Interpreter III

Minnesota Historical Society; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State employee insurance

Retirement plan

Generous vacation & holidays

Job summary

The Minnesota Historical Society seeks an Interpreter II to engage visitors at the James J. Hill House and Alexander Ramsey House in St. Paul.

You will present historical information using advanced interpretive and performance techniques and provide front-line customer service, admissions processing, and visitor reception. This full-time role requires knowledge of Minnesota history and the Victorian era, strong communication, independence, and the ability to adapt programs for diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience and ability to provide consistent, high quality customer service.
• Knowledge of Minnesota history and Victorian era.
• Proven skill in delivering programs as an Interpreter II at Ramsey and Hill Houses.
• Ability to work independently and maturely.
• Strong oral communication and audience interaction skills.
• Ability to adapt programs for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Deliver program content using a variety of advanced interpretive and performance techniques that reach diverse audiences in multiple settings and participate in the daily operations of the Hill House site and Ramsey House site;
• Deliver more in depth and comprehensive school and youth programs;
• Serve as a mentor to new staff, as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Public speaking

History knowledge

Communication

Team collaboration

Audience engagement

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Computer software

Job description

OPEN TO: This job is open to current Interpreter IIs at Ramsey and Hill Houses.

LOCATION: James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave, St Paul, MN 55102

Alexander Ramsey House, 265 S Exchange St, St Paul, MN 55102

RATE OF PAY: Typical starting range $21.02

STATUS & HOURS: Full-time, regular (approximately 2080 annual hours) position.

BENEFITS: Eligible to participate in State Employee Group Insurance Program and a retirement program with employer contribution. Generous vacation and sick time accruals with additional paid holidays.

DESIGNATION: Bargaining Unit AFSCME Local 3173

POSTING DATE: September 18, 2026

DEADLINE DATE: September 25, 2026

DESCRIPTION: This position exists at the James J. Hill House and Alexander Ramsey House to engage, educate and entertain visitors and to present historical information to school groups and the general public using a variety of advanced interpretive and performance techniques and to assist in the operation of the Hill House and Ramsey House sites by providing front line customer service, processing admissions, sales, welcoming, and receiving visitors.

SUMMARY OF WORK

• 1) Deliver program content using a variety of advanced interpretive and performance techniques that reach diverse audiences in multiple settings and participate in the daily operations of the Hill House site and Ramsey House site;
• 2) Deliver more in depth and comprehensive school and youth programs;
• 3) Serve as a mentor to new staff, as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience and ability to provide consistent, high quality customer service.
• Knowledge of state and local Minnesota History and Victorian era.
• Proven skill in delivering programs as an Interpreter II at Ramsey and Hill Houses.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and maturely.
• Demonstrated success in conveying program content and facilitating dialogue with diverse audiences.
• Strong oral communication skills, and ability to listen and be responsive to questions and comments.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and contribute positively in a team environment.
• Experience in or willingness to learn computer software programs as needed.
• Experience working with diverse audiences of varying cultural backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
• Ability to respond to questions and make adjustments to programs to meet audience needs.
• Ability to kneel, crouch, reach, bend, push and pull to perform interpretive and operational duties.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and walk up to 2 miles a day in heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule of weekdays, weekends, and evening hours which may vary in number.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience in high-level customer service environment; and/or special event
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in museum or site interpretation, theater, or storytelling.

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.