Interpreter & Tour Guide - Part Time

Job description

Rocky Mount State Historic Site is now taking applications for the The Interpreter & Tour Guide position in order to create a pool of suitable individuals for upcoming programming and events. This is an opportunity to be added to a list of candidates who will be scheduled as needed. Seasonally, available opportunities change and fluctuate, and are dictated by scheduled programming.

This position's responsibility includes being a provider of historical information, acting as an interpretive guide in 18th century or modern attire. Interpreters form most of the front line staff, delivering public programs for walk-in tours, school groups, and special events.

Key Responsibilities and Priorities

• Being able to interpret and inform the public about local and family activities in this area in the year 1791.
• Imparting historical information using interpretive techniques other than first person at times.
• Providing historical information for school groups and other groups.
• Teaching crafts to school children and sometimes to adults.
• Helping maintain the grounds and buildings of the museum.
• Building fires for various crafts and for cooking at times.
• Interpreting the past through historic demonstrations.
• Under guidelines provided by senior staff, helping take care of the historical objects and reproductions used in the museum’s programs.
• Training and helping to train other members of the interpretive staff.
• Working amicably with volunteers and other staff members and providing input on programs.
• At times, conducting historical research and research on crafts and other elements of daily life.
• Other job-related duties as assigned or necessary.

Off-Season Hours

Historic interpreters usually will average between 15 and 35 hours per week through most of the season. However, when the site is closed from after Candlelight Christmas (mid-December) until early March, hours may drop off. Senior staff will work with interpreters on assigning other tasks during these times.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

• High school diploma or GED
• Excellent verbal skills and an outgoing personality
• Professional, visitor-oriented attitude
• Organizational and time management skills
• Willingness to work extra hours during special events, heavy visitation, or to meet a deadline

Knowledge of:

• Local history and state history.
• How to conduct research on a variation of topics relevant to your role.
• Knowledge of how to speak in front of large groups of people.
• Practices and methods of customer service techniques and principles of effective interpersonal communication.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand operations and observe safety rules; walk long distances; intermittently interpret policies and procedures, and explain operations and problem solve issues for the public and with staff.
• Intermittently set up booths, hang banners, move tables, chairs and carry supplies; lift or carry weight of 45 pounds or less.
• Conduct educational programs suited to the needs of the community.
• Respond to emergency situations in a calm and effective manner.
• Understand and carry out written and oral directions.
• Communicate tactfully with customers.
• Communicate effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Location, Employment Type & Compensation:

• Position is based at the Rocky Mount State Historic Site in Piney Flats, Tennessee.
• Part Time Position
• Hourly Pay: Starting $8.5+
• Work is seasonal and time is flexible.
• 20 – 30 hours per month
• This job involves weekend working hours and working hours that extend after 5:00 pm.
• The Rocky Mount Historical Association is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability status, familial status, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state or local law. We strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.