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Museum Interpreter Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Research & Interpretation * Conduct in-depth research on antique automobiles, designers, manufacturers, and historical eras. * Serve as museum subject-matter expert and resource for the public, staff ...

POSITION SUMMARY The Museum Curator and Caretakeris responsible forpreserving, interpreting, andshowcasingthe museum's collection of antique and historically significant automobiles. This role ...

... interpretation, and public programs. This role oversees video productions from concept through ... Collaborate with the Design Director and colleagues across the museum to conceive and produce ...

... interpretation, and public programs. This role oversees video productions from concept through ... Collaborate with the Design Director and colleagues across the museum to conceive and produce ...

Museum Interpreter information

What is a museum interpreter?

Museum interpreters are professionals who help visitors understand and connect with museum exhibits and collections. They use storytelling, demonstrations, tours, and educational programs to make the museum experience engaging and informative. Museum interpreters often answer visitor questions, provide historical context, and adapt information for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Their main goal is to make art, history, or science accessible and meaningful for everyone.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a museum interpreter?

To thrive as a Museum Interpreter, you need a solid background in history, art, or related fields, often supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with audio-visual presentation tools, museum collection management systems, and sometimes foreign language proficiency is valuable. Exceptional communication, public speaking, and storytelling abilities help create engaging and educational experiences for diverse audiences. These skills are crucial for effectively conveying information, fostering visitor engagement, and enhancing the overall museum experience.

How does a museum interpreter collaborate with curators and educators to enhance visitor experiences?

Museum Interpreters regularly work alongside curators and education teams to develop engaging tours, workshops, and interactive programs tailored to diverse audiences. They help translate complex exhibition content into accessible stories and activities, ensuring visitors of all backgrounds can connect with the museum’s collections. This collaborative approach not only enriches the visitor experience but also allows interpreters to continuously expand their knowledge and contribute creative ideas to new exhibits or events.

What is the difference between Museum Interpreter vs Museum Educator?

AspectMuseum InterpreterMuseum Educator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer related certificationsSimilar; often requires a degree in education, history, or related fields
Work EnvironmentMuseums, historical sites, cultural institutionsMuseums, schools, community centers
Primary FocusEngaging visitors through tours, demonstrations, and interpretive programsDeveloping educational programs, workshops, and curriculum
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in museums and cultural sitesUsed in museums with an educational focus, schools, and outreach programs

While both roles involve engaging the public and promoting understanding of exhibits, Museum Interpreters primarily focus on guiding visitors and providing interpretive information, whereas Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs to deepen visitor learning experiences.

What are popular job titles related to Museum Interpreter jobs in Minnesota?

For Museum Interpreter jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Museum Interpreter job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Interpreter I, History Center Museum

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

Minnesota Historical Society
Museums and Historical Sites • 501 - 1,000 employees

$19.92 - $21.76/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

JOB TITLE: Interpreter I, History Center Museum


LOCATION: History Center - 345 W Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102

COMPENSATION: Typical starting range $19.92 - $21.76 hourly 


STATUS & HOURS: Part-time, regular (approximately 1,248 annual hours) position. Work schedules align with museum open hours, Wednesdays through Sundays, and include occasional evening, holiday and event shifts.


BENEFITS:  Eligible to participate in State Employee Group Insurance Program and a retirement program with employer contribution. Generous vacation and sick time accruals.


DESIGNATION: Bargaining Unit AFSCME Local 3173


POSTING DATE: August 14, 2026


DEADLINE DATE: August 28, 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 educational programs that serve diverse audiences at the Minnesota History Center and to provide customer service to guests of the History Center Museum and its programs. This position also assists in the daily operations of the museum program.


SUMMARY OF WORK:  1) Conduct interpretive programs within museum exhibits; 2) Create a welcoming educational environment in the History Center exhibits by actively utilizing a variety of interpretive techniques and delivering excellent customer service, and supports ongoing museum operations such as maintenance, safety, and cleaning; 3) Conducts 0-3 Museum Lessons, Theater Programs (History Player(s), Game Show(s), Short Play(s)), Walking Tours and other specialized programs as assigned; and 4) Study and master program and exhibit related historical materials. 


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills.

  • Experience working with diverse audiences of varying cultural backgrounds, ages, and abilities.

  • Demonstrated ability to learn and apply a wide variety of interpretive techniques.

  • Demonstrated ability to listen to the public and be responsive to inquiries and comments.

  • Demonstrated ability to provide consistent, high quality customer service.

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently.

  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate and contribute positively to a team environment.

  • Ability to maintain professionalism in demeanor and appearance.  

  • Must be able to work a varied schedule of weekday, weekend, and evening hours, which would average 14-24 hours per week.

  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time, while giving tours or conducting programs.

  • Ability to bend, crouch, kneel, reach, push, and pull.

  • Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 20 pounds.


DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School diploma or equivalent.

  • Experience working with children in an educational environment.

  • Experience in museum interpretation, theater, education, or storytelling.

  • Knowledge of, or ability to learn about Minnesota history.

  • College coursework in history, education, or related field.

  • Demonstrated ability to solve problems independently in a dynamic and fluid work environment.


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.