PART-TIME HISTORICAL INTERPRETER

Mark Twain House education programs and tours provide interactive visiting experiences for a variety of audiences. Historical interpreters work with adults, children, families, and tourist groups in the Mark Twain House, on the grounds, and occasionally off-site. The goals of the Interpretation & Education Department include providing consistent and exemplary visitor services, providing participatory interpretive experiences that are educational, enjoyable, and able to motivate people to learn more.

 DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Uses hands-on activities, inquiry, observation, and discovery techniques, as appropriate, to interpret the stories of Mark Twain, his life, his works, and his family to school field trips, adults, families, children, and groups according to standards set by the Interpretation & Education Department.

Uses knowledge of cultural differences, ability to communicate with special needs groups, respect for diverse points of view, and willingness to adjust one’s own interpersonal skills to facilitate groups effectively.

Serves as security for the museum’s collection during programs and tours. Reports missing or damaged items to the Curatorial Department, following the proper procedures.

Takes turns managing visitor services desk, ticket sales, and associated daily record keeping.

Part-time interpreters are required to work a flexible schedule to include at least two weekend days per month and several holidays per year.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

Knowledge of learning styles and ability to work with people of varying ages and skills.

Demonstrated skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.

General understanding of museum operations and procedures and customer/visitor service concepts.

Ability to work effectively with other employees, visitors, group tour leaders and volunteers.

Demonstrated ability to solve problems and make decisions under pressure.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work involves direct contact with the public, under sometimes demanding conditions during periods of heavy visitation. The position also requires standing for long periods, managing several sets of staircases, working in a dimly lit environment, and withstanding various weather conditions.

The Mark Twain House is an equal opportunity.  Applicants and employees are treated without regard to their race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, status of a veteran, intellectual disability, mental disability or physical disability, including, but not limited to, blindness, unless it is shown that such disability prevents performance of the work involved.

A more detailed job description is available on the museum website https://marktwainhouse.org/about/careers/