Description

The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) is a museum, research center, and publisher dedicated to the stewardship of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. The Collection is currently accepting resumes for the position of interpreter. The Interpreter is responsible for researching, designing, and conducting interpretive programs including guided tours for the public. This position also assists the Head of Visitor Services and the supervisor, helps with other museum programs and events, and support for the Visitor Services Department.

This is a full-time position in the Visitor Services Department.

The Historic New Orleans Collection offers the following benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental and vision insurance for employees and dependents (children and opposite or same sex spouse/domestic partners). Medical insurance includes treatment for gender dysphoria.
• Life, long term disability, and AD&D insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account
• Professional development and tuition assistance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off and 12 paid holidays per year
• Gym membership
• Paid parking
• Work/life balance
• Opportunity to work in the iconic French Quarter of New Orleans with passionate, engaged, and respectful colleagues

The Historic New Orleans Collection centers diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion at the core of everything we do. We are committed to becoming a more diverse and inclusive workplace, an organization that epitomizes the best practices in our field, and a community institution that truly reflects and supports our visitors, our neighbors, and our home. To that end, we actively encourage and welcome applications from members of underrepresented and marginalized groups. We are committed to employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Requirements

Position: Interpreter 

Manager: Head of Visitor Services

Department: Visitor Services

Status: Non-Exempt

Date Updated: May 2024

F/T: Wednesday – Sunday as scheduled

Job Summary:

The Interpreter is responsible for researching, designing, and conducting interpretive programs including guided tours for the public. This position also assists the Head of Visitor Services and the supervisor, helps with other museum programs and events, and support for the Visitor Services Department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The below duties and responsibilities are essential core functions of this position. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

1. Conduct thorough research on applicable topics to be used in interpretive programs.
2. Design, create and deliver programs that are enjoyable, engaging, and educational to THNOC visitors of all ages. 
3. Lead engaging guided tours of exhibit spaces and public spaces throughout the properties.
4. Stay current with best practices and innovations in interpretive programming and use various methods to ensure audiences stay engrossed in the topic.
5. Work with curators, exhibit staff, and interpretive training coordinator to thoroughly learn all aspects of new exhibits in order to create tours and programs.
6. Work with visitor services staff to understand our visitor – what they do, their needs and expectations and who they are. Use that knowledge when building out programs.
7. Provide backup to visitor services staff as needed.
8. Participate in training opportunities and carry out research to further knowledge of the collections, the residence, and general New Orleans and Gulf Region history. Share this knowledge with colleagues.
9. Participate in division projects, events, and programs as needed.
10. Assist the Head of Visitor Services as needed.

Job Qualifications:

Below are the minimum requirements necessary for this position.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in history, art history, American studies, education or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of two years of related experience working with the public. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Comprehensive knowledge of Louisiana state and local history.
• Certification as an Interpretive Guide within 6 months of hire
• Ability to learn and retain large amounts of historical information.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Proven research and writing skills.
• Ability to make education entertaining.
• Ability to manage a group of tourists.
• Ability to work as part of a team and collaborate with others as well as demonstrated ability to work independently. 
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to be flexible and responsive to an evolving work environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Ability to learn and use job-related software.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to make decisions and respond to critical situations.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Proficiency in French or Spanish
• Certification as an Interpretive Guide from the National Association for Interpretation

Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position, move throughout the properties, operate a computer and other office machinery, and position self to work at workstation. This position consistently communicates with co-workers, the public and others and observes, inspects, and assesses documents and similar materials as well as The Collection’s acquisitions.