Museum Programs: Dousman’s Mill, Historic Interpreter

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Dousman’s Mill, Historic Interpreter

Department:Museum Programs
Location:Dousman’s Mill, Mackinaw City
Start/End Date: Early May into early September
Pay Rate:Starting at $15.00/hr

This position serves visitors to Mackinac State Historic Parks (MSHP) by working as a costumed historic interpreter at Dousman’s Mill, a reconstructed water-powered sawmill and outbuildings near Mackinaw City, Michigan. This full-time seasonal position is responsible for interpreting the mill, workshop, and mill operator’s house, highlighting historic uses of natural resources, primarily during the period of .

• Put visitors first by treating them with respect, serving their needs, and providing them with an enjoyable and educational experience.
• Interpret 19th century uses of natural resources through programs about historic milling, farming, and domestic life at the Straits of Mackinac.
• Present regularly scheduled demonstrations of the reconstructed water-powered sawmill.
• Present regularly scheduled programs and tool demonstrations at the sawpit area and workshop.
• Present regularly scheduled programs at the mill operator’s house about daily life in the early 19th century.
• Provide informal historic interpretation to visitors between scheduled presentations.
• Keep the Dousman’s Mill park operations staff informed about any problems with the sawmill operation.
• Participate in other interpretive presentations and special events as required.

• Must be 18 years or older as of date of hire.
• Must have an interest in cultural history interpretation, preferably working toward a degree in history or related field.
• Must be out-going, enthusiastic and have strong public contact and speaking skills.
• Should have a basic knowledge of woodworking tools and their use.
• Must be able to work for the number of weeks assigned.
• Must be willing to work most weekends and holidays during the visitor season.

The workstation for this position is Dousman’s Mill, located near Mackinaw City, although the employee may be required to work at other MSHP park sites if park needs require it. The position is based both inside and outside reconstructed historic buildings at Dousman’s Mill. Work schedules are posted in advance and are subject to change depending on park operational needs. A normal work schedule is 40 hours per week;

however, hours, days, and weeks worked may vary. The employee may be asked to work evenings, holidays, and/or weekends as park needs dictate.

This position will require the employee to wear historic costumes in all types of weather conditions, including extreme heat. This position regularly utilizes a variety of hand tools, including axes and saws, and operates the reconstructed water-powered sawmill, which may include exposure to noise and vibration. Stretching and bending are moves commonly made throughout the day by employees in this position.

The employee must have the ability to do the following activities, with or without, reasonable accommodation:
Frequent lifting, carrying, transporting, loading and unloading of supplies, walking long distances and up steep inclines in all weather conditions, frequent twisting, bending, stooping, reaching and grasping, sitting and/or standing for long periods of time, and ability to utilize ferry boat transportation to and from Mackinac Island.

The park maintains a dress code for employees in the public service to promote a productive and safe work environment and to maintain MSHP’s public image. This means no inappropriate hairstyles, jewelry, clothing or fashion statements are allowed. You are required to be in approved park…