Domestic Skills Educator/Interpreter at Old Salem Incorporated

In keeping with the objectives of Old Salem Museums and Gardens, the Domestic Skills Interpreter is an integral member of the Education Department, charged with moving OSMG forward as a place of continued discovery, learning, and sharing. As a collaborative member of the Education team, the Interpreter participates in implementing place-based learning opportunities for the K-12 school community, walk-in visitors, and adult group tours. The Interpreter is a significant contributor to the development of the department, aiding in creating a professional culture that emphasizes quality, continuous improvement, and high performance. The Interpreter is also an influential team member across all facets of OSMG’s operations.

The position is non-exempt and responsible for implementing educational programs that utilize the 18th—and 19th-century Moravian experiences to teach a variety of topics to a diverse audience, with an emphasis on domestic skills such as hearth-cooking, laundry, and domestic handiwork. The Interpreter is responsible for creating a positive learning environment and providing exceptional customer service.

WHAT YOU NEED

• Experience in traditional cooking or handicrafts, museum, heritage site, and customer service positions.

• A love for history and knowledge of best practice techniques for historical research

• Self-motivated with solid communication skills, both oral and written.

• Excellent customer service skills

• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in teams

• Demonstrated experience working with historical crafts and domestic skills.

• High School diploma/GED required; College degree preferred.

• Multilingual abilities are a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.

• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, push, pull, crawl, and sit on low chairs.

• The work is conducted year-round in all weather conditions.

• The work will require working near a fire.

• Must be able to climb stairs.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

• Ability to sit or stand for long periods.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can occasionally be loud.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Education

• Assist with implementing educational programs that align with education objectives.

• Assist with developing learning materials for the historic site, which will be used in daily activities and events.

• Lead special tours, student education programs (including student hands-on experiences), and other projects as needed.

• Perform skill demonstrations associated with the historical site they are assigned. These may include hearth cooking, laundry, clothing mending, handicrafts, and/or demonstrating other relevant historic domestic skills.

• Wear appropriate period clothing provided while performing the work to maintain the site's historical accuracy.

• Discuss Moravian history and particular Domestic Skills content with visitors.

• Assist with house set-up and clean-up.

• Produce historic craft items for use in the museum or for sale in the retail store.

• Maintain proper use and storage of materials, tools, and equipment to ensure good housekeeping.

• Maintain the historical accuracy of the site.

• Maintain cleanliness and preservation of the assigned historic location.

• Maintain costuming standards as outlined.

Safety & Security

• Be available to work 2-3 days per week, mostly within a Wednesday-Saturday range, though occasional Tuesdays may be requested.

• Monitor visitors' activities to ensure compliance with regulations and safety practices.

• Contribute to security for the site, buildings, and exhibits.

• Provide safety support, including fire prevention, for the historic district as assigned.

• Daily upkeep of streetscape maintenance, cleanliness, and environmental (interior and exterior) engagement.

• Enforce agency safety policies and procedures.

Staffing

• Collaborate in the professional development of new Interpreters and volunteers throughout the department.

• Be available to work evenings, weekends, and special events as needed.

Customer Service & Engagement

• Engage with guests and staff in a warm and enthusiastic demeanor.

• Respond to questions and provide pertinent information to visitors.

• Help solve customer concerns.

• Responsible for maintaining a professional and positive demeanor with visitors, Interpreters, and other staff members.

• Ensure all site visitors feel welcomed and experience a unique journey.