Assistant Miller (Historian I)

Join the Park Authority and our nationally recognized team of professionals! The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking Assistant Miller to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With more than 25,000 acres of parkland, nine RECenters, eight golf courses, three lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level. You will work closely with colleagues whose expertise spans cultural resources, archaeology, heritage conservation and natural resources. 

This position assists in the operations of an early 19th-century Gristmill through maintenance, upkeep, cleaning, safety, and interpretation of the mill. Maintenance tasks for this position will be assisting in landscaping, carpentry, and masonry work. This position will interpret the history and engineering relating to the Mill and the site, which includes a Historic House and General store. This position will assist in training and managing of staff and volunteers on mill function, site history and safety. Researches, develops, advertises, and evaluates site programming and exhibits. Trains staff and volunteers as they develop and lead interpretive programming related to site history. Following the direction of the Museum Collections Manager ensures the care and protection of site collections and the creation of exhibits. Performs minor upkeep and maintenance of the buildings and grounds of Colvin Run Mill. Assist with museum sales operations and cash handling.

NOTE: The office location for this position is 10017 Colvin Run Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066. Schedule for April-October will be Sunday-Thursday. Work hours include weekend and evening hours.

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)  
 

• Researches, designs, promotes, schedules, conducts and evaluates historic site's interpretive programs in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings;
• Tailors new and existing interpretive programs to specific audiences;
• Designs and fabricates interpretive exhibits for display, and designs interpretive brochures, flyers, newsletters and other historic site publications;
• Ensures the care and protection of historic artifacts or archaeological collections exhibited at the site by monitoring environmental conditions to assure climate control appropriate to preservation and employing specialized techniques to clean and maintain collections;
• Provides oversight, direction and support to exempt paid or volunteer interpretive staff;
• Conducts associated public programs, as required;

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Knowledge of American and regional history;
• Knowledge of the principles of historic education and interpretation;
• Knowledge of historical park or museum management practices;
• Ability to conduct historical research and prepare factual reports on historical issues;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to deal effectively with citizen inquiries and questions;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a variety of individuals including the general public.

For Interpretive Program Positions:

• Ability to develop and present creative interpretive programs for both children and adults;
• Ability to provide direction and support to exempt paid or volunteer interpretive staff.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in American history, American studies, archaeology, museum education, or a closely related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Two years’ experience in the operation and maintenance of a mill and/or other historic equipment.
• Two years’ experience working with staff and volunteers or volunteer groups. 
• Two years’ experience leading and developing interpretive programming. 
• National Association for Interpretation certification. 
• Proficiency with Office 365 suite of applications or similar.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED: 
 

• Driver's License (Required)
• Certified Food Manager (CFM) (Required within 12 months)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to the position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 
Ability to climb stairs and lift 50 pounds. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
 
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.
 
The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
 
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmployment@fairfaxcounty.gov  EEO/AA/TTY.