Seasonal Historical Interpreter Job at Trustees in Ipswich

Who We Are

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves are open to the public and protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations. We are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. For more information, see www.thetrustees.org.

Posting Information

Salary/Hourly Rate: $16.50 - $18.50/hour

Hours per week: 14‑21 hours a week, with flexibility

Job Classification: Limited Term, Seasonal

Job Type: Onsite

Duration: April – November

Location: Castle Hill, Ipswich, MA

What You’ll Do

Do you love history, people, and theatre? Do you enjoy Renaissance festivals or role‑playing games? If any of these questions resonate, you might be the person we are looking for!

At Castle Hill on the Crane Estate each of our tours is led by a trained, costumed interpreter who plays the role of a servant in the Great House, the Crane family’s summer home. Interpreters greet visitors, who are given characters to explore the estate in the 1920s. Interpreters have the opportunity to add interactive elements to tours they are not leading.

The Role

The Cultural Site Interpreter leads up to four hour‑long tours a day. When not on tour, interpreters meet and interact with general visitors. Interpreters are trained to give at least four differently themed tours, each exploring a different aspect of life on Castle Hill. Specialty tours include the gardens and grounds. Costumes are supplied by the Trustees.

Specifically, you’ll:

• Open and close the museum rooms of the Great House
• Interact with visitors throughout the day, whether on tour or casual
• Encourage visitors to become Trustees members
• Guide visitors on how to explore the Castle Hill grounds

This is a limited‑term, nonexempt position working 14‑21 hours/week reporting directly to the Cultural Programs Coordinator.

What You’ll Need

Skills and Experience

• Verbal communication skills
• Storytelling skills
• Comfortable around people of all types
• Able to work indoors and outdoors; limited air conditioning in the Great House
• Comfortable standing for a majority of working hours and walking up and down multiple staircases
• Interpreters must be able to carry a tray of “champagne” glasses

Eligibility Criteria

• Current authorization to work in the United States
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check

We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

Your Benefits

• Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront
• Reciprocity: Access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions
• Discounts: Free entry to all Trustees properties, discounted event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts.

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion, and Equity.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact people@thetrustees.org.