American Indian Interpreter

Responsibilities

• Interpret the history, cultures, and experiences of American Indian peoples connected to 18th‑century Williamsburg through informal conversations, demonstrations, tours, and public programs.
• Present research‑based, culturally responsible interpretation throughout the Historic Area, including the American Indian encampment.
• Develop and deliver thematic programs using storytelling, material culture, and hands‑on demonstrations.
• Conduct ongoing historical research using primary and secondary sources; maintain research materials related to assigned interpretive topics.
• Adapt interpretive approaches for diverse audiences, locations, seasons, and program goals.
• Demonstrate traditional skills, trades, and lifeways as part of historical interpretation.
• Perform assigned interpretive roles with consistency, professionalism, and historical integrity.
• Support the American Indian Initiative through participation in special programs, outreach activities, and collaborative projects.
• Collaborate with fellow interpreters and staff to provide a cohesive, high‑quality visitor experience.
• Participate in training, meetings, and content updates; incorporate feedback into interpretation.
• Work scheduled hours throughout the Historic Area, including outdoor work, weekends, evenings and holidays.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Demonstrated knowledge of American Indian history and cultures, with relevance to 18th‑century America and/or the communities connected to Williamsburg.
• Community affiliation with an American Indian tribe, band, pueblo, ranchería, or urban Indian Center.
• Knowledge and skills normally acquired through a combination of education, lived experience, cultural knowledge, and/or professional experience equivalent to approximately three years in one or more of the following areas:
  • Historical interpretation or public history
  • Teaching or educational programming
  • Cultural programming or language revitalization
  • Museum, living history, or performance‑based interpretation
  • Experience presenting information to the public in an educational or interpretive setting
• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria:
  • Must be able to provide a 5‑year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months
  • May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months
  • May not have any serious motor vehicle violations, including excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education, experience, and training
• Knowledge of Eastern Woodlands American Indian history and cultures.
• Knowledge of modern American Indian communities, contemporary issues, and cultural continuity.
• Experience in museum interpretation, living‑history programs, public history, storytelling, or performance‑based education.
• Experience developing or delivering educational programs, demonstrations, or tours for diverse public audiences.
• Skills in traditional American Indian lifeways, crafts, trades, or material culture relevant to historical interpretation.
• Experience participating in community outreach, public engagement, or collaborative cultural programming.
• Familiarity with research methods using primary and secondary historical sources.
• Experience working in outdoor, visitor‑facing, or immersive interpretive environments.

• Ability to research, synthesize, and interpret historical information from primary and secondary sources.
• Knowledge of American Indian histories, cultures, and material culture relevant to 18th‑century Williamsburg.
• Skill in demonstration‑based and embodied interpretation, including storytelling and material culture use.
• Ability to present research‑based content in clear, accessible ways for public audiences.
• Strong oral communication and active‑listening skills for engaging diverse audiences.
• Interpersonal skills that support respectful dialogue and inclusive guest…