Museum/Historic Site Interpreter (#MEAZ07)
$33,569.00 Yearly Min / $41,961.00 Yearly Mid / $50,353.00 Yearly Max

This class reports to a Museum/Historic Site Supervisor. Incumbents provide thematic tours, lectures, seminars and consultations tailored to a wide range of audiences such as students, national and international visitors, government officials, professional groups, researchers, organizations, individuals and families. Incumbents provide accurate research and information on a variety of topics to include but not limited to history, the environment, economics, architecture, archaeology, anthropology, social issues, multiculturalism, decorative arts, maritime history, restoration and governments. Interactive programs for students from preschool to graduate level reflect guidelines approved by the Delaware Department of Education and are based on education content standards.  Incumbents support new/revised educational programs and thematic tours by participating in collaborative planning sessions with supervisors and curators, conducting research within established guidelines using primary resource materials to enhance historical interpretation, and making recommendations during the development and implementation phases.

• Conducts thematic tours, lectures, seminars and consultations of museums and historic sites. Assesses visitor level of knowledge and interests prior to and during tours and makes adjustments to tailor subject matter to the audience. Engages visitors in participatory activities or historic demonstrations.
   
• Assists with the development and implementation of programmatic activities by conducting research within established guidelines, proposing ideas for site activities, serving as mentors for casual/seasonal staff, participating in brainstorming sessions for developing and implementing research projects, exhibit and interpretive programs and designing and marketing special public events.
   
• Performs a variety of support functions such as maintaining surveillance of visitors/buildings/contents for security purposes; scheduling tours; collecting revenues, and preparing records of visitation, sales, donations, inventory.
   
• Maintains operations during absence of Site Supervisor.
   
• Attends training sessions, workshops, conferences and seminars.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques for conducting thematic tours with coherent transitions and keeping tours on schedule, a review of period terminology and technical verbiage, and how to accurately provide demonstrations or hands-on activities.
• Knowledge of Delaware or American history or related fields.
• Knowledge of the thematic tour or educational program content and relating programs to various age levels and interest.
• Knowledge of educational and interpretive methods.
• Knowledge of State Museums policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to Museum/Historic Site operations and functions.
• Knowledge of research techniques used in gathering historical information.
• Knowledge of record keeping practices and procedures.
• Skill in public speaking, public relations and writing.
• Skill in organizing research, files, notes, and information for public presentations.
• Ability to assess audiences and convey thematic concepts and historical and technical information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to research topics being interpreted, exhibited, demonstrated or presented.
• Ability to read and comprehend primary and secondary research materials.
• Ability to maintain museum security.
• Ability to organize and present information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to maintain control of groups.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Museum/Historic Site Interpreter

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Six months experience in record keeping.
2. Knowledge of museum practices such as collection management, research, exhibit design, management and handling of collections, preservation or maintenance of historic buildings, conducting museum educational programs or tours.
3. Knowledge of public relations, media relations or communications such as establishing and promoting a positive image with the public, informing or influencing specific audiences through the use of internal and external communications such as public forums, journalism, writing, marketing, advertising, promotions, or special events.