Historic Site Interpreter



Job Details

Historic Site Interpreter
Employer

City of Brooklyn Park

Salary

$10.00 - $14.00 Hourly

Location

Brooklyn Park, MN

Job Type

Seasonal Temporary

Job Number

2018-00184-EB

Department

Recreation and Parks

Division

Recreation Programs

Opening Date

05/01/2018

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 to engage, educate, and entertain visitors.  S/he will be responsible, in S/He will be responsible for conducting various interpretive programs and providing customer service to patrons of the Eidem Homestead.
 
NOTE:  This is a seasonal position, not a summer job.  This job posting will be open until all positions are 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

  • 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.
  • Prepare and implement history-related educational tours, programs and activities for school and/or community groups.
  • Occasionally assist with off-site activities such as school outreaches, parades, etc.
  • Maintain close and effective working relationships with city staff, volunteers, and community groups.
  • Study site-related materials to enhance the delivery of the site's interpretive program.
  • Provide supervision and security during activities and programs.
  • Perform admissions, retail sales and clerical duties.
  • Wear period-style costumes
  • Follow site safety procedures.
  • Provide customer service to patrons.
  • Perform additional duties as apparent or assigned.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Minimum  Qualifications

  • Eighteen (18) years of age
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.
  • Excellent verbal and writing skills.  Demonstrates the ability to comfortably speak in public.
  • 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 understand and carry out written and verbal instructions.
  • Ability to organize, prioritize and complete a variety of tasks in a given time.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as a part of team.
  • Ability to perform routine maintenance and cleaning.
  • Familiarity with Minnesota history (culture, technology, and agricultural)
  • Flexibility to adjust to schedule changes and assignments.
  • 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
  • College course work in history or a related field.
  • Experience working with children and adults as a teacher or group leader.
  • Extensive knowledge and experience in teaching, museum interpretation, theatrical performance or storytelling.
  • Demonstrated ability to professionally exhibit cultural sensitivity, patience and understanding in the course of work duties.
  • Interest or knowledge of early 1900 farming and domestic skills.
  • Familiarity with potato, onion, and sheep farming.
  • Knowledge of Minnesota history and the cultural diversity of the state.
  • Knowledge of the history of the Brooklyn Park area.
  • Familiarity with various interpretive techniques.
  • 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 strength 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)

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.
  1. UNITED COMMUNITY:  A united and welcoming community strengthened by our diversity
  2. BEAUTIFUL PLACES:  Beautiful spaces and quality infrastructure make Brooklyn Park a unique destination
  3. THRIVING ECONOMY:  A balanced economic environment that empowers businesses and people to thrive
  4. HEALTHY & SAFE PEOPLE:  People of all ages have what they need to feel healthy and safe
  5. INCREASED EQUITY:  Partnerships that increase racial and economic equity empower residents and neighborhoods to prosper
  6. 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 10-20 hours per week from April –December.  Weekly hours vary according to seasonal site needs and may include weekdays, evenings and weekends.  Reduced hours available during winter season.

Anticipated Hiring Wage: $10.00 - $18.50 per hour, depending on qualifications
 
Pay Class:                                              Pay Grade:
Specialist (671)                                        $10.00 – $14.00
 

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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