Position Title: Lead Interpreter, Foodways and Village Programs
Reports to: Manager of Historic Foodways
Pay Range and Hours: $16 per hour, full-time year-round (2,080 hours)
Overview of Position:
Genesee Country Village & Museum, located outside of Rochester, NY, is the country’s third largest living history museum and also includes a nature center and art gallery. GCV&M is embarking on a new strategic plan as we move towards our 50th anniversary in 2026 that will mark an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the Museum as a more engaging, relevant, and sustainable community asset and attraction.
The Lead Interpreter, Foodways and Village Programs is responsible for supporting the efficient operations of the Interpretation Department and the successful implementation and execution of Historic Village daily operations and programs. Additionally, the Lead Interpreter will act as a peer-leader in supporting interpretation staff in training and year-round mentorship.
Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Manager of Foodways, the Lead Interpreter, Foodways and Village Programs is responsible for the efficient operation and development of Historic Village programming, to include:
Foodways Operations and Programming Duties (65%)
· Staff and lead Foodways-specific programming, including but not limited to: daily Historic Kitchens interpretation and support, Confectionary interpretation and support, and Tea House and Historic Dining operation support.
· Develop, staff, and implement workshops.
· Lead and support daily kitchen operations, including supply stocking, cleaning kitchen spaces, cleaning equipment, and other tasks as needed.
· Maintain accurate and timely Foodways and Confectionary inventory.
· Support program logistics for Workshops, Confectionary, Tea Houses, Historic Dining, and other programming through supply stocking, food delivery, food prep, and other tasks as needed.
· Support the maintenance of program spaces through regular cleaning, high-season opening cleaning and set-up, and low-season shutdown cleaning and equipment maintenance.
Interpretive Documentation, Research, and Program Development Support (35%)
· Research and document historic foodways and other activities using robust, evidence-based historical research.
· Research and document workshops, interpretive content, special event interpretive content, and other program-writing needs.
· Support the development and implementation of staff training and ongoing support and mentorship.
· Other duties and support as needed.
Minimum Qualifications:
· 1-2 years of experience in a museum, education, or program delivery field with a preference for experience in historic foodways interpretation and programming.
- · Skills related to public interpretation and education and historical research.
- · Strong interpersonal and communication skills and experience working with diverse audiences in an enthusiastic, friendly, and open manner.
· Demonstrated ability to complete work on time and within budget.
- · Demonstrated ability to work with individuals of varying cultural backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic team environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously and collaborating to plan and problem-solve.
- Basic computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office, Word, and Outlook.
· Ability to work some nights and weekends and flexibility to adjust to schedule changes and assignments.
- · Ability to stand for extended periods of time and walk up to 3 miles a day in all types of weather.
- · Ability to perform physical work such as kneeling, reaching, bending, pulling, and pushing and to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
· Must complete a background check and possess a valid driver’s license.
How to Apply: Interested applicants should visit www.gcv.org/employment/ to apply and include both a cover letter and resume. Please include a sample of created garments, including pictures and/or videos.
Museum Overview: Genesee Country Village & Museum, located in Mumford, NY 25 miles outside of Rochester, is the largest living history museum in New York State. Our 68-building Historic Village, John L. Wehle Gallery, and Genesee Country Nature Center host nearly 100,000 guests each year on site, off site around the community, and online across the world. Learn more on our website.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Genesee Country Village & Museum is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to all employees, applicants, and interns for employment. We recruit, hire, train, and promote without discrimination due to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, citizenship, national origin, military or veteran status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Diversity Statement: Genesee Country Village & Museum is actively committed to broadening our understanding of DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion), and making it part of everything that we do. Guided by our mission, values, and inclusive culture of curiosity, we strive to dismantle inequity and address erasure through ongoing dynamic interpretation, communications, research, and outreach. We celebrate the stories of our shared past; connect the rich diversity of the 19th century to the present; and collaborate with the communities we serve to create welcoming spaces for learning, work, exploration, and play.
