Overview
Mount Washington Summit Interpreter Jobs in Quebec Junction at Mount Washington Observatory
Job Summary
The Mount Washington Summit Interpreter is a seasonal, full-time position, shared between the nonprofit Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS) and Mount Washington State Park (MWSP). This position is responsible for providing interpretive information and educational experiences on behalf of the two supporting organizations, such as weather station tours on the summit of Mount Washington, providing short interpretive programs, engaging with the general public, answering questions about Mount Washington, and coordinating a small pool of MWOBS docent volunteers. In this position, you will serve as a knowledgeable guide at the summit, providing educational insights about the mountain’s natural environment, history, and cultural significance. Your enthusiasm will help visitors of diverse backgrounds connect deeply with the site. This paid role offers a unique opportunity to work in an inspiring setting while making a positive impact on visitors’ understanding and appreciation of this iconic location.
Responsibilities
- Coordination of MWOBS volunteer docent program, including scheduling, evaluation, support, and training.
- Delivery and support of MWOBS weather station tours, including but not limited to regularly scheduled tours for the public and members of MWOBS, but also special group tours, school field trips, and other educational programs as assigned.
- Support of museum and state park exhibits, interpretative projects, and signage. This may include special summit-based educational projects including but not limited to: interactive extreme weather learning experiences (table-top and/or floor programs), community science-themed projects, virtual tour development, or other projects as assigned.
- Tabling, informational talks, and tours within and outside of the Sherman Adams Visitor Center.
- Blogging or other written contributions that may include published articles (i.e. MWOBS’s Windswept magazine, both organization’s blogs or social media accounts, digital newsletters, etc.).
- Historical research related to Mount Washington and the White Mountains Region.
- Assist with special events (Seek the Peak, Big Wind Day, Appalachian Mountain Club’s 150th Celebration)
- Light janitorial, clerical, and office duties.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree (or significant progress toward a degree) in a related field (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, history, education, outdoor education/recreation, museums, etc.), and/or significant experience developing and delivering public interpretative presentations and programs.
- Museum, science center, classroom, teaching and/or park experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Typical shifts are usually ten hour days, four days on, three days off.
- Must be able to safely travel up and down the mountain in all conditions by vehicle or on foot.
- Must be computer proficient using e-mail, Excel, Microsoft Word and also proficient in web based research using the internet.
- Strong public speaking abilities, along with the ability to communicate and translate technical information to learners and visitors of all ages.
- Clear and concise writing skills.
- Well-organized.
- Works well independently and with a team.
- Can-do attitude.
Work Environment
- This position is primarily based at the summit of Mount Washington within the confines of the 58.8 acre State Park, which includes the MWOBS’s weather station and Extreme Mount Washington Museum.
- This position has additional workspace available to them at the Observatory’s North Conway administrative offices and Mount Washington State Park’s administrative office in Gorham, New Hampshire.
- Remote work may be possible for limited periods of time especially during the quieter season which will focus on developing materials and resources; however, the primary work location is on the summit of Mount Washington.
- The summit of Mount Washington, often referred to as the “Home of the World’s Worst Weather,” is notorious for cold, wet, and extremely windy conditions. A successful candidate will have both an appreciation for, and respect of, this regularly hostile environment. Offering tours, walking to vehicles, walking around the summit, and providing programming and interpretation outdoors could be in cold, wet, and windy conditions.
- Climbing spiral staircases and enclosed ladders, and walking on uneven and/or slippery ground are a regular part of this job.
- This position is regularly on their feet and moving a lot with a mix of outdoor walking and standing, indoor office, information desk, and museum floor working environments.
- Transportation is provided up the steep and winding Mt. Washington Auto Road during a range of driving conditions (i.e. thick fog, high winds, light ice and/or snow).
Training & Benefits
- MWOBS clothing and gear, pro-deals access to clothing and gear.
- 25% discount in the MWOBS XMW Gift Shop
- Complimentary New Hampshire State Park Season Pass.
- Complimentary MWOBS membership.
- Training on the operations and work of Mt. Washington State Park and MWOBS.
- Interpretive program and delivery training.
- Housing in Mount Washington Valley off the mountain at an affordable rate, depending on desired living situation.
Pay: $15.00 – $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
Title: Mount Washington Summit Interpreter
Company: Mount Washington Observatory
Location: Quebec Junction
