What are the responsibilities and job description for the Historical Interpreter position at Telfair Museums?
Job Summary and Key Objectives:
The Historical Interpreter is responsible for giving 45-minute guided tours of the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters and Telfair Academy and completing other tasks as assigned. Historical Interpreters conduct educational and thought-provoking guided tours, answering questions about the social history, art, and architecture of the property. The museum is open seven days per week.
Candidates for the Historical Interpreter position must successfully complete up to 100 hours of training to become proficient in customer service, preferred tour techniques, all aspects of the history of the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters and Telfair Academy including 19th century social history, history of regency architecture, and fine and decorative arts. Candidates will be evaluated on their knowledge and ability to lead guided tours before being added to the work schedule to conduct tours.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks
- Understand and learn the history and tour techniques of the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters and Telfair Academy, and deliver accurate, interesting, and compelling tours for Telfair Museums’ visitors.
- Lead art activities and deliver engaging tours of the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters to student groups as part of the Slavery and Freedom Eighth Grade Program.
- As a reliable member of the Historical Interpreter team, arrive promptly, and maintain the daily tour schedule.
- Remain true to the facts of the history of the Museums.
- Deliver excellent customer service.
- Report any damages or safety issues to the Owens-Thomas House Management Team or Security.
- Act as a representative of The Telfair Museum of Art, Inc., to promote the museums and encourage visitors to visit the other Telfair Museum of Art locations.
- Work as a team with other Historical Interpreters, Front Desk Associates, Retail Shop Associates, and Management to provide a warm, welcoming, and professional experience for visitors.
- Work in other areas as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications and Education:
- An interest in American History, fine and decorative arts, architectural history, and/or public history.
- Bachelor’s degree in history, the arts, or other related field.
- Ability to work weekend shifts
- Engage with diverse audiences about sensitive topics.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience in public speaking, lecturing, training, guided tours, or other related experience working with the public.
- Friendly, helpful, and courteous; must be enthusiastic about the tours being given.
- Ability to work with large groups independently and professionally.
- Ability to problem-solve
- Ability to learn new software
- Flexibility in scheduling and assignments
- Desire to educate visitors about the historical significance of Telfair Museums.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to perform various functions such as standing, sitting, walking across uneven surfaces, climbing stairs, lifting, seeing in varying light conditions, and participating in some physical activities.
- Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in various types of weather year-round.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: From $15.50 per hour
Benefits:
- AD&D insurance
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Every weekend
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: In person
Salary : $16