Job Abstract

Montgomery Parks is looking for enthusiastic and creative individuals with experience or a strong interest in museum interpretation, classroom education, environmental education, and/or U.S. history to serve as Cultural Resources Museum Interpreters who will provide guided visitor experiences, tours, and special events for two of its historic sites: Kingsley Schoolhouse (Clarksburg) and Oakley Cabin African American Museum & Park (Olney). This is a contractual position that will directly support the operations of the museums’ education and interpretation initiatives. Museum interpreters will explore the roots of public education within Montgomery County during the late 19th and early 20th centuries at one of the county’s premier historic one-room schools, as well as explore the legacy of the 19th-century Reconstruction Era examined through the lives of African American tenant farm families who resided at Oakley Cabin.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a six-time National Recreation and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner, has a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees and we serve a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington, DC area. We manage 421 parks on more than 37,000 acres of parkland. Go to our website to learn more: https://www.montgomery parks.org

DIVERSITY STATEMENT: Montgomery County Department of Parks believes that diversity in all dimensions of the organization supports and bolsters the innovative thinking essential to its success. Montgomery County Parks does not make hiring decisions based on race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, political affiliation, or ideology or status as a Veteran.

• Conduct onsite/in-person guided hikes and tours for families, community groups and schools visiting the Kingsley Schoolhouse and Oakley Cabin African American Museum using interpretive materials provided by Cultural Resources Museums Section staff.

• Work onsite at museums when open to the public, and at the M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks Headquarters in Wheaton (April – November) as needed. Open/close public buildings and check-in visitors and program attendees.

• Assist in maintaining the museum buildings. Restock brochures and program materials. As needed, assist with cleaning other public areas near the museums.

• As needed, assist with development, delivery, set-up/breakdown for onsite, offsite, or virtual programming.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.

• One year of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Valid driver’s license, or the ability to acquire one.

• Ability and enthusiasm for customer service and public speaking.

• Knowledge and willingness to learn about Maryland history and culture.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ideal candidates should be pursuing or have earned a college degree in African American History, Women Studies, Public History, Museum Studies, Anthropology, History, Education, or a related field.

• Experience working in a historical, tourism, educational or cultural setting.

• Experience conducting tours, programs, or activities in a museum, park, or classroom setting.

• Proven ability to excel in verbal communication, attention to detail, flexibility to multitask and maintain stability under pressure.

• Demonstrated commitment to customer service, inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.

Candidates Should Specify if they Possess:

• Ability to speak Spanish (or other languages)

• Knowledge of K-12 school curriculum

• Experience working with children from ages 5-17

This position pays at a rate of $16.00 per hour to $18.00 per hour depending on experience and qualifications. Must work a minimum of 15 hours per week and be willing to work weekends and occasional weekdays. Candidate can work a maximum of 20 hours per week. Flexibility for students enrolled in college.

Work Conditions:

• Ability to regularly work onsite/in person with staff, volunteers, and the public.

• Ability to work outdoors in buildings that are unconditioned and located in surrounding wooded environments, during a variety of weather conditions.

• Ability to regularly move between the historic sites, natural surface trails and grounds.

• Ability to lift and carry boxes weighing up 50 pounds.

• Use of multiple technical equipment and software applications is required

• Ability to provide regular transportation to work. No public transportation is available to the historic sites. This seasonal, part-time position does not qualify for benefits.

• A complete background check will be completed prior to hire.

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.