Interpreter

general statement of job

this is the second of two positions in the historical interpreter series. The historical interpreter leads tours of fort defiance, the smith trahern mansion, the l&n train depot, and other related historical sites. Also, this position will aid through research and writing interpretive material in interpreting the daily lives of civil war soldiers, clarksvillians, and other county residents during the early to mid-1800's and the effect the civil war had upon them (economic, social, religious, cultural, etc.).

The position will require the ability to share this information using a variety of methods to include, but not limited to demonstration, lectures, publications, hands‑on activities, and coordination with others such as the use of volunteers and friends groups. The historical interpreter will also assist with the daily operation of the historical properties and park sites.

please note: this position is only open to current city of clarksville parks and recreation employees who have been in their current position for at least six months. No other applications will be considered.

• supervises staff to include prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff are trained; ensuring that employees follow policies and procedures; maintaining a healthy and safe working environment; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.
• provides accurate and detailed research of historical events related to fort defiance and the civil war in clarksville.
• assists with preparing final interpretation scripts for the public.
• greets and assists visitors through the center and at the site, conducting tours as needed through the center, the fort, and other nearby historical landmarks (sometimes in period clothing and dress).
• monitors budgets which include preparing cost estimates for budget recommendations, monitoring expenditures, and maintaining records.
• performing administrative duties including, but not limited to, researching, and documenting historical information relevant to the site; handling and processing of money and records and ordering supplies as needed; opening and closing of facility as needed.
• keeps accurate records and prepares detailed reports.
• attends various departmental and community meetings.
• recruits and supervises volunteers.
• performs other administrative, maintenance, and custodial duties as assigned.
• performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

• associate degree in history, education, or a related field.
• two (2) years of experience in a historical gallery, educational museum, or related environment.
• an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the job's essential duties.

• possession of a valid driver's license.

knowledge, skills, and abilities:

knowledge of:

• interpretive center administration and center maintenance requirements.
• historical sites/interpretive centers ethics and practices.
• tennessee and civil war history.
• educational standards, programs, and trends.
• history, customs, and significance of cultural sites and exhibits.
• effective grant writing experience.

skill in:

• effective grant writing experience.
• strong research skills.
• implementing short and long-range goals.
• communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, including speaking to groups.
• establishing and maintaining effective working relationships (co-workers, employees of other city departments and volunteers, staffs of other civil war sites and centers).
• computer skills.
• communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the public, etc. Sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.

physical requirements:

the work is medium work which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• balancing: maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling…