Seasonal Historic Interpreter at Genesee Country Museum

Town of Wheatland, New York, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

11 Jun, 26

Salary

16.5

Posted On

13 Mar, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Historical Interpretation, Customer Service, Public Speaking, Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Teamwork, Historical Research, Teaching Techniques, Safety Assurance

Industry

Description

Reports to: Director of Interpretation Operations Direct Reports: N/A Hours/Schedule: Part-time positions are available Wednesday through Sunday, from May to October. Holiday and educational programming hours are available from October to April. Shifts run from 9:30 AM- 4:00 PM with some exceptions. Weekends Regularly Required. About Us: Genesee Country Village & Museum is the largest living history museum in New York and the third largest in the country. The Museum opened in 1976 and includes 68 buildings in Historic Village, the Genesee Country Nature Center with 5 miles of trails, and the John L. Wehle Gallery collection of wildlife and sporting art (700 pieces) and 19th-century clothing (4,000 pieces). Position Overview: GCV&M is seeking applicants to join our historical interpretation staff for the 2026 season. This position exists to engage and educate guests, providing outstanding customer service through daily and special programming in our Historic Village buildings. Interpreters are historically costumed, public-facing employees who connect guests to the past by engaging them in interpretation conversation, hands-on activities, demonstrating historical tasks and trades, and other related activities. Responsibilities (including but not limited to): * Conduct interpretive programs for diverse audiences at GCV&M using a variety of interpretive and teaching techniques in historic buildings and spaces around the Museum. Audiences include young and old, rural, urban, and suburban, and those from a range of racial, socio-economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds. * Conduct educational field trip programs that appropriately engage students of all ages. * Ensure guest safety. * Assist in the daily operations of the Historic Village and its programs. * Attend regular, mandatory staff meetings and trainings. * Communicate availability regularly and clearly. * Present accurate, engaging, and relevant interpretation to guests with support from the Interpretive Programs staff. Minimum Qualifications: * High school diploma or equivalent. * Passion for American History. * Strong interpersonal and communication skills. * Demonstrated ability and tenacity to provide consistent, quality customer service. * Demonstrated ability to work as a team member. * Proven experience providing personal customer service, historical interpretation and/or conducting academically-sound historical research. Working Conditions: * Historic Village interpreters are required to dress in museum-issued historic clothing in all weather conditions. * Ability to stand for extended periods of time; ability to walk up to three (3) miles in a day in all types of weather. * Ability to perform physical work, including (but not limited to): kneeling, bending, crouching, pulling, pushing. * Ability to climb stairs and carry objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds. * Staff will work near open fire, with sharp tools, in close proximity to farm animals, and in a variety of outdoor conditions. Pay Range: $16.00-$16.50 per hour Benefits: We are proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes accrued NYS Sick Leave and an employee assistance program. Every employee is provided with a yearly family level membership to GCV&M. How to Apply: To be considered, all applicants must submit a resume through our website, gcv.org/employment. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Genesee Country Village & Museum is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to all employees, applicants, and interns for employment. We recruit, hire, train, and promote without discrimination due to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, citizenship, national origin, military or veteran status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Commitment to Representation: Museums have a vital role to play as community anchors—spaces where history, culture, and identity are preserved, celebrated, and made accessible to all. To truly fulfill this mission, museums must build intentional, ongoing relationships with the communities they serve—especially those historically underrepresented. Genesee Country Village & Museum is actively committed to expanding our interpretation and exhibits to include voices and perspectives frequently underrepresented in museum collections, the telling of history, and outdoor spaces. Guided by our mission, values, and inclusive culture of curiosity, we strive to ensure that all visitors, volunteers, and employees feel safe, welcomed, and celebrated throughout their museum experiences.

Responsibilities

The primary role is to engage and educate guests through daily and special programming in historic buildings, connecting them to the past via interpretation conversation and hands-on activities. Responsibilities also include conducting field trip programs, ensuring guest safety, and assisting with daily operations of the Historic Village.