Interpreter I, Split Rock Lighthouse - Two Harbors, MN, US

JOB TITLE: Interpreter I, Split Rock Lighthouse · LOCATION: Split Rock Lighthouse, 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors, MN 55616  · COMPENSATION: Typical starting rate $19.67 hourly · STATUS & HOURS: Part-time regular position of approximately 418 annual hours. A typical ...

Job description

JOB TITLE: Interpreter I, Split Rock Lighthouse

LOCATION: Split Rock Lighthouse, 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors, MN 55616 

COMPENSATION: Typical starting rate $19.67 hourly

STATUS & HOURS: Part-time regular position of approximately 418 annual hours. A typical schedule is 32 hours per week, June through August, 3-5 days a week, with two weekends per month. 

Part-time regular position of approximately 963 annual hours. A typical schedule is 32 hours per week, May through October, 3-5 days a week, with two weekends per month. 

BENEFITS:  Eligible to participate in a retirement program with employer contribution.  Generous vacation and sick time accruals.

DESIGNATION: Bargaining Unit AFSCME Local 3173

POSTING DATE: February 18, 2026

DEADLINE DATE: March 4, 2026

TO APPLY: Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society's career center at  and include a resume and cover letter by the application deadline date.  

DESCRIPTION:  This position exists to engage, educate, and entertain visitors to the Split Rock Lighthouse Historic Site.  The Interpreter I engages visitors of all ages and learning abilities by choosing effectively among a variety of interpretive and performance techniques and skillfully applying these techniques.  The Interpreter I provides customer service to patrons and assists in the daily operations of the museum program.

SUMMARY OF WORK:  1) Conduct various programs that serve diverse historic site or museum audiences; 2) Assist in the daily operations of the historic site program; 3) Provide customer service to patrons of the historic site or museum and its programs. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent oral communication skills.

• Ability to listen to the public and be responsive to inquiries and comments.

• Experience as a teacher or group leader working with diverse audiences.

• Strong customer service skills in working with a diverse public, including children, teachers, senior citizens, people with various disabilities, persons of different ethnic or cultural backgrounds, people of color, and professional staff.

• Acting, storytelling, or musical performance abilities that can be used in interpretive programs.

• Knowledge of Minnesota history and the cultural diversity of the state.

• Ability to master program information and present it according to interpretive or learning objectives.

• Ability to master and apply a wide variety of interpretive techniques.

• Flexibility to adjust to changes in schedule and assignments.

• Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.

• Ability to climb the 32-step spiral staircase in the lighthouse several times each day and to walk and work on one's feet for an eight-hour day.

• Ability to work a varying schedule, including weekends, from May through October.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Some college coursework in history or a related field.

• Extensive knowledge and experience in museum interpretation, theatrical performance or storytelling.

• Knowledge of Minnesota history and the cultural diversity of the state.

• Knowledge of the history of Split Rock Lighthouse and the North Shore area.

• Experience with site-specific related skills – baking on a wood-burning cook stove, ability to understand and explain mechanical functions of lighthouse equipment, hauling firewood, mopping floors, cleaning, etc.

• Demonstrated strength in providing consistent, quality customer service.

Should you have questions with the application process, email  or call MNHS Job Line at

At MNHS, we don't just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.