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Interpretive Planner Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

State of Virginia

Curator

Williamsburg, VA

... interpretive resources. Maintain professional standards for historical research, collections ... Preferred Significant expertise in exhibition planning and development. Previous professional ...

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Interpretive Planner information

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$39.2K

$73.6K

$109.6K

How much do interpretive planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for interpretive planner in Virginia is $73,618.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,900.00 and $80,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an interpretive planner?

An Interpretive Planner develops strategies to communicate information and tell engaging stories about cultural, historical, or natural sites. They create exhibits, signage, programs, and interactive experiences that help visitors understand and connect with a place or topic. This role involves research, collaboration with designers and subject matter experts, and ensuring that content is accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. Interpretive Planners often work for museums, parks, heritage sites, and visitor centers, balancing education with creativity to enhance public engagement.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an interpretive planner?

As an Interpretive Planner, your typical day involves researching content, developing interpretive themes, collaborating with exhibit designers, and drafting interpretive plans for various projects such as museums, parks, or cultural sites. You might attend team meetings, consult with stakeholders, and review visitor feedback to refine educational materials and interactive experiences. The role also includes coordinating with curators, educators, and community groups to ensure accuracy and relevance. This dynamic and collaborative environment provides variety and the chance to see your work directly impact public engagement and learning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an interpretive planner?

To thrive as an Interpretive Planner, you need expertise in interpretive design, educational programming, and project management, often supported by a degree in museum studies, history, environmental education, or a related field. Familiarity with exhibit design software (like Adobe Creative Suite or SketchUp), visitor evaluation methods, and industry standards such as the National Association for Interpretation certification is valuable. Excellent communication, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills help you translate complex information into engaging visitor experiences. These abilities are crucial for successfully planning and delivering interpretive content that inspires, educates, and connects with diverse audiences.

What are popular job titles related to Interpretive Planner jobs in Virginia?

For Interpretive Planner jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Interpretive Planner jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Interpretive Planner jobs in Virginia are:

Interpretive Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interpretive Planner job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,618 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Planning and Interpretation Coordinator

City of Fairfax, VA

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$69K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Coordinate and track preservation compliance processes related to city projects and historic resources.

  • Support the development and maintenance of preservation planning documents and interpretive frameworks.

  • Assist in coordinating research, public programs, and external consultants to support historic preservation and interpretation.

Job description

Salary: $69,465.00 - $110,952.00 Annually
Location : 10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax, VA 22030, VA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-93
Department: Parks & Recreation
Division: Historic Resources
Opening Date: 08/31/2026
Closing Date: 9/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
The position will be a member of the Historic Resources Division and will report to the Historic Resources Manager. Work is performed under the general direction of the Historic Resources Manager, who retains approval authority over regulatory compliance determinations, final planning documents, and external commitments to consultants and partner organizations. Work includes occasional evenings, weekend, and holiday hours for City meetings, public programs, special events, and project coordination. The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday.
The position supports the preservation, planning, and interpretation of the City's historic resources, including the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center and the City's historic sites. Responsibilities include preservation planning support, regulatory compliance coordination, historical research, interpretive planning support, and coordination with City departments, consultants, and partner organizations under the direction of the Historic Resources Manager.
Examples Of Duties
Coordinates and tracks preservation compliance processes related to city projects, historic resources, and other regulatory processes affecting historic properties owned or managed by the city, referring compliance determinations to the Historic Resources Manager.
Provides technical guidance on the treatment, rehabilitation, and maintenance of historic buildings, landscapes, and collections in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and other professional preservation guidelines.
Supports coordination between the Historic Resources Division and other City departments, consultants, project managers, and advisory bodies regarding preservation planning and historic resource considerations in City projects and capital improvements, referring policy-level or contractual matters to the Historic Resources Manager.
Conducts archival, documentary, and field research related to the City's historic properties, museum collections, and community history in support of preservation planning, interpretation, exhibitions, and public programs.
Assists in developing, preparing and maintaining preservation planning documents, including Historic Structure Reports, Historic Furnishings plans, cultural resource documentation, and interpretive frameworks.
Coordinates the development of interpretive master plans and thematic frameworks for the City's historic sites and museum facilities, working collaboratively with staff responsible for programming, exhibitions, and collections to ensure consistency in interpretive goals and storytelling.
Works collaboratively with staff to ensure historical accuracy and alignment of interpretive themes across exhibits, educational programs, publications, signage, and digital content.
Identifies potential grant funding opportunities related to preservation planning, historical research, and interpretation; assists in preparing grant applications and supporting documentation, for opportunities approved by the Historic Resources Manager.
Assists in coordinating the work of outside consultants engaged in preservation planning, research, and interpretive planning projects, including supporting scope development, procurement processes, and monitoring project deliverables.
Provides historical research support and content review for exhibitions, interpretive signage, publications, and public-facing materials developed by the Historic Resources Division.
Responds to inquiries from City staff, partner organizations, and members of the public regarding Fairfax history, historic preservation, and City historic resources.
Speaks publicly about Fairfax history and historic preservation in support of outreach, public education, and project coordination.
Performs related work as assigned.
The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Qualifications
Master's degree in Historic Preservation, Public History, American History, Museum Studies, American Studies, Architectural History, or a closely related field.
Three years of progressively responsible experience in historic preservation, preservation planning, museum interpretation, public history, or a closely related field.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of American and regional history.
Knowledge of Fairfax area history and Civil War history.
Knowledge of the principles of public history, interpretation, and historic education.
Knowledge of historic preservation principles and practices.
Knowledge of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
Knowledge of preservation planning documents, including Historic Structure Reports, Cultural Landscape Reports, furnishings plans, and interpretive plans.
Ability to conduct historical and archival research using primary and secondary sources.
Ability to prepare clear technical reports and planning documents.
Ability to collaborate effectively with City staff, consultants, volunteers, and the public.
Ability to communicate complex historical and preservation concepts to both professional and public audiences.
Ability to perform administrative and organizational work in support of division operations.
Ability to deal effectively with citizen inquiries and complaints.
Additional Desirable Qualification:
Experience in budgeting and financial management.
Experience preparing Historic Structure Reports, Historic Furnishings Plans, Cultural Landscape Reports, Interpretive Plans, or similar preservation planning documents.
Experience administering preservation grants.
Experience working in a municipal government or public museum environment.
Familiarity with GIS, collections management software, or digital interpretation platforms.

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