American Indian Interpreter

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

About the Position

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Interpret the history, cultures, and experiences of American Indian peoples connected to 18th‑century Williamsburg through informal conversations, demonstrations, tours, and public programs. 
• Present research‑based, culturally responsible interpretation throughout the Historic Area, including the American Indian encampment. 
• Develop and deliver thematic programs using storytelling, material culture, and hands‑on demonstrations. 
• Conduct ongoing historical research using primary and secondary sources; maintain research materials related to assigned interpretive topics. 
• Adapt interpretive approaches for diverse audiences, locations, seasons, and program goals. 
• Demonstrate traditional skills, trades, and lifeways as part of historical interpretation. 
• Perform assigned interpretive roles with consistency, professionalism, and historical integrity. 
• Support the American Indian Initiative through participation in special programs, outreach activities, and collaborative projects. 
• Collaborate with fellow interpreters and staff to provide a cohesive, high‑quality visitor experience. 
• Participate in training, meetings, and content updates; incorporate feedback into interpretation. 
• Work scheduled hours throughout the Historic Area, including outdoor work, weekends, evenings and holidays. 
• Perform other related duties as assigned. 

This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor. 

This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs. 

Qualifications

Required and Education and Experience:

• Demonstrated knowledge of American Indian history and cultures, with relevance to 18th‑century America and/or the communities connected to Williamsburg.
• Community affiliation with an American Indian tribe, band, pueblo, ranchería, or urban Indian Center.
• Knowledge and skills normally acquired through a combination of education, lived experience, cultural knowledge, and/or professional experience equivalent to approximately three years in one or more of the following areas:
  • Historical interpretation or public history
  • Teaching or educational programming
  • Cultural programming or language revitalization
  • Museum, living history, or performance‑based interpretation
  • Experience presenting information to the public in an educational or interpretive setting

• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria. 

  • Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment 
  • Must be at least 21 years of age 
  • May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months 
  • May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months 
  • May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc. 

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education, experience, and training
• Knowledge of Eastern Woodlands American Indian history and cultures.
• Knowledge of modern American Indian communities, contemporary issues, and cultural continuity.
• Experience in museum interpretation, living‑history programs, public history, storytelling, or performance‑based education.
• Experience developing or delivering educational programs, demonstrations, or tours for diverse public audiences.
• Skills in traditional American Indian lifeways, crafts, trades, or material culture relevant to historical interpretation.
• Experience participating in community outreach, public engagement, or collaborative cultural programming. 
• Familiarity with research methods using primary and secondary historical sources.
• Experience working in outdoor, visitor‑facing, or immersive interpretive environments.

Key Skills / Competencies: 

• Ability to research, synthesize, and interpret historical information from primary and secondary sources.
• Knowledge of American Indian histories, cultures, and material culture relevant to 18th‑century Williamsburg.
• Skill in demonstration‑based and embodied interpretation, including storytelling and material culture use.
• Ability to present research‑based content in clear, accessible ways for public audiences.
• Strong oral communication and active‑listening skills for engaging diverse audiences.
• Interpersonal skills that support respectful dialogue and inclusive guest experiences.
• Collaboration skills to work effectively within interpretive teams and across departments.
• Adaptability in communication style and interpretive approach based on audience and setting.
• Professionalism and cultural awareness when interpreting both historical communities and living Native nations.
• Curiosity and openness to ongoing learning, feedback, and new research.
• Reliability, flexibility, and resilience in a dynamic, public‑facing environment.
• Care and judgment when presenting sensitive or complex historical topics.
• Ability to interpret American Indian experiences within the social, political, and economic context of colonial Williamsburg.
• Capacity to connect past and present by acknowledging historical continuity and contemporary Indigenous realities.
• Skill in maintaining historical integrity while fostering dialogue, inquiry, and critical thinking among guests.

Physical and Environmental Demands: 

Stand: Frequently 
Walk: Frequently 
Sit: Occasionally 
Use hands/fingers: Frequently 
Climb or balance: Occasionally 
Stoop / kneel / crouch / crawl: Occasionally 
Reach with hands/arms: Frequently 
Talk or hear: Constantly 
Lifting up to 10 lbs: Frequently 
Lifting up to 25 lbs: Occasionally 
Lifting up to 50 lbs (with assistance): Rarely   
Lifting up to 100 lbs (with assistance): Rarely  
More than 100 lbs (with assistance): Rarely   
Wet/humid conditions: Frequently   
Work near moving mechanical parts: Rarely   
Fumes / airborne particles (dust, pollen, smoke): Occasionally   
Extreme cold: Occasionally   
Extreme heat: Occasionally

 Typical Work Schedule: 

Full time, 40 hours per week. Standard shift 8:45-5:15 with some variance for special assignments. Weekends, evening and holiday availability required.