Interpreter

Do you enjoy interacting with children and adults in a dynamic learning environment? Do you find providing positive and educational experiences rewarding? If so, The Kalamazoo Valley Museum may have the perfect opportunity for you.

Museum Interpreters creatively engage patrons throughout the museum through leading educational conversations, demonstrations, workshops and other activities with courtesy and positivity to enhance the visitor experience and inspire while supporting our inquiry-based learning model.

Primary duties will include

• Communicate with patrons before, during and after program offerings to ensure needs are met and initiate improvements as appropriate.
• Effectively communicate history and science concepts and exhibit-related topics to small and large audiences through verbal and multimedia presentations.
• Maintain a high level of content knowledge for changing exhibits and related programming.
• Assist with training team members on pedagogy skills, customer service skills and strategies to ensure high-quality educational experiences for patrons.
• Coach and mentor Part-Time Museum Aides, Part-Time Interpretation Specialists, volunteers and interns.
• Collaborate with all Museum departments in the research, development, implementation, evaluation, and improvement of innovative programs, activities, resources, exhibits and tours.
• Assist with school program curriculum development and delivery.
• Enforce Museum standards and policies to ensure patron and exhibit safety.
• Create or adapt offerings to meet accessibility needs of the community. Examples include creating social stories, audio tours and leading tactile tours.
  
  

Other duties will include

• Operating museum exhibits and equipment.
• In the absence of museum aides, perform opening and closing duties, point of sale software, orienting school & public groups, day-to-day upkeep of exhibits and cleaning.
• Additional clerical tasks and off-site programs representing the museum.
• Participation in regularly scheduled staff meetings and ongoing training or professional development opportunities.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Appropriate education, training, experience and talents are requirements for this position. An example of this would be an Associate degree in a related field such as education, science, history, art, theater, communications, cultural heritage, anthropology or advanced specialized training in Museum interpretation and three years of related work experience.

Other Required Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to demonstrate sensitivity in working with diverse populations of people in a professional setting, including but not limited to multi-generational age groups, genders, and socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
• Skilled in a variety of interpretive techniques and continuous research in the field.
• Excellent public speaking and communication skills. Ability to work with large groups, youth and as a team member with enthusiasm.
• Ability to multitask and react positively in a changing environment in order to make good decisions that occasionally resolves conflict.
• Ability to operate a computer including Microsoft Office products, email and virtual presentation software.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications and Experience: Physical Demands:

• Must be able to move throughout the museum galleries and pick up objects that fall on the floor.
• Must be comfortable working with cleaning sanitizer and associated cleaning materials.
• May have extended periods of standing or sitting between one to two hours.
• Ability to push, pull or lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop and reach, as exhibits require.
  
  

Work Hours: 40 hours; flexible within the Museum's operating hours (Tuesday - Saturday), including occasional additional weekend days and holidays. Posting Date 02/03/2025 Closing Date: Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please apply online at jobs.kvcc.edu. This posting will remain posted until filled, however, priority consideration will be given to applications received by February 16, 2025.

EEO Statement

As an employer, Kalamazoo Valley encourages, welcomes, and fosters differences because we believe that diversity makes us great. It is the policy of Kalamazoo Valley Community College not to discriminate on the basis of race (including traits associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), religion, color, national origin/ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, age, height, weight, familial status, veteran status, marital status, citizenship, or any other status or characteristic protected by law, in its programs, services, employment or activities. All qualified applicants will be given equal opportunity and consideration for employment; please consider joining us as we empower all to learn, grow and thrive.

Prior to a job offer, candidates will be required to complete a criminal record background check. For some positions, a credit history investigation will also be required. Information gathered will be used for job-related purposes to the extent permitted by applicable law and will not result in an automatic disqualification from an employment opportunity.