Historic Site Interpreter/Education Specialist Recreation & Parks Department



Job Details

Historic Site Interpreter/Education Specialist Recreation & Parks Department
Employer

City of Brooklyn Park

Salary

$14.50 - $18.50 Hourly

Location

Brooklyn Park, MN

Job Type

Seasonal Temporary

Job Number

2018-00183-EB

Department

Recreation and Parks

Division

Recreation Programs

Opening Date

04/30/2018

Closing Date

Continuous

Position Summary

The Eidem Homestead, Brooklyn Park Historical Farm, seeks applicants who are highly motivated, team-oriented and enthusiastic for a Historical Site Interpreter/Education Specialist to engage and educate visitors.  S/he will be responsible, in conjunctions with the Site Manager, for developing, implementing and evaluating educational aspects of programs and tours using inquiry based learning, multi-sensory approaches and other innovative techniques effective in living history and house museum environments for people of all ages.
 
NOTE:  This job posting will be open until filled.  If you have interest in this position, it is highly recommended that you apply as soon as possible upon seeing the announcement as the vacancy may close without notice.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Work to establish relationships with area school districts, administrators, teachers, etc.
  • Develop curriculum and activities that align with Minnesota Academic standards with a focus on the unique agricultural and cultural heritage of the Brooklyn Park area.
  • Work with other local educational institutions/organizations to strengthen Eidem Homestead's outreach and capacity.
  • Assist with developing annual and special events – Spring on the Farm, Norwegian Christmas, Tater Daze, etc.  Oversee all necessary details to ensure each event is successful, including volunteer training, marketing, purchasing supplies, etc.
  • Assist in scheduling and conducting all field trips and offsite educational activities.  Make sure field trips and offsite activities are listed on the site calendar.
  • Contribute to the development and expansion of visitor learning and engagement through new platforms on and offsite.
  • Contribute to the development of interpretive signage and materials.
  • Evaluate programs and educational activities, and provide qualitative and quantitative data.
  • Serve on the Program Committee.
  • Keep abreast of professional and technical knowledge relating to best practices in historical site education outreach.
  • Interpret the historic site using various techniques to educate and engage visitors.
  • Educate school children and visitors by leading engaging tours of the site.
  • Perform manual tasks which demonstrate the historical lifestyle of the early 1900s.
  • Receive, welcome, and orient visitors to the historic site grounds and facility.
  • Assist in the daily operations and maintenance of the historic site program(s) including cleaning and caring for historic structures, grounds, animals, gardens, and collections.
  • Wear period-style costumes
  • Follow site safety procedures.
  • Provide customer service to patrons.
  • Assist Eidem Homestead colleagues as needed and/or requested.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Minimum  Qualifications

  • Four-year degree in a discipline compatible to performing duties of position, or combination of education and experience.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • Proficient in software programs such as Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, Social Media, and Outlook.
  • Ability to understand Minnesota Academic standards for creating and implementing school-age educational experiences.
  • A thorough understanding of effective informal educational techniques, interactive education, audience evaluation, and learning styles; ability to implement these skills to create an excellent learning experience for visitors of all ages and abilities.
  • Excellent verbal and writing skills.  Demonstrates the ability to comfortably speak in public.
  • Well-developed writing and editing skills that demonstrate the ability to write for multiple platforms and diverse audiences.
  • Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
  • High level of self-motivation, excellent attention to detail, able to follow through.
  • Good supervisory skills and the personality to work cheerfully and respectfully with others in a team approach.
  • Demonstrated ability to listen to the public and responsive to inquiries and comments.
  • Experience in teaching, museum interpretation, theater, storytelling or group leadership.
  • Experience working with diverse audiences of varying cultural backgrounds, ages, and abilities.
  • Ability to perform routine maintenance and cleaning.
  • Familiarity with Minnesota history (culture, technology, and agricultural)
  • Ability to work outdoors in occasionally adverse weather conditions, stand for up to 6 hours a day and climb stairs many times a day.
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds with or without assistance.
  • Must be able to work a varied schedule of two-five days a week, including weekdays, weekends, and evenings throughout the year or from April to mid-December.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience working with children and adults as a teacher or group leader.
  • Extensive knowledge and experience in teaching or museum interpretation.
  • Experience working with diverse audiences.
  • Demonstrated experience forming and motivating interdisciplinary teams.
  • Well-developed writing and editing skills that demonstrate the ability to write for multiple platforms and diverse audiences.
  • Demonstrated creativity, problem solving, and decision making skills.
  • Demonstrated understanding of current museological and educational theories and practice, as well as meaningful engagement in relevant communities of practice.
  • Knowledge of the history of the Brooklyn Park area.
  • Experience in delivering agricultural, animal husbandry, and living-history programs to diverse audiences.
  • Experience with site-specific related skills such as cooking/baking on a wood burning cook stove, basic gardening practices, handling farm livestock, demonstrating basic carpentry techniques, cleaning, ability to understand and explain mechanical functions of farm machinery, etc.
  • Demonstrated excellence in providing consistent, quality customer service.
  • Knowledge of basic household and farm tools; able to safely operate a small farm tractor
  • Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali or Vietnamese language(s)
Equivalency
An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered. 

Core Operational Values
Ability to work within the City's value system where individuals are valued and respected for their unique differences, experiences, skills and knowledge.

INCLUSION:  We value all people and diverse ideas
  • Cultural competency
  • Address economic, geographic & racial inequities
  • Include the people affected in decision-making
  • Engagement is part of our DNA
PARTNERSHIP:  We build trusting partnerships
  • Teamwork
  • Working within & between departments
  • Partnering with residents & community stakeholders
  • Open & honest communication\
ACCOUNTABILITY:  We're accountable for our actions and results
  • Ethical decisions
  • Personal & professional responsibility
  • Responsible stewardship of the community's resources
  • Excellent service & results
LEARNING:  We learn and improve each day
  • Continuous improvement & innovation
  • Opportunities for learning and training
  • Thriving employee culture & learning environment
  • Professional and personal growth
BP2025 Goals
Ability to work towards a set of goals to further strengthen and grow the community.
  • UNITED COMMUNITY:  A united and welcoming community strengthened by our diversity
  • BEAUTIFUL PLACES:  Beautiful spaces and quality infrastructure make Brooklyn Park a unique destination
  • THRIVING ECONOMY:  A balanced economic environment that empowers businesses and people to thrive
  • HEALTHY & SAFE PEOPLE:  People of all ages have what they need to feel healthy and safe
  • INCREASED EQUITY:  Partnerships that increase racial and economic equity empower residents and neighborhoods to prosper
  • EFFECTIVE, ENGAGING GOVERNMENT:  Effective and engaging government recognized as a leader

Additional Information

Department/Division: Recreation and Parks Department/Eidem Homestead 

Anticipated Work Schedule: This is a seasonal (9 month) position that will work 20-25 hours per week from April –December.  Weekly hours vary according to seasonal site needs and may include evenings and weekends.  Reduced hours available during winter season.

Anticipated Hiring Wage: $14.50 - $18.50 per hour
 
Pay Class:                                              Pay Grade:
Specialist I (672)                                      $14.50 - $18.50

Regular, full-time City of Brooklyn Park employees (30 or more hours per week) are eligible for a benefits package including:
           
Vacation
  • New employees generally earn 10 days of vacation per year
  • Vacation accruals increase with longevity up to a maximum of 20 days per year
Sick Leave 
  • Sick leave is accrued at the rate of 8 hours per month with unlimited accumulation
Holidays
  • 12 paid holidays per year
Health Insurance:
  • Employees may choose between two health plans with an option to waive if covered under another qualified plan
  • The City contributes to the cost of health insurance
Dental Insurance
  • Employees may choose between two dental plans with an option to waive if covered under another qualified plan
Life Insurance
  • The City provides term life insurance with an option for employees to purchase additional voluntary and dependent term life insurance at group rates
Disability Insurance
  • Long-term disability insurance available at group rates
 Retirement
  •  Public Employee's Retirement Association (PERA) pension plan (employer/employee contributions
  • Optional 457 deferred compensation plans for tax-deferred retirement savings
Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA)
  • Reimbursement account for health care and daycare expenses using pre-tax contributions
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employee Assistance Program provides confidential counseling and referral services
Fitness
  • Free on-site fitness facilities; Wellness program and fitness classes offered
Direct Deposit (mandatory)
  • Payroll checks are automatically deposited into designated account(s) on payday
Regular, part-time benefited City of Brooklyn Park employees (20-29 hours per week) are not eligible for Health Insurance, but are eligible for the following benefits:
  • Sick and Vacation at a pro-rated rate
  • PERA Life
  • Flexible Spending
  • Deferred Comp, if enrolled.   
Benefits may differ based on union contracts for employees represented by a collective bargaining unit. This summary is for information only and is subject to change or revocation without notice. This summary shall not constitute a contract or guarantee, express or implied.


 

01
What interests you about working at a historical site and/or a house museum?
02
What skills do you possess that would be applicable to working at a historical farm?
03
What interpretive techniques are you familiar with?
04
What additional experience or training do you have working in history or related field? Please include coursework, volunteering and employment.
05
What experience do you have teaching others? Please include coursework, volunteering and employment.
06
Please provide any additional information that would help us get to know you as a prospective employee of the Eidem Homestead.

* Required Question

Employer
City of Brooklyn Park
Address
5200 85th Avenue N

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, 55443
Phone
763-493-8016

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