Living History Interpreter

Title: Living History Interpreter

State Role Title: Education Support Specialist I

Hiring Range: $15 per hour

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

Location: Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

Agency Website: jyfmuseums.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation is an educational agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia offering programs and resources about early American history through its museums – Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Our outdoor living history sites and programs are supported by living history interpreters, who create engaging and immersive educational experiences using material culture and historical content to foster curiosity, empathy and understanding regarding the perspectives, cultures and experiences of Indigenous, African and European peoples. Our five sites include the re-created Paspahegh Town, James Fort, and the three ships- Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery at Jamestown Settlement, as well as an 18th Century Revolution Era Farm and Continental Army Encampment at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Our approach to living history interpretation is as educators in a 3rd person role, using a range of skill sets to present to a diverse public.

Living History Interpreters serve as front line education staff, working directly with the public in a non-traditional learning environment. Using a variety of established educational methods, material culture, approved content and effective communication skills, living history interpreters presents costumed interpretation and educational programming in our outdoor living history sites to depict the culture, events and concerns of 17th and/or 18th century American Indian, African and European cultures as they converged here in Virginia, and the enduring legacies they bequeathed to the nation.

Minimum Qualifications

KSA’s and or Competencies required to successfully perform the position:
• Strong and effective oral communication skills
• Knowledge of and ability to learn and utilize recognized teaching methods
• Ability to read, assimilate and utilize curatorial approved information
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively as a contributing member of a team

Additional Considerations

Prior experience working in a museum, historic site, park, or similar public education environment.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Lee Ann Shelhorse

Phone: 757-253-4553

Email: leeann.shelhorse@jyf.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.