Plimoth Patuxet Museums
This is a Paid position.
Position: Public History Educator
Plimoth Patuxet Museums is a living history museum of the 17th-century that provides engaging and experiential outdoor and indoor learning environments on its main campus, and at Mayflower II on Plymouth’s waterfront, and at the Plimoth Grist Mill. Our permanent exhibits tell the complex and interwoven stories of two distinct cultures – English and Wampanoag.
Operating on a remarkable property overlooking Cape Cod Bay, Plimoth Patuxet brings the story of the United States’ early foundation to life for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year since its founding in 1947. The main exhibits are enhanced with an exciting array of special events, public programs and workshops that offer a rich and diverse exploration of the 17th-century.
Plimoth Patuxet Museums Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.
POSITION SUMMARY
Public History Educators (PHEs) are flexible, multifaceted, guest facing, integral parts of the Historic Sites Team. They serve as modern historians on our living history sites, speaking from a 21st-century perspective to enrich the guest experience. PHEs work collaboratively with other Museum employees and volunteers who share the same work space to deliver a high quality, engaging, interactive, fun and educational experience to guests. They are trained by the Museum in a variety of content areas such as 17th-century history and lifeways, guided tours, as well as museum, dining and education programs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
- Engage guests in conversations about the history of the 17th-century Atlantic world by meeting guests where they are, and thoughtfully guiding their learning
- Create a hands-on learning environment by involving guests in demonstrations, activities and programs
- Conduct timed programming and demonstrations on a variety of sites
- Create a hands-on learning environment by involving guests in demonstrations, activities and programs.
- Learn relevant historical information in a timely manner.
- Prepare and run educationally based programming both on and off site including after-hours programming and dining programs as assigned
- Facilitate school and group visits, virtual programs and off-campus programs as assigned
- Lead guided tours at the main campus, Plimoth Grist Mill, Mayflower II and other locations as assigned
- Provide a friendly and welcoming presence for all guests and coworkers throughout the Museum.
- Properly use and care for all museum owned materials including but not limited to historical reproductions, historical clothing, training materials, uniforms, voice amplification devices, and tools
- Assist in daily maintenance of the sites including basic gardening and woodworking and cleaning, etc.
- Attend all meetings, trainings and professional development sessions as assigned
- Adhere to the policies of Plimoth Patuxet Museums as outlined in the Museum Employee manual and current job description
This description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of key responsibilities of the job as it is at present, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. This job description may be reviewed by management at any time either to ensure that it relates to the job currently being performed, or to incorporate changes. Management reserves the right to change a job description; and if/when doing so will discuss with the employee so that any changes are understood by the employee.
REQUIRED SKILLS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Flexibility, resilience and a growth mindset
- Ability to read and understand a variety of historical and educational sources
- An engaging and creative personality with the ability to communicate clearly and engagingly with guests and colleagues.
- Fluency in English, strong verbal skills
- Demonstrated ability to communicate skillfully with a wide range of people from different cultural and social backgrounds and diverse learning styles
- Demonstrated ability and strong interest in working with children
- Ability to work in an outdoor environment, in all weather
- Great at problem-solving in the moment
- Have a positive attitude and sense of humor
- Reliability, dependability and punctuality
- Courtesy and honesty
- Ability to work independently, without direct supervision as well as part of a team
- Skilled at using Google Suite, Zoom and other computer applications
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Duties may include:
- Working sitting, standing, bent over or kneeling;
- May involve some lifting and moving of objects; Must be able to lift 25 pounds.
- Standing for extended periods; climbing stairs, ladders, companionways, and/or gangways.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
- The workplace is not climate controlled.
- This position requires outdoor work in a variety of conditions.
- When outdoors, it can sometimes be in adverse weather conditions.
- Work may be performed in dusty and smoky environments; in poorly lit areas; near open fires.
- The noise level in the workplace varies from quiet to loud.
CORE COMMITMENTS
Whether part-time or full-time, year-round or seasonal, all staff and volunteers at Plimoth Patuxet advance the Museum’s educational mission and strategic goals. They uphold the Museum’s core values and principles in their work and in all of their interactions with the public and with coworkers. This commitment helps to ensure that Plimoth’s reputation for excellence is maintained and that, as stewards of the Museum, we are helping to create a relevant and sustainable future for Plimoth Patuxet Museums. The core principles that guide us in our work are:
- Safety and Comfort
- Compassionate Customer Experience
- Professional Excellence
- Personal Accountability
- Advance a Culture of Philanthropy
- Teamwork
