Historic Preservation Specialist

Prince William County Government; Woodbridge (VA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 49,000; Part time

Job summary

Prince William County Government's Office of Historic Preservation seeks a Historic Preservation Specialist to lead tours of county sites, develop history programs, and conduct research. The role engages diverse audiences, including school groups and the public, and works with volunteers to support interpretive missions.

The position is part-time with evenings and weekends; a high school diploma or GED and 2 years of related experience are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 2 years related experience.
• Experience conducting historical tours and delivering public history programs preferred.
• Experience engaging large groups, school groups, and tourism organizations is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service by answering questions and giving information to the public.
• Lead and prepare activities, lessons, and programs; set up equipment and clean up afterward.
• Maintain equipment and facilities; prepare lesson plans and records.
• Enforce program rules; provide emergency care if needed.
• Maintain logs; assist with cash handling and daily financial transactions.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature as assigned.

Skills

Public speaking

Tour leadership

Volunteer management

Public history programming

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Join the Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation’s Office of Historic Preservation and help bring more than 300 years of history to life! Our team manages 14 historic sites throughout the County and welcomes approximately 170,000 visitors annually. We are seeking a passionate, public-facing history professional with experience working at historic house museums or historic sites, particularly those focused on United States and Virginia history. Experience in historical interpretation, program development, and historical research is highly desirable. The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic, collaborative professional who thrives in a small, energetic team committed to innovative programming, engaging visitor experiences, and the preservation and interpretation of Prince William County’s rich history.

About This Role:

The Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation’s Office of Historic Preservation manages the County’s historic sites, including historic structures and cultural landscapes, and collaborates with community partners on cultural resource management initiatives.

As a Historic Preservation Specialist, you will help bring local history to life by leading tours of County-owned historic sites, developing and delivering history programs and special events, and conducting research on Prince William County’s rich heritage. You will engage diverse audiences, including the public and school groups, while working closely with volunteers to support the Office’s educational and interpretive mission. Candidates should have strong public speaking and communication skills, with experience leading large tour groups and school groups and working effectively with volunteers.

Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or G.E.D. and 2 years of related experience.

Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

Preferences:

• Experience conducting historical tours and delivering public history programs.
• Experience developing and implementing history programs and special events.
• Experience engaging large groups, school groups, and tourism organizations is highly desirable.
• Experience in historical interpretation and volunteer management is highly desirable.
• A collaborative, team-oriented approach and the ability to thrive in a small, energetic, and forward-thinking team environment are essential.

Special Requirements:

None.

Work Schedule:

This is a part-time position. Scheduling for this position requires flexibility to work some evenings and weekends each month, and occasional holidays.

Starting Salary Range:

$16.66 - $35.39 Hourly

NATURE OF WORK

This class is part of the Recreation Job Family. Incumbents performs routine work in connection with various recreation programs or activities. Work is performed under close supervision with specific instructions provided as to the duties to be completed, the order of completion and method of completion. May perform duties as a building/field attendant, lifeguard II, head concessionaire, head cashier, food and beverage supervisor, children's leader or nursery attendant; and providing daily upkeep and light maintenance of equipment and facility.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is an entry-level position that is responsible for providing administrative support and ensuring visitor and participant safety within the facility. Work is performed in accordance with set procedures and guidelines, and deviation from those guidelines require approval. May serve as a lead worker.

TYPICAL CLASS RESPONSIBILITIES (These responsibilities are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)

1. Provides excellence in customer service by answering questions and providing information to the public. May provide specialized services based on the program or customer
2. Carrying out program plans, activities, and lessons. Sets up equipment or materials needed for an activity and cleans up after program.
3. Maintains and prepares equipment and facility for ongoing programs; prepares lesson plans and maintains related records.
4. Enforces program rules; provides emergency care and treatment as required.
5. Maintains required logs and prepares related reports. Accountable for implementing cash control procedures, monitoring and controlling daily financial transactions and inventory
6. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

KNOWLEDGE

• Life guarding surveillance and rescue techniques;
• Customer service principles;
• Recordkeeping principles;
• Cash handling procedures;
• Cleaning and sanitizing practices;
• Food preparation and cooking practices and techniques;
• Food handling practices and techniques;
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations;
• Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment;
• Modern office technology;
• Computers and related software applications.

SKILLS

• Providing customer service;
• Monitoring the use of equipment;
• Applying life guarding surveillance and rescue techniques;
• Cleaning and maintaining fitness equipment and machines;
• Maintaining basic operational records and reports;
• Using a computer and related software applications;
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards;
• Utilizing computers and relevant software applications;
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Discipline specific responsibilities do not apply to this classification.

LEVEL OF DECISIONS

Responsibilities are typically procedure based with defined goals and processes or methods, but incumbents have the latitude to determine the speed or order of steps used to complete assignments.

DIRECTION RECEIVED

Incumbents perform tasks following defined procedures and standards, and deviation from procedures typically requires prior approval.

DIRECTION PROVIDED

Incumbents are typically not responsible for providing formal work direction.