Seasonal House Interpreter

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s 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.

Salary/Hourly Rate: $17-$19/hour

Hours per week: 14-28

Job Classification: Nonexempt, Limited Term

Duration: April-September

Job Type: Onsite

Location: Naumkeag, Stockbridge, MA

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

As a Seasonal Interpreter, you will play an important role in our mission to educate and engage visitors in the rich histories of our historic sites. This work is primarily at Naumkeag, a Gilded Age “summer cottage” with 8-acres of formal gardens, with additional opportunities at The Colonel John Ashley House (Sheffield), The Mission House (Stockbridge) and The Willian Cullen Bryant Homestead (Cummington). 

The Role:

This role involves leading tours and educational programs that connect visitors to our special places while providing exceptional customer service to enhance the guest experience. Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in history, architecture, and/or garden design, with the ability to connect with a wide range of audiences. 

Specifically, you’ll:

• Engage visitors in meaningful discussions about each site’s unique history through formal and informal interpretation, including leading guided tours, providing context, and sharing interesting anecdotes to help guests connect in a manner that is captivating and accessible to diverse audiences. 
• Provide excellent customer service by welcoming and orienting visitors, acting as an ambassador for the site and The Trustees, providing general information, answering questions, and ensuring a positive guest experience.
• Participate in trainings that provide professional skill development in site-specific content, interpretive philosophies, and museum best practices, as well as continuing education through self-directed research and ongoing study of the history and cultural context of the site. 
• Promote the mission of The Trustees and encourage guests to join as members in preserving special places across Massachusetts. 
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for guests 

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• Required:
• Background in teaching, museums, customer service, theater, and/or horticulture 
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; further education in history, theater arts, education, museum studies, or a related field a plus
• Excellent conversational and public speaking skills
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the complex histories associated with some sites, and a willingness to engage meaningfully on painful topics like slavery and the forced removal of Native Peoples from our region
• Professional and team-oriented demeaner
• Ability to climb stairs, walk across uneven or hilly terrain, and stand for periods of 3 hours or more at a time
• Reliable and committed to the position, regional team, and the Trustees’ mission
• Comfort with variable outdoor weather conditions

Eligibility Criteria:

• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by their 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.

Have questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org!

Benefits

Your Benefits:

• Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront.

• 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. 

Equal Opportunity and Diversity:

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org.