Historical Interpreter

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation•Williamsburg, VA

21h•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves bringing the 18th century to life for guests at Colonial Williamsburg, the largest living history museum in the U.S. The role requires utilizing historical resources and modern interpretive techniques to engage visitors through formal interpretation, tours, and informal dialogue. Responsibilities include modeling excellent guest service, orienting visitors, checking admission tickets, assisting with digital resources, and recommending experiences. The interpreter must demonstrate an understanding of operational procedures, security, and preservation of collections. Participation in content training and professional development is expected to deepen historical understanding. The role involves using research to develop interpretations that represent diverse historical narratives and employing digital resources for administrative tasks like time sheets and email. Fostering a positive workplace culture through stewardship, safety, and professional behavior is also key. This is a non-exempt position eligible for overtime, potentially during high peak times. Duties may evolve based on operational needs.

Requirements

High School Diploma or G.E.D.
Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record.
Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months.
May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months.
May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.
Demonstrate ability to use digital resources, computers, and other electronic devices.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree in History, Communication, Education, or area of relevant study.
12 months of work experience in areas of museums/living history, interpretation, education, customer service, or other areas of related work employing comparable skills.
Demonstrate aptitude for learning and sharing the history of the 18th century world relevant to Williamsburg, Colonial Virginia, British-American colonies, Eastern Woodlands Indigenous cultures, West African cultures, and the Trans-Atlantic world, with the ability to distill information for our audience.
Absorb and incorporate information, organize and present meaningful and relevant interpretations to diverse groups of all ages, backgrounds, and genders that cater to multiple learning styles.
Model exceptional guest service and demonstrate the ability to initiate conversations and maintain a welcoming and enthusiastic demeanor with guests and colleagues.
Work collaboratively with colleagues, contractors, and other stakeholders to foster a professional and positive work environment.
Wear 18th century reproduction clothing as instructed and provided by Colonial Williamsburg’s Department of Historical Clothing and Dress.
Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and flexibility.
Demonstrate ability to work in all job-related environments, including inclement and varying weather conditions, extreme heat and cold; and to potentially come in contact with allergens and insects.
Able to meet physical requirements of the position including standing, walking, or talking for up to seven hours in a day.
Able to perform effectively and professionally under atypical conditions.
Embraces an inclusive environment. Able and willing to collaborate with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
Knowledge of 18th-century American history, particularly Colonial Virginia and Williamsburg.
Ability to engage diverse audiences through dynamic historical interpretation and storytelling.
Strong public speaking and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to research, learn, retain, and accurately present historical content.
Commitment to providing exceptional guest service and educational experiences.
Ability to adapt interpretive approaches for varied audiences, learning styles, and group sizes.
Ability to discuss complex or sensitive historical topics with professionalism and inclusivity.
Strong teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced public environment, both indoors and outdoors.
Ability to wear historical clothing and perform duties in a living history setting.
Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.

Responsibilities

Models excellent guest service, including orienting guests, checking admission tickets, arranging entry, assisting with digital resources, and recommending experiences.
Utilizes 18th-century resources and skills along with modern interpretive techniques to bring the community to life through formal interpretation, tours, and informal dialogue.
Demonstrates understanding of operational procedures, tour mechanics, security of buildings, and preservation of collections, artifacts, buildings, and objects.
Participates in content training and professional development to cultivate a deeper understanding of the past.
Utilizes credible research and resources to develop interpretations that represent the diverse historical narrative of 18th-century Virginia.
Employs digital resources to maintain personal time sheets, track schedule changes, and stay informed with work-related email and policy/procedure updates.
Fosters a positive workplace culture through good stewardship of resources, observing safety procedures, and meeting standards of professional behavior.
Performs other duties as assigned by members of the DHI leadership team.
Maintains all safety and security procedures to ensure the safety of colleagues and guests.
Meets all standards of the Department of Historic Interpretation.