Historic Interpreter II, Historic Fort Snelling

Job Type: Location Type: On-site

 

JOB TITLE: Historic Interpreter II, Historic Fort Snelling

LOCATION: Historic Fort Snelling, 200 Tower Ave, St Paul, MN 55111

COMPENSATION: Typical starting rate $20.22 hourly

STATUS & HOURS: This is a part-time, regular position of approximately 1,040 annual hours/32 hours a week; OR a part-time, regular position of approximately 728 annual hours/22 hours a week. A typical schedule is April through November, Thursday through Sunday, with approximately 40 hours of training in March. Shifts include weekends, holidays, and some evenings.

BENEFITS: Part-time (1,040 hours): Eligible to participate in State Employee Group Insurance Program and a retirement program with employer contribution. Generous vacation and sick time accruals OR Part-time (728 hours): Eligible to participate in retirement program with employer contribution. Generous vacation and sick time accruals.

DESIGNATION: Bargaining Unit AFSCME Local 3173

POSTING DATE: January 29, 2026

DEADLINE DATE: February 12, 2026

TO APPLY: Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a resume and cover letter by the application deadline date.
DESCRIPTION: This position exists to conduct interpretive programs using a variety of interpretive and performance techniques, support admissions and the site store, assist in the daily operations of the site, mentor other staff, and provide high-quality customer service to visitors of Historic Fort Snelling.

SUMMARY OF WORK: 1) Conduct on-site and limited supervised off-site programs, workshops, and tours, communicating historical information using multiple interpretive techniques; 2) Provide operational assistance with museum store sales, admissions sales, and rentals; 3) Receive, welcome, and orient visitors to the historic site; 4) Assist in the maintenance and protection of the historic site grounds, facility, and collections; and 5) Study assigned or site-relevant historical materials to enhance the delivery of the site’s programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to adapt program presentations and lessons to best suit the needs of visitors based on situations that arise, including late arrivals, special visitor needs, teacher inquiries, and visitor inquiries.
• Experience in or willingness to learn computer software programs as needed.
• Willingness to learn and work a variety of assignments, including but not limited to retail and admissions software, site orientation for guests, interpretive (potentially may include military, hearth cooking, shops, etc.), depending upon supervisor assessment of skill set and knowledge.
• Willingness to complete all required safety training, including firearms safety, etc., as needed.
• Willingness to complete Health Safety training and screening, and adhere to MNHS and site protocols.
• If participating in specific areas of the program, such as the military program, requires 20/20 vision (corrective lenses acceptable), healthy depth perception, and peripheral vision, e.g., determining safe firing range.
• Ability and flexibility to work a varied schedule, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and walk up to 5 miles a day in heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Ability to bend, crouch, kneel, reach, push, and pull
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds; partner lift with anything more than 25 pounds; team lift with anything 75 pounds or more.
• Ability and willingness to travel off-site.

DEMONSTRATED SKILLS IN OR KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Demonstrated ability to think imaginatively and problem-solve.
• Basic accounting and math skills.
• Demonstrated reliability and ability to provide consistent, quality customer service.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while also being able to collaborate effectively and contribute positively in a team environment.
• Strong oral communication skills, ability to listen and be responsive to questions and comments.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse public in a friendly and open manner, while conveying information or teaching.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent.
• Experience working with K-12 audiences.
• Knowledge of history, including but not limited to African American, American Indian, military, and Japanese American history in the United States. Hearth (fireplace) cooking technology, Blacksmithing technology, 1800s trade skills.
• Experience in Shopify software, or other retail or admissions software.
• Knowledge of basic clothing, tool, or cookware maintenance, and historic food preparation.
• Willingness to participate in costumed interpretive programming. Gender, Race, Ethnicity and age do not affect what areas a Historic Interpreter can work in.
• Knowledge of military material culture and firearms technology.
• Experience working at a museum, historic site, or cultural institution.
• Knowledge of historic children’s games.

Should you have questions with the application process, email humanresources@mnhs.org or call MNHS Job Line at 651-259-3181.

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.