Historical Interpreter

Position Title: Historic Interpreter – Seasonal                                             

Date: April 2026

Reports To:  Manager of Museum Experience                                                               

FLSA: Non-exempt/Part-time/Seasonal

Salary: $17 per hour

Position Overview: The Historical Interpreter is a member of the Visitor Services team that is responsible for providing a welcoming, engaging, friendly and safe experience for visitors. Under the supervision of the Manager of Museum Experience with guidance from the Manager on Duty (MOD), The Historical Interpreter supports interpretive efforts at the organization and interacts closely with museum visitors while delivering guided tours of historic houses and/or grounds. May also lead group tours, engage visitors in special hands-on activities, and perform ambassador duties.

Essential Job Functions*:

• Work in cooperation with MOD, Admissions, and Museum Store staff to provide a prompt, courteous experience to all our daily visitors.
• Support site interpretive efforts at The House of the Seven Gables in accordance with organization standards and guidelines. This includes but is not limited to delivering guided tours of the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, answering questions in the Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace; leading group tours; engaging visitors in hands-on activities; and performing ambassador duties.
• Answer visitors’ questions regarding the historic site, Salem and surrounding area, and other attractions in town in a positive, respectful, and hospitable manner.
• Help the organization achieve strategic objectives to promote repeat visitation. Share information with visitors about and encourage attendance at upcoming events and programs.
• Encourage visitors to support the organization through membership.
• Attend required meetings and training sessions online and in-person when necessary.

Other duties and responsibilities:

• Perform other routine duties as assigned, including assisting other departments with projects or tasks.

Preparation, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Passion for history and storytelling, as well as being customer focused.
• Available to work at least one day weekly through October, preference given to candidates who can work at least two days per week.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Ability to absorb information quickly.
• Comfortable speaking to groups for extended periods of time.
• Excellent customer service, communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to take direction easily and adjust to changing circumstances quickly.
• Ability to deal effectively and courteously with the public and other staff members.
• Intermediate computer proficiency for use of web-based programs for payroll, scheduling, and point of sale operations.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

• Constant use of speech, hearing, and sight abilities.
• Must be able to climb stairs (including the secret stairway) and stand for at least one hour at a time.
• Must be able to have continuous dialog for long periods of time.
• Must be comfortable in small, crowded spaces.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in most weather conditions.
• Must arrive at work on time and clock in and out as scheduled. Additional time must be approved by management.
• Must comply with department dress code while at work and meet established grooming and hygiene standards.
• Must utilize digital scheduling program

To Apply: Please email a resume and cover letter to Human Resources Manager & Administrative Officer Jackie Besse at jbesse@7gables.org

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

*External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case by case basis.