Job Listing: Historic Interpreter

Cape Henry Lighthouse Interpreter

The position of Cape Henry Lighthouse Museum Interpreter is a part time, hourly position without benefits.  Located inside of the Fort Story military base, in Virginia Beach, VA, Cape Henry Lighthouse is the first public works project to be authorized by the newly formed U.S. Congress in 1792. Cape Henry Lighthouse is owned and operated by Preservation Virginia, the oldest statewide preservation organization in the nation.

Requirements:

Interpreters must enjoy people, science, and history.  The position requires significant outside work in both hot and cold weather, requires energy and physical stamina, the ability to walk and climb a substantial number of stairs and the ability to lift 50 pounds. Interpreters must like working with and speaking to the public for several hours at a time. Prior knowledge of American History and/or giving public tours preferred.

The position is part time and does require working weekends. A valid ID is required to gain access to the active Fort Story Base in Virginia Beach.

The duties of the position are as follows:

1. Interpreters will provide accurate and well-organized tours of the site to the general public, tour groups, and school groups.
2. Interpreters welcome the public, collect tickets, and direct visitors to facilities, exhibits, and interesting aspects of the site.
3. Interpreters represent Cape Henry Lighthouse and Preservation Virginia to visitors and shall conduct themselves at all times in a courteous and professional manner. Interpreters will inform visitors of the organization’s goals and programs, the need for financial support and the advantages of becoming a member.
4. Interpreters assist in providing security and care for the site, building, and collections. They help ensure the safety of the visiting public and must respond calmly and professionally to emergencies. They follow institutional procedures and will report any changes in the condition of the lighthouse or collection promptly to the Site Coordinator.
5. Interpreters assist with special programs, including but not limited to site rentals and special events, often held on evenings and weekends.
6. Interpreters participate actively in regularly scheduled staff meetings and training opportunities. Interpreters are required to update or modify their tours as new and relevant information becomes available.
7. Interpreters assist in the office as needed, for example by answering the telephone or doing clerical work.
8. Interpreters assist with keeping Cape Henry Lighthouse clean, including but not limited to keeping the staff areas clean and tidy, cleaning the bathrooms, taking out trash, sweeping the museum store and steps daily, etc.
9. Interpreters open and close the site, if trained and required to do so.

The position is as-scheduled but interpreters can expect to work 8-29 hours per week. Pay is $10/hour.

Please contact Arianna DiMucci for an application at amdimucci@preservationvirginia.org

Our mission is to make Virginia’s communities and historic places of memory stronger, more vital and economically sustainable through preservation, education and advocacy.