What are the responsibilities and job description for the Interpreter II, Split Rock Lighthouse position at Minnesota Historical Society?
JOB TITLE: Interpreter II, Split Rock Lighthouse
OPEN TO: This job is open to current Interpreter IIs at Split Rock Lighthouse.
LOCATION: Split Rock Lighthouse, 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors MN 55616
COMPENSATION: Typical starting rate $20.22 hourly
STATUS & HOURS: Full-time, regular (approximately 2,080 annual hours) position.
BENEFITS: Eligible to participate in State Employee Group Insurance Program and a retirement program with employer contribution. Generous vacation and sick time accruals with additional paid holidays.
DESIGNATION: Bargaining Unit AFSCME Local 3173
POSTING DATE: April 17, 2026
DEADLINE DATE: April 24, 2026
DESCRIPTION: This position exists to conduct various interpretive programs, provide customer service to guests, mentor new staff, and assist in the daily operation of Split Rock Lighthouse.
SUMMARY OF WORK: 1) Conduct various programs that service diverse audiences at the historic site; 2) Provide customer service to patrons of the historic site and its programs; 3) Assist in the daily operations of the historic site or museum program; 4) Study resources that build content knowledge to deliver a quality program; 5) Actively participate in training to further knowledge base and skills; and 6) Mentor staff members as they learn program content and delivery techniques.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Demonstrated success in conveying Split Rock Lighthouse program content and facilitating dialogue with guests.
Ability to climb the 32-step spiral staircase in the lighthouse several times each day and to walk and work on feet for an eight-hour or a ten-hour day.
Ability to hike and carry a backpack a minimum of 4 miles (round-trip) for occasional tours.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
Ability to work a varied schedule including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
Able to manage time properly and efficiently.
DEMONSTRATED SKILLS IN OR KNOWLEDGE OF:
Applying a wide variety of interpretive techniques.
Adapting program presentations and lessons to best suit the needs of visitors based on situations that arise including late arrivals, special visitor needs, teacher inquiries, and visitor inquiries.
Communicating verbally, listening, and being responsive to questions and comments of guests.
Providing consistent, high-quality customer service.
Working independently while also being able to collaborate effectively and contribute positively in a team environment.
Demonstrated ability to think imaginatively and problem solve.
Basic accounting and math skills.
Experience in or willingness to learn computer software programs as needed.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience mentoring colleagues to advance their education and performance.
Acting, storytelling or musical performance abilities that can be used in interpretive programs.
Ability to conduct research; analyse content and synthesis information for reporting out.
Some college coursework in history or a related field.
Experience with site-specific related skills – baking on a wood burning cook stove, ability to understand and explain mechanical functions of lighthouse equipment, hauling firewood, mopping floors, cleaning, etc.
Experience in or willingness to learn and work a variety of assignments, including but not limited to retail and admissions software, site orientation for guests, and interpretive techniques.
Collaborating effectively and contributing positively in a team environment.
Applying a wide variety of interpretive techniques.
Adapting program presentations and lessons to best suit the needs of visitors based on situations that arise including late arrivals, special visitor needs, teacher inquiries, and visitor inquiries.
Communicating verbally, listening, and being responsive to questions and comments of guests.
Providing consistent, high-quality customer service.
Learning and working a variety of assignments, including but not limited to retail and admissions software, site orientation for guests, and interpretive techniques.
Thinking imaginatively and problem solving.
Should you have questions with the application process, email humanresources@mnhs.org or call MNHS Job Line at 651-259-3181.
At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.
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