Interpreter

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers is seeking an Interpreter for James Monroe’s Highland to engage visitors with historical stories and context. Interpreters lead self-guided and guided experiences, including school groups and events, conveying the site’s messages about Highland.

Responsibilities include guiding group tours, answering questions about the house and grounds, and supporting public programs. Strong communication and a passion for history are required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Historical knowledge of colonial and early national periods of American history.
• Knowledge of basic teaching methods.
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills, with the ability to provide excellent visitor services.
• Commitment to sharing inclusive historical narratives.
• Previous engagement with study and presentation of American history, teaching at any level.
• Previous work experience interacting with the public.

Responsibilities

• Provide guided content to group tours (student and adult), teaching about Highland and the historical period.
• Provide additional information about the house and grounds, as needed.
• Assist with special events and public programs.

Skills

Public interpretation

Public speaking

Interpersonal communication

Inclusive storytelling

Education outreach

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Requisition:

JR102006 Interpreter (Open)

Job Posting Title:

Interpreter

Department:

CC00009 WM001 | PRES | James Monroe's Highland Operations

Job Family:

Staff - Museum

Worker Sub Type:

Wage-Continuing (non-benefited)

Job Requisition Primary Location:

JM_Museum Shop

Primary Job Posting Location:

Posting Location - James Monroe’s Highland

Job Description Summary:

The Interpreters at James Monroe’s Highland are the front-line teachers of the site’s message about Highland. Interpreters' main duties are providing historic interpretation to members of the visiting public, to school groups, and during special events. Successful candidates will have enthusiasm for connecting with historic site visitors, strong verbal communication skills and a willingness to master relevant knowledge of the colonial and early national periods of American history.

Job Description:

Highland, as a public history arm of William & Mary, is committed to thoughtful and inclusive public engagement in the pursuit of history that serves broad and overlapping communities.

The Interpreters at James Monroe’s Highland are the front-line teachers of the site’s message about Highland. Interpreters provide informal engagement to the visiting public as they view self-guided exhibits, as well as guided history walks during peak season.

Other responsibilities include:

• Provide guided content to group tours (student and adult), teaching about Highland and the historical period.
• Provide additional information about the house and grounds, as needed.
• Assist with special events and public programs.

Additional Job Description:

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Historical knowledge of the colonial and early national periods of American history.
• Knowledge of basic teaching methods.
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills, with the ability to provide excellent visitor services.
• Commitment to sharing inclusive historical narratives.
• Previous engagement with study and presentation of American history, teaching at any level.
• Previous work experience interacting with the public.

Conditions of Employment:

• This is a non-exempt position, which may be eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• All hourly employees are subject to the limitations of the Virginia Manpower Control Program and total hours worked may not exceed, on average, 29 hours per week, over the course of a twelve-month period beginning May 1 each year.
• This position is restricted based on the availability of funding.
• Base Pay is $15.50 an hr.

Job Profile:

JP0154 - Tour Guide - Nonexempt - Hourly - H01

Qualifications:

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Compensation Grade:

H01

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-08-20

Position Restrictions:

EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal

Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.