Historic Trades Interpreter

George Washington's Mount Vernon; Mount Vernon (VA); On-site; USD 20,664; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching

Employee recognition at 5 years of service

Monthly employee events

Discounts on public event tickets

Discount at Mount Vernon Shops

Free parking

Job summary

A historic establishment in Virginia is seeking individuals for guest services to enrich visitor experiences through engaging historical programs and demonstrations of 18th-century trades. Ideal candidates should possess excellent interpersonal skills, a strong interest in history, and the ability to work creatively with diverse audiences. Responsibilities include providing historical information and maintaining sites. This position offers a pay rate of $15.00/hour with various benefits, including retirement plan options and employee discounts.

Qualifications

• Must work well with a diverse audience.
• Must lift 50lbs and perform physical labor.
• Flexible and punctual with a sincere interest in history.

Responsibilities

• Create a positive learning environment for guests.
• Provide accurate historical information about George Washington.
• Develop and perform demonstrations of 18th-century trades.
• Assist with the maintenance of relevant sites.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Effective communication

Ability to work in a team

Interest in history

Job description

The Education and Guest Services Division provides meaningful learning opportunities for Mount Vernon’s one million annual onsite visitors and students in classrooms around the country. Through a diverse portfolio of interpretive experiences, engaging programs, and online resources, we expand each learner’s understanding of, and appreciation for, George Washington and the revolutionary world in which he lived.

The Department of Historic Trades, one of Guest Experience’s operating units, manages interpretive operations at the Pioneer Farm, George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, and the Blacksmith Shop. The Department also supports several special student and guest programs.

Ready to learn a trade at Mount Vernon?

Compensation

$15.00/hour

Expected Hours

2 Weekdays and Every other Weekend (24 hours/week)

Responsibilities

• Create a positive learning environment for guests of all ages and backgrounds by being hospitable, approachable, and professional in all guest interactions
• Provide guests with accurate, interesting, and pertinent historical information about George Washington and Mount Vernon in an engaging, timely, and articulate manner. Answer guest questions and tailor delivery techniques to maximize impact whenever possible. Follow departmental interpretive strategies in order to effectively integrate your interpretation into the total guest learning experience
• Develop and perform demonstrations of 18th-century trades and crafts as requested (including milling, distilling, blacksmithing, farming, cooking, spinning and weaving, among others; only those with proven proficiency), in order to produce an immersive experience and effectively exhibit Washington’s entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-sufficiency
• Assist the daily manager/lead interpreter with the opening, closing, cleaning, and maintenance of relevant sites. Operate machinery and handle tools and equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.
• Assist with the implementation of emergency procedures when necessary to ensure safety for guests and staff
• Actively grow your knowledge of Washington’s plantation and 18th-century trades and crafts in order to continually enhance your interpretive ability
• Assist with special tours, student programs, and other projects as needed

Minimum Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills required
• Must work well with a diverse audience and have a sincere interest in history
• Must be responsible, flexible, punctual, able to lift 50lbs., and perform all manner of physical labor
• Ability to work creatively and effectively as a member of a team is mandatory

Special Requirements

• Must be able to stand/walk for long periods on varying surfaces, inside and outside, and in a variety of conditions
• Must comply with: departmental dress code (period dress); departmental standard operating procedures
• Must work frequent weekends, evenings, and holidays

How to Apply

Use our online application system to apply for the position. Applicants may also choose to apply using Indeed.

Please be prepared to submit a cover letter and resume. Cover letters should specifically address qualifications and/or transferable skills related to the position qualifications and requirements.

Application Review will begin in February.

The Education and Guest Services team is composed of the Interpretation, Historic Trades, Guest Services, and Learning Departments. In sum total this group is comprised of more than 150 full- and part-time staff members who connect Mount Vernon’s mission to a variety of audiences using onsite and offsite programming and physical and digital projects.

Benefits

• Exceed audience learning expectations and ensure a level of access in which everyone is welcome. Be friendly, respectful, engaging, and flexible. Always remember that this visit may be their first and only.
• Encourage a meaningful appreciation of George Washington and the world in which he lived. Ensure that his legacies connect to the world our audiences live in today.
• Engage yourself in the mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association – take responsibility for your continued development and commit to collaboration. Care for your colleagues and be proud of what we accomplish together.
• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
• Employee recognition at 5 years of service
• Monthly employee events
• Employee referral program
• On-site Library
• Discount on Public Event Tickets
• Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
• Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
• Free parking

Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.