Cultural Site Interpreter

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees preserves for public use and enjoyment properties of exceptional scenic historic and ecological value in 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 50000 acres including 27000 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 100000 Member encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website .

Posting Information:

Salary/Hourly Rate:$16.50 -$18.50

Hours per week:18 weekend availabilityrequired

Job Classification: Hourly Part-Time Limited Term

Job Type: Onsite

Duration:May- October

Location: Harvard MA

What Youll Do:

Your Impact:

As a Cultural Site Interpreter you will bring the stories of our special places to life for our visitors in meaningful fun and relevant ways and support the Trustees mission to create a sense of belonging and connection at our properties.

The Role:

As a Cultural Site Interpreter at Fruitlands Museum a historic property that consists of several different galleries and historic buildings you will lead house tours and engage with visitors.

Fruitlands Museum has a diverse collection of art and material culture on 210 acres of land stunning views and miles of walking trails.

In 1843 Amos Bronson Alcott and Charles Lane turned a swath of Harvard farmland into a Transcendentalist experiment in subsistence farming and Emersonian self-reliance named Fruitlands which ultimately disbanded after only seven 1914 Clara Endicott Sears opened the grounds to the public establishing a museum in the propertys 1820s farmhouse. Now the 210-acre landscape encompasses five collections first established by Sears: the original Fruitlands Farmhouse; the Shaker Museum the first such museum in the country; the Wayside Visitor Center a classroom education and exhibit space; the Seasonal Gallery; and the Four Seasons Gallery.

Specifically youll:

• Lead and facilitate interactive tour experiences and participatory activities for visitors of all ages.
• Welcome and orient visitors acting as an ambassador for the site and The Trustees.
• Attend trainings and regular team meetings to learn about the interpretive philosophy and techniques used at the site.
• Follow best practices in historic site interpretation collections management and security.
• Work up to 4 days per weekincluding weekends along with coverage during events and public programs as needed.

This is a part-time limited term hourly position workingat least two shifts 18hours per weekdepending on the season reporting directly to the Property Manager Fruitlands Museum and The Old Manse.

What Youll Need:

Training is available for candidates without cultural interpretation experience.

Skills and Experience:

• Background in teaching museums customer service and/or theaterpreferred.
• Enjoy engaging with visitors using a variety of interpretive techniques including storytelling hands-on activities and interactive discussion.
• Ability to share a passion for history literature and/or philosophy.
• A degree in history literature philosophy theatre arts education museum studies or a related fieldpreferred.
• Intellectually curious and open to learning and sharing new things.
• Flexible and willing to meet the needs and interests of visitors.
• Reliable and committed to their position their site team and the mission of the Trustees.
• Weekend availability required.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Current authorization to work in the United States a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Dont 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.

Questions Contact our People team at

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 organizations 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 accommodation during the application or interview process please contact us at .