Public History Educator
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
Education and Experience
A high school diploma or equivalent required;
College courses or degree in Education, History, Public History, Indigenous Studies, Archaeology, or Anthropology strongly preferred
Interest and at least two years’ experience working with the public is essential
Experience working with children in a professional educational setting is strongly preferred
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.
Additional Requirements
The Museum is open 7 days a week April through the end of November. You must be available to work Saturdays, Sundays and some holidays, including Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving Day is an “All-Hands On” day. Typical hours are 9:00am - 5:00pm, five days a week through the end of the season. Flexibility in work hours and days off is required. Depending on the season, this position may include working additional night/weekend hours or days as needed. Schedules may change based on weather forecast, and/or low attendance for any given day.
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
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a PDF file of your resume, and cover letter to apply@plimoth.org, or by submitting them by US mail to the following address:
Plimoth Patuxet Museums
Attn: Human Resources
137 Warren Avenue
Plymouth, MA 02360