Department: Interpreters/Docents
Reports to: Director of Interpretation
Classification: Part-time or Full-time; Hourly; Non-exempt
Type: In-person
About the Position
The Historic Interpreter shall possess an upbeat and outgoing personality with a team-oriented mindset, conducting tours of Belle Meade Historic Site for diverse audiences. As communications professionals, interpreters are responsible for presenting a variety of tours, programs, and demonstrations to guests by using informal interpretation techniques. Aside from tours, interpreters may perform ticketing duties, guest orientation, and general office work as needed to support the company goals.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Conduct tours throughout the house for guests of all ages in a personable and knowledgeable manner, while providing accurate information relevant to the major themes of the site’s history.
- Welcome the public, collect tickets, and provide general directions to guests that pertain to exhibits and points of interest on-site.
- Display a customer-oriented attitude while interacting with large groups of people daily.
- Assist in providing security for the site, buildings, and collections. Help ensure the safety of guests; respond calmly and professionally to emergencies following all institutional guidelines.
- Participate in training programs and staff meetings to expand knowledge of the site and to strengthen interpretive skills.
- Update and modify tours as new or relevant information becomes available and for changing exhibits.
- Assist with special events and programs, often held on the weekends and during evenings.
- Lead guided educational tours and programs for school-age groups.
- Complete administrative assignments and projects when tours are not in session.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities
- Excellent oral communication skills and experience working with the public.
- Articulate and self-regulating; reliable.
- Able to assimilate information and impart it in an engaging, coherent, and factual manner.
- Must demonstrate initiative, leadership qualities, and flexibility.
Education/Experience
- Public speaking and/or teaching experience with an interest in history is ideal.
- Experience working with the general public is a plus.
- High school diploma or GED required. A bachelor’s degree is preferred but not required.
Work Environment/Physical Demands
- Must be available as scheduled, including weekends and holidays.
- Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; the work schedule for this position reflects these hours.
- Involves a mix of indoor work for planned events and outdoor activities for walking tours with an exposure to various weather conditions.
- Position requires prolonged standing and walking with the ability to bend, stoop, squat, turn and pivot. Necessitating stamina to navigate uneven terrain and lead tours safely on varying terrains.
- Provide necessary provisions for individuals with diverse mobility needs.
The above is intended to describe the general requirements for the successful performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Duties may change with or without advanced notice.
Interested Applicants please send a resume and cover letter to casey.gillespie@visitbellemeade.com