House Interpreter - The Trustees of Reservations

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: TBD

Job Classification: Nonexempt, Limited Term

Duration: April-September

Job Type: Onsite

Location: Naumkeag, Stockbridge, MA

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

Are you a storyteller with a passion for history, art, and gardens? Do you enjoy engaging with people, learning new things, and participating in a dynamic work environment? If so, join our dedicated and lively team of Seasonal Interpreters.

The Role:

As an Interpreter, you will bring the stories of our special places to life in meaningful and relevant ways that spark connections between our visitors and our special places. 

Specifically, you’ll:

• Engage visitors in formal and informal interpretive experiences, including guided tours, school programs, and other participatory activities. 
• Welcome and orient visitors, acting as an ambassador for the site and The Trustees of Reservations, providing excellent customer service, and promoting membership. 
• Participate in trainings that provide professional skill development and inform staff of interpretive philosophies and techniques that improve visitor experiences. 
• Continue education through self-guided research and ongoing study of the history and cultural context of the site. 
• Promote the mission of The Trustees and our work, encouraging guests to join as members in preserving special places across Massachusetts. 
• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation. 
• Following best safety practices, collections care, and security, to protect the collections, gardens, house, and visitors. 

This is a limited-term position reporting directly to an Education Manager.

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• Required:
• High school diploma, or equivalent required.
• Background in teaching, museums, customer service and/or theater.
• Excellent conversational and public speaking skills 
• Willing to engage visitors through multi-sensory interpretive techniques including storytelling, hands-on activities, and interactive discussion 
• Professional and team-oriented demeanor 
• Respect for all visitors and exceptional customer service 
• Ability to climb stairs and stand for periods of 2 hours or more at a time 
• Reliable and committed to the position, site team, and the mission of the Trustees 
• Comfort with variable outdoor weather conditions 

• Preferred:
• Further education in history, theatre arts, education, musuem studies or a related field preferred.

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.

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.

Want to learn more? Set up an informational call with a member of our People Team by emailing people@thetrustees.org.

Benefits

Your Benefits:

• Sick time
• 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.