Interpreter

WM001 William & Mary; United States; On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

William & Mary’s James Monroe’s Highland is seeking Interpreters to serve as front-line educators, sharing the site’s history with visitors, school groups, and during special events. You will convey engaging content, guide tours, and deepen understanding of Highland’s colonial and early national periods.

Successful candidates will bring enthusiasm for public history, strong verbal skills, and a willingness to master contextual knowledge while contributing to inclusive narratives and excellent

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• 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.

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

Interpersonal communication

Public speaking

Teaching methods

Historical knowledge

Inclusive storytelling

Public engagement

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Requisition

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.

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

• 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.

Communities and Benefits:

William & Mary and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) are vibrant, innovative and engaged communities and we are delighted about your interest in a career with us. Please be aware Workday has weekly downtimes and will be unavailable Fridays starting at 9:00 p.m. through Saturdays at noon (ET) for scheduled maintenance. During this time, the portal will be closed and will not accept applications.

William & Mary offers a competitive range of benefits that support employee well‑being and professional growth, including access to on‑campus fitness facilities, university libraries, and other wellness resources. Educational assistance, professional development opportunities, and a robust holiday schedule are also available.

Learn more and explore our comprehensive benefits website.