Interpreter - Adena Mansion & Gardens

Position: Interpreter
Status: Part-time, Seasonal, March-October
Location: Adena Mansion & Gardens, Chillicothe, OH
Compensation: $15.00 per hour

A seasonal Interpreter, museum docent, and guide serves as the museum's primary educational link between an institution's collections and the public. This role combines formal storytelling with operational duties to provide an "all-inclusive" visitor experience that spans historical narratives and natural history at a site featuring both a historical mansion and a natural wooded farm, acting as a bridge between the estate's domestic history and its agricultural/ecological landscape.

• Perform period‑appropriate tasks—such as mansion tours, gardening, basic animal husbandry, or historical farm work—while wearing period attire and engaging visitors in "living history" dialogues.
• Conduct educational walks and guided hikes through the wooded farm and trails, identifying native flora and fauna and explaining the relationship between historic inhabitants and their environment.
• Act as the primary ambassador for the institution, greeting arrivals, answering general inquiries, and facilitating hands‑on learning experiences for children and school groups.
• Maintain museum front desk and gift shop operations, including greeting visitors, collecting money, handling sales and general museum care.
• Maintain the functionality and cleanliness of both the mansion and interpretive trails; handle gift shop sales, ticket distribution, and site security rounds.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Some college preferred in education, history, or environmental interpretation.
• Strong interest or background in history, science, or education; horticulture and botany background is a plus.

• Public speaking: proficiency in oral presentations to diverse groups, with the ability to tailor technical historical or scientific information for different age levels; maintain a friendly, outgoing manner and follow site‑specific safety protocols.

• Public speaking and education proficiency, basic math and writing skills.

Indoor and outdoor settings. Requires availability during peak vacation periods, including weekends, holidays, and some evenings.

Submit your application through the Ohio History Connection careers website:  For questions or accommodations requests, email applicant or call 614‑297‑2500.

Ohio History Connection is an equal‑opportunity employer.

All prospective employees are required to undergo a fingerprint background check processed by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation & Identification (BCI) in accordance with the Volunteer Children’s Act, and a drug test. Both will occur after an offer of employment is accepted. Results of the background check and drug test are not immediate disqualifiers to employment and are reviewed in accordance with Ohio History Connection policies and procedures.

Human Resources Director: 614‑297‑2390 or applicant.

$15 per hour.