Historical Interpreter I, Alcatraz Night Tour
Organization Description:
Since 1981, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (the Parks Conservancy) has served as the nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, collaborating with the Presidio Trust, partners, donors, and the community to support the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). The GGNRA stretches across three Bay Area counties north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge and includes iconic places such as Muir Woods National Monument, Fort Point National Historic Site, Alcatraz Island, Crissy Field, Mori Point, Land’s End and the Presidio of San Francisco.
The Parks Conservancy engages at the intersection of national park sites, local communities, social justice, and climate resilience. Collaborating with partners, our staff are dedicated to enhancing public awareness and providing volunteer and educational opportunities in the parks. We are park builders, caretakers, ambassadors and educators, all working to connect people to parks in support of our vision Parks for All Forever. Join us.
Department Description:
The Visitor Programs and Services Department provides fee-based interpretive programs and other services to visitors in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Position Overview:
Love history? Interested in criminal/social justice issues? Enjoy public speaking? Want to work in a National Park and take a boat to work?
Historical Interpreters work on Alcatraz and research, develop and deliver original programs (in English) about Alcatraz history and its connections to modern criminal justice and mass incarceration issues. A great way to launch or advance a career in the National Park Service or the fields of historical interpretation, education or history. This is a full-time, 40 hour per week, benefitted position.
Historical Interpreters deliver an average of 2-3 original presentations per day, ranging from 10-45 minutes per program and assist with Behind the Scenes Tours. When they gain enough knowledge, they lead 1.5-2 hour Behind the Scenes tours. Employees also deliver live narrations on the ferry ride to Alcatraz for Night Tour attendees. Employees also interact with visitors informally while walking around the Island or manning visitor service positions, answering visitor questions and engaging them in learning opportunities.
Schedule and Location:
This position is located full-time onsite on Alcatraz Island. The work schedule is 5 days/evenings per week including one weekend day and some holidays. The current schedule is Tuesday-Saturday year-round, with work hours rotating depending on season (11am-7pm early November to mid-March 12-8pm winter holiday periods, 2:10-9:45 pm mid-March to early November).
This schedule may be subject to change depending on business needs and will follow the agreed-upon seasonal schedules determined semi-annually. Workdays may change occasionally depending on season and holiday schedules. Work on some holidays and on all Saturdays is required, according to the schedule.
Reports To: Associate Director of Visitor Programs
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
• Research, write and present original educational programs related to Alcatraz history and current events, according to time deadlines and topic parameters established by Associate Director of Visitor Programs (a minimum of 3 new programs per year on topics that further the Alcatraz 2030 Vision Plan)
• Deliver 1-3 interpretive programs per shift, using a portable voice amplification system
• Deliver 15–20-minute boat narrations for visitors attending the Night Tour
• Interact in a friendly and professional manner with visitors and co-workers
• Work collaboratively with all employees and partners on Alcatraz
• Complete required safety and HR trainings
• Assist NPS in Island operations
• Other duties as assigned by manager
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Good research, writing and public speaking skills
• Interest in history and current affairs; interest in criminal and social justice topics or Native American history a bonus
• Ability and willingness to provide friendly visitor service to people from around the world
• Good interpersonal skills and strong teamwork ethic
• Commitment to reliable and punctual attendance
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in the workplace
• Willingness to accept managerial coaching and feedback in a positive manner
• Ability to use Microsoft 365 (particularly Word, Outlook, SharePoint and Teams) and ADP timekeeping clock
• Willingness to wear a Conservancy uniform
• Willingness to comply with all Conservancy policies
Education and/or Experience:
• Some prior public speaking experience required (this may be from a work, educational, social, or other setting)
• Prior visitor or customer service experience helpful
Health and Safety:
It is the goal of the Parks Conservancy to create and maintain a safe and healthy workplace. We work to mitigate hazards and risks that may cause harm to employees, consistent with state and federal laws. Employees play an active role in creating a safe and healthy workplace and are expected to comply with all applicable health and safety rules.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
• Work is performed onsite fulltime at Alcatraz Island in a rustic setting with no indoor central heating
• Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor settings, approximately 75% outdoors. Indoor work requires sitting and working at a computer and also standing delivering tours or interacting with visitors.
• Outdoor work is performed in all weather conditions and requires standing for extended periods of time and walking up and down 13-story hill multiple times per day, as well as stair climbing and possible ladder climbing (for Gun Gallery, Behind the Scenes Tour). Tours are given in both indoor and outdoor locations, depending on circumstances and schedule.
• Work involves frequent public speaking (2-3 formal programs per day) and interaction with hundreds of visitors per day. Voice amplification equipment is used for tour delivery.
• Work requires a 15-minute ferry ride in each direction in all weather conditions
• Must be able to lift 15-20 pounds on an occasional basis as needed
Salary/Benefits: $25.00/hour (Grade 10). Benefits include a competitive suite of medical, dental, and vision plans (free for employee and family), up to 3 weeks of paid vacation plus holidays, personal, and sick days; a 403(b) retirement plan (3% non-elective employer contribution); Employee Assistance Program; employer-matched Commuter Program; employee discounts, and more.
Application Deadline Date: January 17, 2025
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Recruitment, placement and promotions are conducted without regard to an individual's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical handicap, veteran status or sexual orientation, or any other classification protected by Federal, State, and local laws & ordinances. We will consider qualified candidates with criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply
