1

Historic Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... historic interpretation, and cleanliness · Strong organizational skills, communication skills and follow through · Ability to handle the physical demands, multi-task and effectively manage stress

... historic interpretation, and cleanliness · Strong organizational skills, communication skills and follow through · Ability to handle the physical demands, multi-task and effectively manage stress

The focus of the position is to provide Carillon Historical Park visitors with historical interpretation and to lead educational workshops for visiting groups. Through conversation and demonstration ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Historic Interpreter information

See salary details

$24K

$64K

$104.5K

How much do historic interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for historic interpreter in the United States is $64,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get a job as a historical interpreter?

To become a historical interpreter, candidates typically need strong communication skills, a background in history or related fields, and experience in public speaking or education. Relevant certifications or training in interpretive techniques and knowledge of local history can enhance prospects. Volunteering or internships at museums, historic sites, or cultural centers can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities.

What are historic interpreters?

Historic interpreters are professionals who bring history to life by educating the public about specific time periods, events, or cultures. They often work at museums, historic sites, and cultural parks, using storytelling, demonstrations, and period-appropriate clothing to create engaging experiences. Their goal is to make history accessible and interesting to visitors, sometimes by portraying historical figures or daily life in the past. Historic interpreters help foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of history by connecting people to the stories and artifacts of earlier times.

What is the difference between Historic Interpreter vs Museum Educator?

AspectHistoric InterpreterMuseum Educator
CredentialsTypically requires history or education degrees, certifications in historical interpretationRequires education degrees, often with specialization in museum studies or education
Work EnvironmentHistorical sites, outdoor settings, living history museumsMuseums, educational centers, indoor and outdoor exhibits
Employer & IndustryHistorical sites, living history museums, cultural heritage organizationsMuseums, science centers, cultural institutions

Both roles involve educating the public about history, but Historic Interpreters focus on immersive, on-site storytelling at historical locations, while Museum Educators typically work within museum settings to develop educational programs and tours. The choice depends on whether you prefer outdoor, experiential work or indoor, classroom-style education.

What are some common challenges faced by Historic Interpreters in engaging diverse audiences?

Historic Interpreters often encounter the challenge of making historical content accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and learning styles. They must balance accuracy with storytelling, adapting their presentations to suit school groups, families, and individuals with varying levels of prior knowledge. Additionally, interpreters may need to address sensitive or complex historical topics with care and professionalism, ensuring that discussions remain respectful and inclusive. Flexibility, creativity, and strong communication skills are essential in overcoming these challenges and fostering meaningful visitor experiences.

What Does a Historic Interpreter Do?

As a historic interpreter, your job is to help manage tours for visitors at a historic site and educate them about the history and details of the things they see. Unlike most jobs with interpreter in the name, this position does not involve translating between languages, though some historic interpreters are bilingual in order to serve visitors better. This job focuses on helping visitors understand the proper context of objects and information, such as how people in the past used specific tools or thought about particular events. Some details of this job vary based on the style and preferences of a specific tour site. This job could involve handling objects, managing videos, chaperoning children, or multitasking in a time-sensitive environment.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

For a Historic Interpreter, earning $3,000 a month typically requires full-time employment, which may involve seasonal or part-time work with additional hours or tips. Generally, jobs that pay around this amount without a degree include roles such as administrative assistants, sales representatives, or skilled trades like electricians or plumbers, often requiring relevant experience or certifications. These positions may also involve self-employment or freelance work, which can influence income levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Historic Interpreter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Historic Interpreter, you need a solid background in history or museum studies, strong research skills, and often a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with interpretive planning software, audio-visual equipment, and educational resources is typically required. Exceptional communication, storytelling ability, and enthusiasm for engaging diverse audiences set outstanding interpreters apart. These skills are crucial for bringing history to life, educating the public, and creating memorable visitor experiences.
What cities are hiring for Historic Interpreter jobs? Cities with the most Historic Interpreter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Historic Interpreter jobs? The most popular types of Historic Interpreter jobs are:
What states have the most Historic Interpreter jobs? States with the most job openings for Historic Interpreter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Historic Interpreter job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 82% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,020 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Historical Interpreter (Instructor I)

Parks Tacoma

Tacoma, WA

$17.13 - $21.42/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Description Based on our internal equity review process, the starting salary for this position will be $17.13. The current full hourly range for this position is $17.13 - $21.42. Join the exceptional staff of Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

The mission of our accredited museum is to engage a diverse regional audience with Puget Sound's first globally connected settlement through historic preservation, experiential learning, and interpretation. Historical Interpreter supports this mission by engaging the public with hands-on living history demonstrations, giving guided group tours, presenting experiential learning during camps, staffing public events, providing presentations during public programs and assisting guests in making connections to our cultural resources. **Applications are reviewed as they are received.

This position will remain open until filled.** Work where you play. Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live. Who We Are Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community

Located in Tacoma, Washington, Parks Tacoma's mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.

Why You'll Love it Here Come work with us and work where you play. You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you'll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team.

On top of that, you'll wake each day knowing that you're helping make Tacoma a great place to call home. Position Information Provide fun, informative and exciting classes or learning opportunities in assigned program area. In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to: 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.

Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards. Essential Duties Provide support to, and collaborate with, other department staff to assist with planning, preparing, and implementing programs. Plan and prepare instruction materials or lesson plans or implement already established lesson plans.

Instruct, and/or teach participants using excellent citizenship, sportsmanship, and inclusivity. Assess and evaluate student progress and provide feedback. Provide each participant the opportunity to succeed and grow their skills through program opportunities.

Maintain a safe and inclusive learning environment. Track attendance reports as required. Provide a positive attitude toward program participants and staff; encourage and serve as a positive role model.

Maintain communication with staff, participants, and/or parents/guardians as needed. Stay up to date on trends within assigned program area. Responsible for the designated site location program set-up and general clean-up.

Ensure program/facility rules, policies and procedures are followed; maintain and enforce safety standards and expectations. Ensure proper use, care and storage of program equipment and supplies. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications At least 18 years of age. At least 1 year of related experience in assigned program area. Additional Information HOURS/SCHEDULE: Up to 28 hours per week.

Typical schedule will be between the hours of 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., combination of weekdays and weekends. Occasional evening shifts

COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS: Demonstrate thorough knowledge of assigned recreation programs, activities, and services. Demonstrate knowledge of safety guidelines and practices. Skill in overseeing and instructing/teaching others.

Ability to handle conflict and solve problems using tact, patience, and courtesy. Ability to navigate emergency situations. Work with diverse groups of people in a tactful, effective, and respectful manner.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, the community and program participants. Follow instructions, both written and verbal. Ability to safely perform job tasks in a variety of park and non-park settings.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is performed indoors and outdoors. Work various schedules including mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends. Ability to Frequent communication with district employees and customers.

Noise level is moderately loud. Standing for long periods of time. Walking, kneeling and/or crouching to demonstrating proper form.

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on occasion. Ability to navigate emergency situations. 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. Parks Tacoma 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. Parks Tacoma 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 Resources at hr@parkstacoma.gov

Employment is subject to a national background check. This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.