Interpretive Programs Associate

ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE AND MARITIME MUSEUM, INC.; Saint Augustine (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE AND MARITIME MUSEUM, INC. seeks an Interpretive Programs Associate to deliver engaging tours, public programs, and visitor services at the historic lighthouse site.

You will cover scheduled shifts, lead K-12 and adult tours, interpret artifacts, and support museum operations while ensuring a welcoming visitor experience.

Qualifications

• AA degree required; BA preferred.
• Experience in customer-facing roles required.
• Excellent customer service, public speaking, and written/verbal skills.

Responsibilities

• Covers scheduled Base and Tower shifts at the lighthouse and ensures visitor coverage.
• Leads educational tours and demonstrations for the public, including Keepers’ Tours, field trips, and group tours.
• Interprets objects, spaces, stories for diverse visitors with accuracy and engagement.
• Provides excellent customer care and supports daily museum operations.
• Assists with staff and volunteer training on operations and engagement practices.
• Collaborates with staff to support programs and daily operations.
• Communicates visitor needs and issues to the appropriate staff member.
• Performs other duties to support the museum mission.

Skills

Customer service

Public speaking

Verbal communication

Written communication

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Computer skills

Education

AA degree

BA preferred

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Interpretive Programs Associate

FULL-TIME POSITION

** GREAT PAY & BENEFITS!**

** Job Summary:

Provides exceptional guest service and interpretation to all St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum audiences, including visitors, tour groups, and volunteers, in support of the mission of the Museum and the accurate interpretation of its maritime history. Primarily covers scheduled site shifts, leads educational tours, and presents public programs while supporting daily Museum operations and creating engaging, welcoming experiences for all visitors.

** Major Responsibilities:

The Responsibilities may include, but will not be limited to, the following:

• Covers scheduled Base and Tower shifts at the lighthouse, providing consistent coverage of the historic site and visitor experience.
• Leads educational tours and demonstrations for the public as scheduled, including:
  • One-hour Keepers’ Tours on Wednesdays and Fridays
  • K-12 Field Trips and Adult Group Tours, typically 2–3 times daily during peak season
  • Wooden Dugout Demonstrations.
• Interprets real objects, historic spaces, stories, and ideas for Museum visitors, including individuals, families, school groups, and tour groups. Interpretation will be accurate, engaging, audience-appropriate, and aligned with the Museum’s mission.
• Provides excellent customer care and service to all Museum guests and visitors.
• Assists with the daily operation of educational programs and tours to ensure a positive, organized, and engaging visitor experience.
• Supports staff and volunteer site training by sharing knowledge of Museum operations, interpretive standards, and visitor engagement practices.
• Works collaboratively with staff and volunteers to support daily Museum operations and educational programming.
• Communicates visitor questions, concerns, program needs, and operational issues to the appropriate staff member.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor in support of the Mission.

Qualifications:

Associate of Arts degree required, Bachelor’s degree preferred, from an accredited institution. Experience in a customer facing role required. Minimum two years of prior experience in museums, education or related experience preferred. Must have excellent customer service, public speaking, written and verbal communication skills and basic leadership abilities. Analytical and decision-making skills desired. Good computer skills are necessary.

Essential Functions/Physical Requirements:

The duties above indicate the essential functions of the job. Must be able to climb the lighthouse tower and perform required duties for periods of 2.5 hours in Florida’s weather conditions two to three times a day. This position works primarily outdoors. Operational flexibility is required to meet sudden and unpredictable business needs. Must be flexible with work schedule and available to work weekends and holidays.

Uphold Our Mission

To discover, preserve, present and keep alive the stories of the Nation’s Oldest Port as symbolized by our working St. Augustine Lighthouse.