Job Location: Rensselaer 

Job Title: Parks and Rec Aide 4 (Historic Site Interpreter)

Institution: Crailo State Historic Site 

About the Institution: Crailo is the museum of the Colonial Dutch in the Hudson River Valley. Originally a part of the vast landholding called the Manor of Rensselaerswyck, the Crailo farm was named after the Van Rensselaer's estate in the Netherlands, meaning "crows' wood" in Dutch.

Today, Crailo tells the story of the early Dutch inhabitants of the upper Hudson Valley, along with the Haudenosaunee and African people they lived and worked among, through exhibits highlighting archeological finds from the Albany Fort Orange excavations, special programs, and guided tours of the museum.

Job Description:

Negotiating Unit: CSEA (Operational Services Unit)
Type of appointment: Temporary/Seasonal: May – October 31
Work Schedule: 24-30 hours per week, Wednesday – Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Schedule (days and/or hours) may be subject to change due to holidays, special programs or staffing needs. Weekend days as well as occasional holidays / evenings required.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Historic Site Manager and the Historic Site Assistant, the Historic Site Interpreter welcomes visitors to the historic site museum, provides guided tours of Crailo exhibits and grounds to school, adult, family, and other groups, provides off-site outreach programs in the Capital District and assists staff in coordinating and implementing special programs and events. In addition, the Historic Site Interpreter will conduct research, undertake special projects, and assist with the general operations and care of the historic site. Incumbents are expected to climb stairs as part of their regular duties, stand for long periods of time, and be available for site (and sister-site) programming. When needed, the Historic Site Interpreter will contribute to the site’s social media, Friends newsletter, and complete written reports. Incumbent will also process admission and gift shop transactions and will be assigned historic house upkeep tasks.

Minimum Qualifications:
This is an entry level position. Qualified candidate must demonstrate excellent public presentation skills, an interest in local & regional history, good verbal and writing skills, and the ability to climb stairs and stand for extended periods of time. Exceptional customer service, professional and cooperative manner, and compliance with safety protocols are a must. Incumbents should be affable, able to work well with the general public and serve as a team player with co-workers. Knowledge and interest in conducting historical research, managing multiple tasks and flexibility in scheduling and work assignments is a plus. Bachelor’s Degree or completed coursework in history, museum studies, and/or art history is preferred. A valid NYS driver’s license is very helpful. The successful applicant will be required to submit references prior to employment.

It is the responsibility of each applicant to accurately describe his or her experience and demonstrate that he/she meets the minimum qualifications. If you are interested in being considered for this vacancy, please submit your application or resume to Michelle Mavigliano, Historic Site Manager: Michelle.Mavigliano@parks.ny.gov or 9 ½ Riverside Ave, Rensselaer, NY 12144. If you have any questions concerning the position, please contact Ms. Mavigliano at (518) 463 – 8738 (site phone). All qualified persons are invited and encouraged to apply.

This Position is: In-Person

Position Type: Seasonal

Salary Range: $18.49 / Hour

Salary Type: Non-Exempt

Benefits: Contribution to Retirement Plan, Opportunity to join union (CSEA) and state retirement system

How to Apply: Michelle.Maviglianpo@parks.ny.gov