PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION: In support of Fort Ticonderoga’s commitment to preserve and educate, Garden Interpreters are fulltime, seasonal interpreters who engage and educate visitors with tours of the King’s Garden and public programs about the layers of stories and diverse peoples who cultivated this historic ground over centuries. They have many opportunities for creativity and learning while educating visitors at Fort Ticonderoga. Garden Interpreters greet visitors to the King’s Garden, helping orient visitors and answer their question. This position helps cultivate beds within the King’s Garden, around the Pavilion, and on the broader landscape and may use power equipment for edging, mowing, weed whacking, and pruning. Garden Interpreters provide the public face and voice to visitors at this historic site and act with corresponding respect and professionalism. They should be vigilant sentinels of site stewardship and visitor safety while educating a wide variety of visitors through interpretive programming.     

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:  Able to talk to an audience of diverse age and backgrounds.  Clearly communicate with large groups and individuals.  Communicate effectively in verbal and written form.  Presents a professional image with regards to Fort Ticonderoga in all media.  Able to communicate culturally or politically sensitive information with respect and tact.  Work with other members of the interpretive staff.  Understand and follow the directions of the Vice President of Public History and all supervising staff.  Able to work independently, following prior directions. 

RESEARCH SKILLS:  Able to read and comprehend both primary and secondary historical sources.  Able to learn and utilize research techniques including transcription and artifact annotation.  Able to apply research skills to public interpretation. 

PHYSICAL EFFORT:  Able to lift fifty pounds.  Able to stand and walk for an extended period (up four for hours).  Able to be outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.  Manual dexterity appropriate to the interpretive requirements. 

SAFETY FOR OTHERS:  Required to safely use and maintain garden tools and power equipment.  Required to safely demonstrate, use, and maintain a variety of 18th-century tools.   

RESPONSIBILITIES:  Learn the history and provide tours of the King’s Garden and its surrounding landscape.  Answers questions and assist visitors whenever necessary.   Use general knowledge of plants and their importance in everyday life. Perform basic gardening tasks including weeding, watering, deadheading, mulching, pruning, raking, sweeping, staking, planting, seeding, bed preparation, dividing, edging, mowing, and others.   Perform basic maintenance tasks including cleaning garden benches, ornaments, displays, signs, and structures, skimming/cleaning the pool, and others.  Open and close the King’s Garden.  Assist with corn maze operations, being prepared to perform all duties associated with daily maze operation.   Care for tools and equipment used in the course of work.  Sell iris rhizomes, produce or other goods as needed.   Other duties as assigned.   

SCHEDULE: The normal working hours for this position will be determined with weekend, evening, holiday and overnight work required on a scheduled basis.   

SALARY: Pay ranges from $15-$20 per hour, with compensation based on skill and experience. Fort Ticonderoga is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

To apply send letter of interest, resume, three references, and one letter of recommendation to Cameron Green, Director of Interpretation, Fort Ticonderoga Association at 30 Fort Ti Road, Ticonderoga, NY 12883 or e-mail CGreen@fort-ticonderoga.org. Faxed applications can be sent to 518-585-2210. For more information call 518-585-2821.  For additional information on Fort Ticonderoga visit www.fort-ticonderoga.org.