Historical Interpreter

About the role

All interpretive staff members are expected to work a flexible schedule including holidays and weekends. This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times as directed and approved by the supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Models excellent guest service, including orienting guests to the town, preparing them for experiences, checking admission tickets, arranging orderly entry, assisting with digital resources, and recommending opportunities that excite and inspire guests.
• Uses 18th-century resources and skills along with modern interpretive techniques to bring the community to life through formal interpretation, tours, and informal dialogue.
• Demonstrates an understanding of operational procedures, tour mechanics, security of buildings, and preservation of collections, artifacts, buildings, and objects.
• Participates in content training and professional development to deepen understanding of the past for sharing with audiences.
• Utilizes credible research and resources to develop interpretations that represent the diverse historical narrative of 18th-century Virginia.
• Employs digital resources to maintain personal time sheets, track schedule changes, and stay informed with work-related email and policy/procedure updates.
• Fosters a positive workplace culture through good stewardship of resources, observing safety procedures, and meeting standards of professional behavior for the Department of Historic Interpretation and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
• Maintains all safety and security procedures to ensure the safety of colleagues and guests.
• Meets all standards of the Department of Historic Interpretation.
• Performs other duties as assigned by members of the DHI leadership team.

Qualifications

• Required: High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in History, Communication, Education, or a relevant field; or 12 months of work experience in museums/living history, interpretation, education, customer service, or related roles employing comparable skills.
• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on Colonial Williamsburg Foundation criteria.
• Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• May not have more than 1 moving violation or at-fault accident within 12 months.
• May not have more than 2 moving violations or at-fault accidents within 36 months.
• May not have any serious motor vehicle violations, including excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.
• Preferred: Demonstrate aptitude for learning and sharing 18th-century history relevant to Williamsburg, Colonial Virginia, British-American colonies, Eastern Woodlands Indigenous cultures, West African cultures, and the Trans-Atlantic world, with the ability to distill information for diverse audiences.
• Absorb and incorporate information, organize and present meaningful interpretations to groups of all ages, backgrounds, and genders that cater to multiple learning styles.
• Model exceptional guest service and maintain a welcoming and enthusiastic demeanor with guests and colleagues.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, contractors, and stakeholders to foster a professional and positive work environment.
• Wear 18th-century reproduction clothing as instructed and provided by Colonial Williamsburg’s Department of Historical Clothing and Dress.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and flexibility.
• Ability to work in all job-related environments, including inclement and varying weather conditions, extreme heat and cold, and potential exposure to allergens and insects.
• Able to meet physical requirements of the position, including standing, walking, or talking for up to seven hours in a day.
• Able to perform effectively and professionally under atypical conditions.
• Demonstrate ability to use digital resources, computers, and other electronic devices.
• Embrace an inclusive environment and collaborate with individuals of diverse backgrounds.

Skills

• Knowledge of 18th-century American history, particularly Colonial Virginia and Williamsburg.
• Ability to engage diverse audiences through dynamic historical interpretation and storytelling.
• Strong public speaking and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to research, learn, retain, and accurately present historical content.
• Commitment to providing exceptional guest service and educational experiences.
• Ability to adapt interpretive approaches for varied audiences, learning styles, and group sizes.
• Ability to discuss complex or sensitive historical topics with professionalism and inclusivity.
• Strong teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced public environment, both indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to wear historical clothing and perform duties in a living history setting.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Stand: Frequently
• Walk: Frequently
• Sit: Occasionally
• Use hands/fingers: Frequently
• Climb or balance: Occasionally
• Stoop / kneel / crouch / crawl: Occasionally
• Reach with hands/arms: Frequently
• Talk or hear: Constantly
• Lifting up to 10 lbs: Frequently
• Lifting up to 25 lbs: Occasionally
• Lifting up to 50 lbs (with assistance): Rarely
• Lifting up to 100 lbs (with assistance): Rarely
• More than 100 lbs (with assistance): Rarely
• Wet/humid conditions: Frequently
• Work near moving mechanical parts: Rarely
• Fumes / airborne particles (dust, pollen, smoke): Occasionally
• Extreme cold: Occasionally
• Extreme heat: Occasionally

Schedule

Full-Time, 40 hours per week. Standard shift schedule is 8:45–5:15; occasionally required to work later into the evening.

Pay

Range: $16.78 to $25.14 per hour. Actual compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.