Museum Interpreter

JOB TITLE: Historic Interpreter 

REPORTS TO: Director of Education

FSLA STATUS: Part-Time, Seasonal ranging from 20+ hours from April-June, October-November, limited hours July thru September

MUSEUM HOURS: Tuesday-Sunday 10:30am–4:30pm: flexible scheduling. Evening work my be offered.

SALARY RANGE: $16.30 hr.

For 73 years, Museum Village of Old Smith’s Clove has served the greater Hudson Valley and beyond, preserving and presenting our shared history. The late 19th Century was a pivotal time for our country from rapidly developing industry to the fight for suffrage, from racial and gender equality to stresses caused by rapid technology change. In our twenty-four buildings situated around a village green along with our collection of over 32,000 artifacts, we strive to bring this important period alive for our visitors.

At Museum Village, a Historical Interpreter engages and educates our audience. S/He uses historic clothing, structures, plants, animals, and landscape as well as the tools and techniques of early trades, agriculture, horticulture and domestic crafts to make meaningful connections with the present. Historical Interpreters help visitors gain insights into their modern world and a better understanding of it by conveying aspects of its origins in late 19th century Hudson Valley.

Qualifications:

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational and self-motivation skills required
• Background in history, education or performing arts helpful but not required
• Candidates must possess and maintain a professional appearance and demeanor and must be willing to read training materials and conduct independent research on a variety of topics
• Must be at least 16 years old
• Interpretation of the historic site through tours and living history demonstrations knowledge of learning styles and ability to work with people of varying ages and skills
• Research using on-site and online resources leading to increased knowledge of residents of the Hudson Valley during the period, traditional crafts, events of historical significance, military, economic, industrial, and social activities of the period
• Assisting with front desk duties and gift shop sales
• Routine cleaning and light maintenance of the museum buildings, galleries, reproduction clothing and equipment
• Other duties as assigned

Position contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

 Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The Museum Village is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As such, we are interested in candidates who are committed to high standards of scholarship, performance and professionalism, as well as to the development of a climate that supports equality and diversity.