Cultural Site Interpreter [The Trustees of Reservations, Beverly, MA]

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 (tours by appointment only).

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, expected to begin in April and end in December. 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
• 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
• Following best practices in safety, collections care and security, in order to protect the collections, gardens, house and visitors
• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.

• have 1-3 years experience with a teaching, museum, customer service, and/or theater background
• possess a Bachelor’s degree in history, education, or a related field (preferred, but not required)
• are friendly, active listeners with excellent conversational and public speaking skills
• enjoy engaging visitors through multi-sensory interpretive techniques including storytelling, hands-on activities, and interactive discussion
• are intellectually curious and open to learning and sharing new things
• are professional and team-oriented
• 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
• are reliable and committed to the position, the site team, and the mission of The Trustees of Reservations

Skills:

• have the ability to handle multiple tasks and the unexpected with a calm demeanor
• have the skill to work with staff, volunteers and visitors comfortably and welcomingly

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.

Click here to see all job opportunities at The Trustees of Reservations

The Trustees offers competitive compensation 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.

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.

No phone calls please.