Cultural Site Interpreter

Who We Are: 

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts’ premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000 acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org. 

Posting Information: 

Salary/Hourly Rate: $16.50 - $18.50 

Hours per week: Summer position: 26 hours per week, April – November 2025, Off season position: 15 hours per week 

Job Classification: Nonexempt, Part-Time, Limited Term 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: April – November, with the option to work November - April with reduced hours 

Location: Old Manse, Concord, MA 

What You’ll Do: 

Your Impact: 

As a Cultural Site Interpreter, you will bring the stories of our special places to life for our visitors in meaningful, fun, and relevant ways and support the Trustees’ mission to create a sense of belonging and connection at our properties. 

The Role: 

As a Cultural Site Interpreter at Old Manse, one of the nation’s most significant historic houses, you will lead house tours and engage with visitors, and work in the retail book shop to process sales admissions, and memberships.  

The Old Manse, a National Historic Landmark, is the birthplace of American literature and philosophy. Built in 1770 for patriot minister William Emerson, The Old Manse became the center of Concord’s political, literary, and philosophical revolutions over the next century. The first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired within earshot of The Old Manse. Decades later, The Old Manse was home to Ralph Waldo Emerson when he wrote this famous essay “Nature” and to Nathaniel Hawthorne when he wrote “Mosses from an Old Manse.” Leading Transcendentalists were frequent visitors, including Henry David Thoreau, Bronson Alcott, and Margaret Fuller. The tours, programs, and special events hosted at The Old Manse bring the intellectual ferment of early Concord to life.   

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Lead and facilitate interactive tour experiences and participatory activities for visitors of all ages  

• Welcome and orient visitors, acting as an ambassador for the site and The Trustees  

• Encourage membership sales by being well-versed in the various levels and benefits  

• Attend trainings and regular team meetings to learn about the interpretive philosophy and techniques used at the site  

• Follow best practices in historic site interpretation, collections management, and security  

• Other duties as assigned as necessary 

This is a part-time, limited term, nonexempt position with15 – 26 hours per week depending on the season, reporting directly to the Property Director, Fruitlands Museum and The Old Manse. 

What You’ll Need: 

Skills and Experience: 

• Background in teaching, museums, customer service, and/or theater  

• Enjoy engaging with visitors using a variety of interpretive techniques including storytelling, hands-on activities, and interactive discussion  

• Ability to share a passion for history, literature, and/or philosophy  

• Understanding of the complex web of Concord’s history  

• A degree in history, literature, philosophy, theatre arts, education, museum studies, or a related field  

• Intellectually curious and open to learning and sharing new things  

• Flexible and willing to meet the needs and interests of visitors  

• Reliable and committed to their position, their site team, and the mission of the Trustees  

• Able to work at least 2 to 3 days a week in season including at least one weekend day. The Old Manse is open to the public for tours on weekends from November through mid-April, and six days a week mid-April – October. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment. 

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check. 

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.  

Questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org 

Your Benefits

• Sick time: MA Sick Time 

• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.  

• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.  

Salary : $17 - $19