Job Listing: Temporary Historic Resources Specialist

Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center - Fairfax, VA

Closes - September 20, 2023

Position Title - Temporary Historic Resources Specialist

Compensation - $18/hour

Job Type - temporary

Apply - Please visit the City of Fairfax website.

Summary - The position will be a member of the Office of Historic Resources and will report to the Director of Historic Resources with daily supervision and assignments from a member of the senior staff. Work includes regularly scheduled weekend and holiday hours. 

Job Responsibilities - 

• Staffs the Visitor Center Desk at Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center and at the Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim. Serves as a tour guide as needed for regularly scheduled tours at Historic Blenheim and as needed for group tours at Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center and seasonal and special events tours Ratcliffe-Allison-Pozer House.

• Acts as Manager on Duty for any of the three city historic sites including opening and closing; staff's front desk and supervises volunteers; interacts with public; monitors sites for safety and maintenance.

• Interacts with public frequently to provide local historical and tourist information, assists guests with directions, lodging requests, and relocation information. Responds to and prepares tourist materials for telephone and mail requests. Interacts and provides basic information about site rentals at the Civil War Interpretive Center at Historic Blenheim.

• Orders and maintains an up-to-date selection of rack cards and brochures from localities across the Commonwealth of Virginia and Washington, D.C. for visitors; keeps inventory of those rack cards and brochures and up-to-date display at the Museum and Visitor Center.

• Conducts a wide variety of general office tasks including maintenance of office supplies, copying documents, publicity creation, and mailings.

• Develops and maintains current calendar of special events, recreational options, concerts and more in the City of Fairfax and surrounding area, along with up-to-date list of dining options.

• Performs, as necessary, any routine cleaning tasks for the Museum and Visitor Center, restrooms, and storage areas.

• Assists other staff with the relocation and/or transport of supplies, exhibit components, and office furniture.

• Assists other staff with programs and special events, including setting up and breaking down arrangements for programs and events. Helps staff special events, such as Fairfax History Day, Fall Festival, Chocolate Lovers Festival, and more.

• Assists Historic Resources Specialist II (Gift Shop Manager) and volunteers with gift shop purchases, stocking, and display.

• Provides any needed oversight and support to volunteer staff and assists in recruiting and volunteer training programs.

• As assigned, completes general or specialized work related to Office of Historic Resources programs and daily site operations at one or more historical properties.

• The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Qualifications -

Requires an associate degree or specialized courses/training equivalent to satisfactory completion of two years of college. Prior customer service and courses in American History, American Studies, Tourism Development or closely related field preferred.

 Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.   
• Ability to deal effectively with citizen inquiries and questions. 
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with a variety of individuals including the general public. 
• Ability to perform a variety of administrative office work related to historic properties management. 

 Additional Desirable Qualification:

•  Knowledge of historical site or museum management practices.
• Knowledge of Fairfax area and American and regional history.
• Knowledge of the tourism development field.
• Knowledge of technology programs and social media use. 

Supplemental Information -

• 20 hours per week.
• Position is considered Temporary and will not be able to work more than twelve months consecutively.
• Permitted to work up to 1559 hours in a fiscal year.
• No benefits or leave provided.