Historical Interpreter

Open To External And Internal Candidates • Williamsburg, VA

13h • Onsite

About The Position

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation. Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library. Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria.
• 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.
• Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and flexibility.
• Ability to work flexible schedules including weekends, holidays, and special events.
• 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.
• Must demonstrate ability to use digital resources, computers, and other electronic devices
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in History, Communication, Education, or area of relevant study; or 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.

Responsibilities

• Models excellent guest service, including orienting guests, checking admission tickets, arranging entry to sites, assisting with digital resources, and recommending opportunities.
• 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 deepen understanding of the past.
• Utilizes credible research and resources to develop interpretations representing 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 professional behavior standards.
• 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.

Benefits

• Eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• May be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.

What This Job Offers

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