Museum Programs: Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Interpreter

Department: Museum Programs
Locations: Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Mackinaw City
Start/End Date: early May-early June through August-mid October
Pay Rate: Starting at $13.15/hr

Click here to fill out an application.

Scope of Duties:

Mackinac State Historic Parks (MSHP) seeks qualified individuals to serve as historic interpreters at the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, an original 19^th century light station in Mackinaw City, Michigan. This full-time seasonal position is responsible for interpreting the history of lighthouse keepers and their families at Old Mackinac Point in the early 20^th century.

Responsibilities:

1. Put visitors to Michilimackinac and other MSHP sites first by treating them with respect, serving their needs, and providing an enjoyable and educational experience.
2. Interpret the history of the Old Mackinac Point light station, United States Lighthouse Service, lighthouse technology, Great Lakes shipping in the early 20th century, Straits of Mackinac shipwrecks, and the role of the lighthouse keeper and family in the operation of the station.
3. Conduct tours of the lighthouse tower and interpret the grounds and keepers’ quarters.
4. Participate in other interpretive programs and special events as required.

Position Requirements:

1. Must have an interest in historical interpretation and be dedicated to public engagement and education.
2. Must be outgoing, enthusiastic, self-motivated, and have strong public speaking skills.
3. Experience with or interest in historic interpretation, Great Lakes maritime history, lighthouse development and technology, and early 20^th century material culture and society is strongly recommended.
4. Must be able to follow verbal and written directions, and be able to verbally communicate with visitors and coworkers.
5. Must be able to work assigned position length. Positions work 12 to 23 weeks, will start in early May or June, and will work to Labor Day or through October; length of employment will vary depending on the position.

Work Location and Schedule:
This is a full-time seasonal position, which typically works 40 hours per week for 23 weeks from early May through mid-October (shorter-term full time positions are also available; see position requirements). The workstation for this position is the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, although the employee may be required to work at other MSHP park sites. The position is primarily based indoors at the lighthouse, but outdoor work is required on a regular basis. Work schedules are posted in advance and are subject to change depending on park operational needs. The employee may be asked to work evenings, holidays, and/or weekends as park needs dictate.

Physical Requirements:
This position will require the employee to wear a wool uniform or other historic costume in all types of weather conditions, including extreme heat. This position also requires employees to regularly ascend and descend a 51-step spiral staircase and an 8-foot ladder. The employee must have the ability to do the following activities, with or without, reasonable accommodation: walking, sitting and/or standing for long periods of time, speaking before the public, climbing ladders, squeezing through narrow openings (approximately 2’ by 2’), and walking up and down steep steps. In order to carry out the duties, the interpreter may encounter frequent twisting, bending, stooping, reaching and grasping. The employee must have the ability to utilize ferry boat transportation to and from Mackinac Island.

Dress Code:
The park maintains a dress code for employees in the public service to promote a productive and safe work environment and to maintain MSHP’s public image. This means no inappropriate hairstyles, jewelry, clothing or fashion statements are allowed. Employees are required to be in approved park costume at all times while on duty, which includes the wearing of proper footwear. The park will furnish the employee with the required costume items which must be returned at the end of seasonal employment. Violation of the dress code may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Supervision:
The employee works under the direction of the Curator of Interpretation. This position does not supervise other employees.

Due to the high volume of applications, only those applicants invited to interview will be contacted.

Click here to fill out an application. 

Questions or cannot apply online?
Please contact:
Employment
P.O. Box 873
Mackinaw City, MI 49701
231-436-4100 x111