Museum Interpreter

Description

Surratt House Museum is looking for an enthusiastic and creative individual with experience or a strong interest in museum interpretation, classroom education, environmental education, and/or U.S. history to facilitate visitor experiences, tours, and special events. This is a contractual position that will directly support the operations of the museum's education and interpretation initiatives by exploring the legacies of the American Civil War and Reconstruction and the roles that these events have played in shaping the Democracy of the United States, the fight for Social Justice, and ideas of equality and equity.

Chief Objectives of the Position:

Museum Interpreters will help guide visitors through the museum experience, unpacking the narratives and stories that bind us all together through engaging, intentional, and impactful interactions that further the museum's commitment to M-NCPPC Natural and Historic Resources Department's (NHRD) core pillars of:

• Enhancing the Visitor Experience: Quality and Quantity

• Leaving a Legacy: Transforming Education into Advocacy

• Strengthening Inclusivity, Diversity, and Belonging

• Acting with Integrity, Respect, and Trust

Examples of Important Duties

• Leading tours of the museum in a highly engaging and thought-provoking manner during the museum's operation hours (Thu-Sun, 11am-4pm).

• Facilitating a variety of interpretive, recreational, and school-based programs that share historical resources with general audiences and specialty groups.

• Supporting the development of programs largely through research grounded in primary and secondary sources.

• Contributing as an active member of the museum team through collaborations with other staff on programs designed to engage visitors in discussions and hands-on activities.

• Assisting the Museum Director and Manager of Learning, Interpretation, and Engagement as needed and to fulfill other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Ideal Candidates Should Be:

• Pursuing or possess a Bachelor of Arts in Museum Studies, African American History, Latin American History, African American Studies, Latin American Studies, Women Studies, Queer History, Public History, History, Social Work, or a related field.

• Self-starters, strong communicators, team players, and have an interest and experience in museum education, history, public history, or education either in formal or informal settings.

• Possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive.

• Enthusiastic about creating interactive experiences for visitors that are relevant to their lives, connect with them emotionally, are thought-provoking and include multiple perspectives.

• Experienced in working with the public and speaking to visitors of all ages, including school and adult groups.

• Willing to learn about American history, lifeways, regional plants and animals, and cultures different than their own.

• Able to walk, bend, and/or stand for extended periods of time.

• Proficient in the use of Social Media platforms including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

• Proficient in the use of MS Office Suite.

Candidates Should Specify if they Possess:

• The ability to speak Spanish

• Knowledge of K-12 School Curriculum

• Experience working with children from ages 5-17

Supplemental Information

Upon accepting a job offer, all candidates will be subject to or must provide:

• A complete criminal background check

• Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or approved reason for exemption

Work Schedule:

• Must be willing to work at least 15 hours a week, including weekends and some holidays, up to a maximum of 29 hours a week.

• Flexibility for college students.

Reports to:Manager of Learning, Interpretation, and Engagement

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.