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Colonial Williamsburg Foundation · 1 week ago

Evening Programs Interpreter, Attendant/Cresset (Part Time)

Williamsburg, VA

Part-time

Onsite

Entry Level

2+ years exp

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a renowned educational and cultural institution that preserves and restores the historic 18th-century capital of Virginia. The Evening Programs Interpreter and Attendant role involves supporting evening programs and special events by preparing buildings, providing illumination, and delivering exceptional guest service.

Museums and Historical SitesNon ProfitTour Operator

Responsibilities

Building and cresset attendants provide illumination for Evening Programs and Special Events using lanterns, candles, and cresset baskets by:

Chopping and splitting wood, ensuring that an adequate supply is on hand for each cresset

Building bonfires and fires in the cresset baskets and feeding fires to ensure adequate supplies of light

Arranging historic buildings for evening programs prior to events, including arranging furnishings and artifacts, candles, lanterns, and other lighting devices, and then replacing everything to the correct position after the program

Maintaining lanterns, globes, and cresset baskets, including moving burning cressets to new locations as needed and extinguishing cressets and candles at the end of the programming following fire safety protocols

Monitoring audiences and crowds to ensure compliance with fire safety protocols

Building and cresset attendants provide exceptional guest service by:

Greeting and escorting tickted guests into buildings, answering general questions, and providing general conservation comments

Orienting visitors and responding to guest questions

Maintaining a caring attitude guided by integrity, truthfulness, fairness, courtesy, and respect for the individual

Building and cresset attendants work collaboratively to achieve the mission of Colonial Williamsburg by:

Modeling the organization’s personal/professional expectations

Participating as an active member of a team

Building and cresset attendants perform other duties as assigned

Qualification

Historical interpretationStorytellingTheater experienceProblem-solving skillsGuest serviceFire safety knowledgePhysical fitnessTeamwork

Required

Completion of 4 years of college or 2-4 years of experience in storytelling, historical interpretation, theater, or related field, OR any combination of education and experience that fulfill the responsibilities of the job

Completion of established Foundation, Division, and Department training requirements

Must be able to gain general knowledge of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation policies and procedures as well as familiarity with the physical layout of Historic Area and interior of exhibition buildings

Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weeknights, holidays, and weekends

Must be able to provide annual availability that includes a minimum of 2 evenings per week on a regular basis and up to 4 evenings per week during periods of peak demand

Must be able to navigate rough terrain and steep stairs in low light conditions

Must have good overall attendance, work ethic, and attitude to work as part of a team

Must have exceptional problem-solving skills, including the demonstrated ability to be proactive in a reactive situation

Must be able and willing to work in all types of weather including rain, snow, wind, heat, humidity, and storms, and to come in contact with allergens, including pollen, dust, and wood smoke

Must be able to move 50lbs unassisted and 100lbs assisted

Must be able and willing to wear provided 18th clothing according to guidelines