations of the retail store at the 1892 Bishop’s Palace: selling admission tickets, retail merchandise, and providing information about historic Galveston and helping to ensure that museum visitors and retail customers receive a positive experience from their first point of contact.

Job Duties – Duties include but are not limited to:

Retail

• Handles cash, checks, credit card sales, keeping prompt and accurate records of transactions.
• Assists visitors with admissions to all GHF properties.
• Assists visitors with retail purchases. Greet customers and ascertain what each customer needs or wants.
• Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions and security practices.
• Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.
• Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise.
• Describe merchandise and explain use, operation to customers.
• Monitors appearance of the store; fills brochure racks, restocks retail merchandise, performs light housekeeping as needed to maintain appearance.
• Opens and closes as needed, including preparation of daily cash report and balancing of cash at the end of business workday.

General Office

• Greets and assists visitors with information about GHF properties, Galveston and area museums/attractions with an emphasis on heritage tourism and retail skills. Learns, knows, and shares comprehensive information about the 1892 Bishop’s Palace and other GHF properties, programs and events; actively promotes other programs and properties operated by GHF.
• Answers telephone inquiries and takes accurate messages for staff members as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bishop’s Palace House (if assigned these duties)

• Assist visitors with directions inside of the house
• Monitor visitor interaction
• Watch for security issues

Education: High School Graduate. Some College Preferred.

Job Skills: Friendly, outgoing personality combined with an ability to maintain grace and composure in stressful situations. Ability to learn and communicate information about GHF sites, Galveston and its social history and attractions in a clear, concise and interesting manner. Must have reliable transportation and ability to work scheduled hours, including weekends on a regular basis. Must be self-motivated. Bilingual ability a plus. Demonstrated responsibility in high-volume money handling situations, including accuracy in frequent cash counts and register operations. Strong organizational skills. Aptitude for working with diverse personalities.

Experience: Strong knowledge of retail sales and computerized point of sale systems. Must be proficient in WORD, EXCEL, OUTLOOK. Familiarity with museum or tourist, retail business preferred.

Please send resume and questions to Denise Alexander at denise.alexander@galvestonhistory.org.