What are the responsibilities and job description for the Historical Interpreter position at Brookgreen Gardens?
Historical Interpreter / Tour Guide — Part-Time
Starting at $13.00/hour | Murrells Inlet, SC
Be the storyteller. Be the guide. Be the reason someone falls in love with the Lowcountry.
About Brookgreen
Brookgreen Gardens is more than a garden — it's a living, breathing celebration of nature, art, and history. As a mission-driven nonprofit combining a world-renowned sculpture garden, botanical oasis, and accredited zoo, we offer a one-of-a-kind experience to our visitors and a uniquely rewarding workplace for our team. If you love people, love stories, and love the Lowcountry — you'll feel right at home here.
About the Role
We're looking for an enthusiastic, people-loving interpreter who thrives on sharing stories and sparking curiosity. Whether cruising down a scenic creek on a 48-passenger pontoon boat or riding through the woods in our open-air tour vehicles, you'll bring Brookgreen's history and environment to life. Each day is a new adventure — rain or shine.
This is a part-time role requiring at least three full days per week (preferably four), up to 28 hours per week, including weekends and holidays.
What You'll Do
- Transform scripted material into memorable, interactive storytelling experiences.
- Lead engaging tours highlighting the rich culture, history, and natural wonders of the Lowcountry.
- Operate tour vehicles and pontoon boats while sharing interpretive content.
- Welcome guests, collect tickets, and maintain accurate daily records.
- Attend interpretive training sessions and collaborate with the Education team to enhance programming.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Valid SC driver's license.
- A natural communicator with an outgoing, energetic personality.
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, and confident operating large vehicles across varied terrain.
- Available at least three days per week, including weekends and holidays.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in public speaking, tour guiding, teaching, or entertaining crowds.
- Curiosity about local wildlife, plants, and cultural history — or a genuine passion to learn.
Work Environment
This role works outdoors in all weather conditions, operating tour vehicles and pontoon boats across varied terrain. Employment is contingent upon a pre-employment background check and drug screen.
Why You'll Love Working Here
Brookgreen Gardens offers an excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance, 9 paid holidays, paid time off starting at 15 days annually (prorated upon hire and growing with tenure), a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, and Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts. Employees also enjoy a complimentary household membership, complimentary guest tickets, free daily access to Huntington Beach State Park, employee discounts on food and retail, and an Employee Assistance Program — all while working in one of South Carolina's most treasured destinations.
Ready to Join Our Team?
Apply by clicking the Apply Now button, or submit your cover letter, resume, and a completed Brookgreen Gardens application (available at brookgreen.org/careers) by any of the following:
- Email: humanresources@brookgreen.org
- Fax: 843-235-6039
- Mail: Attn: Human Resources, PO Box 3368, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- In person: Drop off at the Gardeners Cottage Ticket and Information Center at the garden entrance
No phone calls, please.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Brookgreen Gardens is an equal opportunity employer committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment which is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Historical Interpreter / Tour Guide | Guest Services | 08.2026
Salary : $13