Historical Interpreter III - TP60083589

State of North Carolina • Craven County, NC

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Historical Interpreter III works in the Tryon Palace Education Section, providing guided tours, school programs, and living-history interpretation. The role leads daily tours and manages program operations and budgets with limited supervision, supporting the Education Branch and interpreting across the site’s buildings. It also contributes to weekend and special-event operations and helps develop events and long-term plans.

The position recruits, trains, and coordinates volunteers; maintains training materials; and ensures appropriate historical clothing and equipment. The interpreter serves as the Certified Safety Officer for 18th- and 19th-century small arms and artillery, overseeing weapons-related training and safety compliance. Occasional logistical support, including event setup and takedown, outreach, and administrative tasks, is also required when it does not conflict with core interpretive or safety duties. Interpretations are to be grounded in factual, balanced scholarship.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and four years of experience giving or developing museum tours, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to work Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional evening and holiday work as needed.
• Ability to work in varied environments, including indoors, outdoors, inclement weather, heat, cold, and smoke.

Nice To Haves

• Working knowledge of state and national history.
• Considerable knowledge of Tryon Palace site history.
• Ability to adapt historical tours to visitors’ age, interest level, special interests, or time constraints.
• Ability to obtain DNCR certified safety officer licensure for 18th- and 19th-century small arms and artillery.
• Ability to organize and prioritize others’ work schedules while managing multiple tasks or projects.

Responsibilities

• Deliver daily tours and tailored historical interpretation across all site buildings, supporting weekend, special-event, and school-group operations.
• Manage program needs, including budgets and coordination with Education Branch staff and volunteers.
• Assist in developing new events and long-term planning.
• Recruit, train, and communicate with volunteer groups.
• Administer annual small arms and artillery instruction and coordinate required uniforms and gear.
• Represent the organization professionally when interacting with visitors, donors, and partners, and collaborate across departments.
• Serve as Certified Safety Officer for 18th- and 19th-century small arms and artillery, ensuring compliance and overseeing required weapons-related training.
• Provide occasional logistical support, including event setup and takedown, outreach activities, and administrative tasks, when compatible with core interpretive and safety duties.

Benefits

• A $1,500 sign-on bonus is offered to eligible candidates, contingent on funding availability and final eligibility determination.
• Eligible state employees may participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED