Are you an engaging storyteller with a passion for history?
Do you enjoy meeting and talking with people?
Are you open to learning new things and participating in a dynamic work environment?
If so, consider joining our dedicated and lively team of Cultural Site Interpreters. Our
interpreters bring the stories of our special places to life for our visitors in meaningful
and relevant ways. They are responsible for making connections between our visitors
and our special places by engaging visitors through interactive and multi-sensory
strategies that provoke, excite, and inspire. We believe that by engaging and exciting
our visitors they will feel more connected to our cultural heritage and be inspired to help
preserve and protect it for future generations.
Currently we are looking for interpreters for three historic properties in the Berkshires:
Naumkeag, Mission House, and Ashley House.
In the Berkshires, The Trustees own and steward the Ashley House in Sheffield, MA
and the Mission House and Naumkeag, in Stockbridge. Together, they cover periods in
history ranging from the mid-18th century to the mid-20th century. Today we aim to
bring the stories of these special places to life, and make connections between our
visitors and the unique spirit of each place through interactive and multi-sensory
strategies that provoke rather than instruct.
Our seasonal staff plays an integral role in ensuring that our visitors enjoy our 113
extraordinary places. With the change to warmer temperatures, we experience an influx
of visitors of all ages and backgrounds who want to explore and be inspired by our
properties. Sandy beaches, wooded trails, cultural gardens, historic homes, community
supported agriculture—there are many ways for visitors to discover and explore The
Trustees, and just as many opportunities for seasonal employees to make each visitor’s
experience special.
Essential Functions:
This is a part-time, seasonal position, May through October. Daytime and weekend
hours are required. Cultural Site Interpreters are responsible for:
Leading and facilitating interpretive experiences for visitors of all ages, including
interactive guided tours and other participatory activities
Welcoming and orienting visitors, acting as an ambassador for the site and The
Trustees of Reservations, providing excellent customer service and promoting
membership
Staffing and setup of on-site programs and events including, but not limited to,
workshops, performances and lectures
Participating in regular trainings and team meetings that provide professional skill
development, inform staff of interpretive philosophies and techniques that
improve visitor experiences at each site, and update staff on current
developments at The Trustees of Reservations
Participating in guided research and ongoing study of the history and cultural
context of the sites
Following best practices in safety, collections care and security, in order to
protect the collections, gardens, house and visitors
Participating in peer and supervisor evaluations
Promoting the mission of The Trustees of Reservations and our work;
encouraging guests to join us as members in preserving special places across
the state of Massachusetts
Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.
Qualifications:
Cultural Site Interpreters:
Education and Experience:
have 1-3 years experience with a teaching, museum, customer service,
possess a Bachelor’s degree in history, education, or a related field
and/or theater background
(preferred, but not required)
Skills:
are friendly, active listeners with excellent conversational and public speaking
enjoy engaging visitors through multi-sensory interpretive techniques
are intellectually curious and open to learning and sharing new things
are professional and team-oriented
skills
including storytelling, hands-on activities, and interactive discussion
have the ability to handle multiple tasks and the unexpected with a calm
are respectful of all visitors and able to provide exceptional customer service
are flexible and willing to meet the needs and interests of visitors
are self-reflective and eager to continuously improve job skills
have the skill to work with staff, volunteers and visitors comfortably and
are reliable and committed to the position, the site team, and the mission of
demeanor
welcomingly
The Trustees of Reservations
Other:
have the flexibility to work on weekends, and some evenings
are able to stand and walk for long periods of time, climb steep inclines and multiple
flights of stairs, and work indoors and outdoors in inclement, hot, and cold conditions.
The Trustees offers competitive salaries and the opportunity to be part of a dedicated
team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors, who love the distinctive charms
of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for
everyone, forever.
Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and salary requirements via
email to:
Andrian Paquette, apaquette@ttor.org
by mail to: The Trustees of Reservations, Attn: Andrian Paquette, PO Box 792, Stockbridge MA
01262.
No phone calls please.
In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees of Reservations aim
to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team. We
aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts
who are at the core of our mission.
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