What are the responsibilities and job description for the Historic Crafts & Activities Instructor (Part-Time/Seasonal) position at Rocky Mount State Historic Site?
Historic Crafts & Activities Instructor (Part-Time/Seasonal)
Focus: Hands-on activities like candle dipping, pewter casting, soap making, quill pen writing, and more.
Job Summary:
Rocky Mount State Historic Site is seeking an enthusiastic Historic Crafts & Activities Instructor to provide engaging, hands-on educational experiences for K-8 students and visitors. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys teaching traditional crafts, working with children, and making history come alive through interactive demonstrations.
****This is a seasonal, part-time position that follows the school year schedule. School groups typically run between 8:30 AM and 2:00 PM, and work hours will vary week to week based on bookings and special events. Some weeks may require 2-3 days of work, while others may have no scheduled hours. This position requires someone with flexibility who is available on an as-needed basis.****
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead or assist with hands-on historic craft workshops, ensuring students and visitors participate in an engaging, historically accurate experience.
- Facilitate activities such as candle dipping, pewter casting, soap making, quill pen writing, and 18th-century games.
- Set up, maintain, and clean craft materials and workspaces before and after each session.
- Ensure visitor safety and proper use of craft materials, especially when working with hot wax, pewter, and other tools.
- Provide historical context for each craft, explaining how and why these skills were used in the 18th century.
- Engage with children, teachers, and chaperones, ensuring a fun, interactive, and memorable learning experience.
- Assist with special events and seasonal programming as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Flexibility with scheduling – availability during school hours on weekdays (typically 2-3 days per week, but some weeks may have no work).
- Experience working with children in an educational, museum, or camp setting.
- Background in crafts, history, education, or hands-on demonstrations (training available).
- Strong communication and storytelling skills—able to make history exciting for young learners.
- Comfortable working outdoors in a historic setting.
- Ability to lift and transport craft materials (moderate lifting required).
- Enthusiasm for history and a willingness to learn—historical knowledge is a plus but not required!
