American Indian Interpreter

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation seeks an interpreter to convey American Indian history and cultural experiences of 18th-century Williamsburg through conversations, demonstrations, tours, and public programs. You will present research-based content across the Historic Area, including the American Indian encampment, and develop thematically rich programs using storytelling and hands-on activities.

The role requires collaboration with fellow interpreters and staff, ongoing research, and

Qualifications

• Knowledge of American Indian history and cultures related to 18th‑century Williamsburg.
• Community affiliation with an American Indian tribe or related community.
• Experience in museum interpretation, living‑history, public history, storytelling, or performance‑based education.
• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license with acceptable driving record per CW criteria.

Responsibilities

• Explain history and cultures through conversations, demonstrations, tours, and public programs.
• Present research-based interpretation across the Historic Area, including the American Indian encampment.
• Develop and deliver thematic programs using storytelling and hands-on demonstrations.
• Conduct ongoing historical research using primary and secondary sources.
• Adapt interpretive approaches for diverse audiences and settings.
• Demonstrate traditional skills and lifeways as part of interpretation.
• Collaborate with interpreters and staff to ensure a cohesive visitor experience.
• Participate in training, meetings, and content updates; incorporate feedback.

Skills

American Indian history

Cultural interpretation

Public speaking

Storytelling

Outreach

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Responsibilities

• Interpret the history, cultures, and experiences of American Indian peoples connected to 18th‑century Williamsburg through informal conversations, demonstrations, tours, and public programs.
• Present research‑based, culturally responsible interpretation throughout the Historic Area, including the American Indian encampment.
• Develop and deliver thematic programs using storytelling, material culture, and hands‑on demonstrations.
• Conduct ongoing historical research using primary and secondary sources; maintain research materials related to assigned interpretive topics.
• Adapt interpretive approaches for diverse audiences, locations, seasons, and program goals.
• Demonstrate traditional skills, trades, and lifeways as part of historical interpretation.
• Perform assigned interpretive roles with consistency, professionalism, and historical integrity.
• Support the American Indian Initiative through participation in special programs, outreach activities, and collaborative projects.
• Collaborate with fellow interpreters and staff to provide a cohesive, high‑quality visitor experience.
• Participate in training, meetings, and content updates; incorporate feedback into interpretation.
• Work scheduled hours throughout the Historic Area, including outdoor work, weekends, evenings and holidays.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of American Indian history and cultures, with relevance to 18th‑century America and/or the communities connected to Williamsburg.
• Community affiliation with an American Indian tribe, band, pueblo, ranchería, or urban Indian Center.
• Knowledge and skills normally acquired through a combination of education, lived experience, cultural knowledge, and/or professional experience equivalent to approximately three years in one or more of the following areas:
  • Historical interpretation or public history
  • Teaching or educational programming
  • Cultural programming or language revitalization
  • Museum, living history, or performance‑based interpretation
  • Experience presenting information to the public in an educational or interpretive setting
• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria:
  • Must be able to provide a 5‑year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months
  • May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months
  • May not have any serious motor vehicle violations, including excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education, experience, and training
• Knowledge of Eastern Woodlands American Indian history and cultures.
• Knowledge of modern American Indian communities, contemporary issues, and cultural continuity.
• Experience in museum interpretation, living‑history programs, public history, storytelling, or performance‑based education.
• Experience developing or delivering educational programs, demonstrations, or tours for diverse public audiences.
• Skills in traditional American Indian lifeways, crafts, trades, or material culture relevant to historical interpretation.
• Experience participating in community outreach, public engagement, or collaborative cultural programming.
• Familiarity with research methods using primary and secondary historical sources.
• Experience working in outdoor, visitor‑facing, or immersive interpretive environments.

Key Skills / Competencies

• Ability to research, synthesize, and interpret historical information from primary and secondary sources.
• Knowledge of American Indian histories, cultures, and material culture relevant to 18th‑century Williamsburg.
• Skill in demonstration‑based and embodied interpretation, including storytelling and material culture use.
• Ability to present research‑based content in clear, accessible ways for public audiences.
• Strong oral communication and active‑listening skills for engaging diverse audiences.
• Interpersonal skills that support respectful dialogue and inclusive guest experiences.
• Collaboration skills to work effectively within interpretive teams and across departments.
• Adaptability in communication style and interpretive approach based on audience and setting.
• Professionalism and cultural awareness when interpreting both historical communities and living Native nations.
• Curiosity and openness to ongoing learning, feedback, and new research.
• Reliability, flexibility, and resilience in a dynamic, public‑facing environment.
• Care and judgment when presenting sensitive or complex historical topics.
• Ability to interpret American Indian experiences within the social, political, and economic context of colonial Williamsburg.
• Capacity to connect past and present by acknowledging historical continuity and contemporary Indigenous realities.
• Skill in maintaining historical integrity while fostering dialogue, inquiry, and critical thinking among guests.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Stand: Frequently
• Walk: Frequently
• Sit: Occasionally
• Use hands/fingers: Frequently
• Climb or balance: Occasionally
• Stoop / kneel / crouch / crawl: Occasionally
• Reach with hands/arms: Frequently
• Talk or hear: Constantly
• Lifting up to 10 lbs: Frequently
• Lifting up to 25 lbs: Occasionally
• Lifting up to 50 lbs (with assistance): Rarely
• Lifting up to 100 lbs (with assistance): Rarely
• More than 100 lbs (with assistance): Rarely
• Wet/humid conditions: Frequently
• Work near moving mechanical parts: Rarely
• Fumes / airborne particles (dust, pollen, smoke): Occasionally
• Extreme cold: Occasionally
• Extreme heat: Occasionally

Typical Work Schedule

Full time, 40 hours per week. Standard shift 8:45-5:15 with some variance for special assignments. Weekends, evening and holiday availability required.