What are the responsibilities and job description for the Village Interpreter - Part Time, Seasonal position at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill?
Position: Village Interpreter
Status: Part-time regular/seasonal
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (SVPH) is on a mission to inspire generations through DISCOVERY, by sharing the legacies of the Kentucky Shakers. SVPH is committed to bridging historic preservation, land conservation, engaged learning and warm hospitality to present an unrivaled destination experience.
Home to the Shaker community of Pleasant Hill from 1805 until 1923, SVPH manages the country’s largest private collection of original nineteenth-century buildings and is the largest National Historic Landmark in Kentucky. Onsite amenities at SVPH include overnight accommodations, dining and catering services, retail shops, event and meeting venues, historical exhibitions and tours, farm and garden area, nature preserve, multi-use trail system, equestrian stable and an extensive calendar of special programs, activities and events.
Shaker Village Program Department
The Program Department supports the mission of Shaker Village by inspiring our guests through stories, activities and exhibits across the SVPH landscape that connect to our heritage, community and the environment while expanding our understanding of the legacy of the Pleasant Hill Shakers.
Village Interpreter Job Summary
Village Interpreters share entertaining educational and recreational programs with Shaker Village guests through the Village’s daily schedule, educational and youth programming, coach and bus tours, and special programs and events.
Shaker Village is currently seeking a part-time Village Interpreter who has a flexible schedule and is willing to work between 1-3 days a week. Candidates with availability to work on Sundays preferred.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Lead daily public programs on diverse topics across Shaker Village’s 3000 acres of property. Daily programs typically involve a mix of tour/lecture-style presentations combined with opportunities for guest input and questions, hands-on activities, and experiential learning.
- Lead educational programming geared for youth audiences, including school field trips and homeschool families, providing content in an energetic and dynamic fashion.
- Lead dynamic and welcoming programs for coach and bus groups, along with other pre-scheduled groups, including some evening/after-hours tours.
- Optional/preferred: Lead daily music programs, primarily solo singing performances interpreting Shaker music, dance and culture.
- Provide opportunities for informal guest learning and engagement by acting in a welcoming manner and prompting conversations whenever present onsite.
- Consistently engage guests with friendliness, enthusiasm and understanding.
- Complete all assigned tasks, including updating guest tracking data, completing daily cleaning responsibilities in assigned program/exhibit spaces, and other duties as requested.
- Develop a broad understanding of the Shakers, Pleasant Hill, and the site’s many natural and cultural resources. Master the content of specific program lesson plans.
- Familiarize yourself with all SV departments, especially Guest Services.
- As assigned, assist Program Specialists with special guest programs like workshops and discovery treks.
- Open and close historic buildings and exhibits as assigned, meeting standards of museum practice set forth by Shaker Village.
Skills and Qualifications
- Willingness and ability to learn the history of the Shakers, Pleasant Hill, and other related content about the site’s natural and cultural resources.
- A passion and dedication for sharing knowledge, leading programs, and interacting with diverse guests.
- Excellent customer service skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively within the Program Department and with other SVPH departments as needed.
- Have a positive "can-do" attitude.
- Show flexibility and creativity in support of all Shaker Village activities.
Education and Experience
- Background in public speaking, leading tours, theatre, or other relevant skills in delivering content in an engaging and dynamic manner.
- Optional/preferred: Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
- Optional/preferred: Experience educating the public, including youth and groups.
- Optional/preferred: Knowledge of KY/Shaker history.
- Optional/preferred: Vocal performance skills and the ability to read music.
Mental and Physical Requirements
- Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell.
- Ability to sit, stand and walk for considerable lengths of time.
- Ability to work outside in both hot and cold environments.
- Must be able to ascend and descend stairs on a frequent basis.
- Ability to maintain visual attention for considerable lengths of time.
- Ability to operate computers and general office equipment.
- Regularly lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.
- Regular access to a personal vehicle and valid drivers license.
Working Environment and Conditions
- This position involves working in both indoor and outdoor environments, during all seasons and types of weather conditions.
- This position may require non-traditional work hours, including some evenings, weekends and holidays.
- This position is subject to a background check and drug testing.
