Museum Interpreter (Oatlands)

THE SITE

Situated on the ancestral and unceded lands of the Manahoac and Piscataway, Oatlands is located in Leesburg, Virginia. Established in 1798 as a plantation and site of enslavement, Oatlands initially encompassed 3,408 acres and produced wheat in addition to running grist and sawmills. Over 154 years of private ownership, the property was reduced in size and its mansion repurposed as a boarding house, a summer home and girls' school. Today, Oatlands consists of natural spaces, cultivated acreage, gardens and 28 buildings, spanning the 19th and 20th centuries.

JOB SUMMARY

Oatlands, a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is seeking part-time Museum Interpreters to provide engaging tours two to three days per week (including one mandatory Sunday per month). Our expectation is that these Museum Interpreters will work up to 20-25 hours per week. The museum's mission is to engage with our community to preserve history and care for nature at this former site of enslavement. Our programs, events, and interpretation foster racial justice, promote sustainable practices, nurture wellbeing, and contribute to community repair. Our goal is to share the full history of the site, provide historical context, and highlight the contributions of all the people who lived and worked at Oatlands.

COMPENSATION

$20.00 per hour (tours, school programs, and administrative/training time). Up to 20-25 hours/week

ANTICIPATED START AND END DATE

Mid-April 2026-December 2026 ESSENTIAL

FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BECOMING SKILLED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS

Tour Delivery Lead guided dialogic tours for diverse audiences, maintaining deep site knowledge to answer questions accurately and facilitate discussions. Education Programs Assist with on-site field trips for small to large school groups. Assist with in-school education programs. Assist with content development and scheduling. Specialized Interpretation May be required to learn and deliver specialty tours, such as a Garden Tour. Research & Study Commit to independent study to deepen expertise in local history and the site's core interpretive themes. Site Operations Perform opening/closing procedures, monitor the safety of visitors and historic objects, and assist with general site cleanliness. Events & Support Assist with special programs, administrative tasks, and Visitor Center tasks as needed. Collaboration Participate in mandatory trainings and staff meetings; share feedback and research findings with the supervisor to improve tour content.

QUALIFICATIONS

Subject Expertise:

Experience or education in African American and/or Loudoun history is a major plus. A passion for learning these histories is required.

Communication:

Exceptional public speaking skills and the ability to handle difficult or sensitive historical discussions with grace.

Teamwork:

A collaborative spirit and the ability to work effectively with a diverse team.

Minimum physical requirements:

Include but are not limited to: Ability to stand for periods up to 3 hours; ability to talk for periods up to 4 hours; walk over uneven terrain; climb stairs; provide multiple lesson plans per day; lift and carry loads of up to 20 pounds on a frequent basis, and to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Reliability:

Must be reliable, punctual, and flexible. Availability for weekends and holidays is required.

Pay:

$20.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person