Job DescriptionMetro Parks Tacoma (MPT) is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community.  Metro Parks Tacoma is located in Tacoma, Washington. The system is comprised of many different park facilities that offer residents a variety of recreational opportunities. From waterfront access to local neighborhood parks to large regional facilities and attractions, the MPT system is both a local community asset and regional destination.

FORT NISQUALLY LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Fort Nisqually is a living history museum where volunteers and staff, in period clothing, demonstrate the crafts of the 19th century and engage visitors in historic dialogue

OUR CORE VALUES
These eight core values will guide future decisions, business and operations, and the manner in which MPT treats staff, customers and the community:
•Innovation    •Excellence     •Equity    •Inclusiveness    •Sustainability   •Accountability  •Safety  •Fun.  This Hudson’s Bay Company trading post was the first non-Native settlement on Puget Sound Explore the award winning restoration of the fort’s National Historic Landmark buildings. For more information, visit: https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/fort-nisqually-living-history-museum/

POSITION INFORMATION
Under the direction of the museum supervisor and leadership of the education and interpretation coordinator, this position is responsible for interpreting history information to the visiting public in a variety of settings at Fort Nisqually enabling the public to make a connection with the historic resources of the past.

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.

Essential Duties

• Interact with individuals and groups touring Fort Nisqually.
• Provide historical information and answer questions about the original site and inhabitants.
• Demonstrate appropriate 19th century skills and crafts.
• Lead guided tours as part of the school tour program.
• Work collaboratively with other staff members on special event days.
• Open and close all historic buildings within the Fort.
• Care for all museum exhibits, whether indoors or outdoors, including crops and/or livestock.
• Continue to expand their knowledge of our history through independent reading and research.
• Acquire one or more 19th century skills/crafts for the purpose of demonstrating this to the public.
• Mentor and familiarize Fort volunteers with our history and operations.
• Adhere to period clothing guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education in the history, natural sciences, education or related field.
• Experience working with children required.
• Experience working in an education setting preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpretation skills.
• Must have excellent communication and the ability to engage the public and be customer service oriented.
• Desire to work with large groups of children and adults.
• Customer service oriented.
• Positive, cheerful and professional attitude.
• Must be able to work outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions, and be able to stand for long periods.
• Valid driver’s license with good driving record and reliable transportation.

Additional InformationHOURS:
Up to 29 hours per weeks.  Hours may vary.

ENVIRONMENT:
High comfort level in dealing with the public and media.
Emergency medical situations.
Indoor and outdoor environment.
Adverse weather conditions.
Noise, dust, pollen and insects.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate equipment, tools or a motor vehicle.
Work flexible hours which will include weekends and holidays.
Work outdoors in varying conditions and in buildings that lack climate controls.
Stand for extended periods of time.
Walking, lifting, kneeling, bending, crouching and seeing in varying light conditions.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations.
Seeing to read and develop materials, prepare records and reports.
Walking over rough or uneven surfaces during field trips.
Ability to lift at least 25 lbs. to shoulder height.
Ability to assist individuals with mobility limitations including, but not limited, in and out of
Vehicles and up and down stairs.
Show flexibility to perform other duties as assigned.

HAZARDS:
Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.
May work in close contact with wild and dangerous animals.

METRO PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

MPT employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

MPT is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource (253) 305-1089 or angelas@tacomaparks.com.

Employment is subject to a national background check.

This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.