Fairmount Park Historic Houses Seasonal Tour Guide

  Fairmount Park Historic House Museum

  Seasonal Tour Guide Opportunity

Philadelphia’s East and West Fairmount Park is home to six historic house museums open to the public. 

Built during the 18th and early 19th century, the homes originally served as rural summer retreats for some of Philadelphia’s leading citizens.  The homes are important examples of early-American architecture - their details, furnishings, history and stories illustrate the culture and domestic lives of the period. 

The house museums are owned by the City of Philadelphia and operated by stewardship groups in conjunction with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) with assistance from the Fairmount Park Conservancy. PPR is currently seeking to fill a seasonal tour guide position to assist primarily at Laurel Hill Mansion, Lemon Hill Mansion and Historic Strawberry Mansion. The Fairmount Park Conservancy manages the seasonal tour guide program on behalf of PPR.  See job details below.  For more information about the house museums, please visit: http://parkcharms.com.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Seasonal (Temporary) Tour Guide Position

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) is seeking a seasonal Tour Guide for our historic house museums, located in East Fairmount Park, Philadelphia.

The Guide leads tours of the house museums and communicates carefully researched historical information to help the general public connect with the site’s rich history.  Tours provide visitors with information on 18th and early 19th-century architecture, lifestyles, and the occupants of the house. 

Other job responsibilities include admission and gift shop sales, daily care of the museum space and collections, and assisting with public programs and light administrative duties.

Training is provided.  Salary is $14/hour.  This is a seasonal position available from April through late December.

Applicant must be a resident of Philadelphia, and should be available to work on weekends for the duration of the tour season (April 1 through Jan 1 2018).  General work hours will fall between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.  Total hours per week may vary based on special events.  This position reports to the Historic House Operations Manager at PPR.

Requirements 

High school diploma or equivalent, with an interest in history.  Selected candidate must possess demonstrated, excellent verbal communication skills and extraordinary customer service skills.  Interests in American history, art history, historic preservation, architectural history, and/or theater are helpful.  Past experience serving as a tour guide is a plus.

Pennsylvania Act 33/34 (criminal and child abuse clearance), physicians’ visit, and Philadelphia residency REQUIRED.