Part-time Job Opportunities at Mount Vernon

Position:

Character Interpreter 

Department:  

Character Interpretation, Interpretation & Events Division

The Interpretation & Events Division provides meaningful learning opportunities for Mount Vernon’s one million annual visitors. Through a diverse portfolio of interpretive experiences, engaging public programs, and special events, we expand each guest’s understanding of and appreciation for our nation’s Founding Father.

The Office of Character Interpretation, one of the Division’s six operating units, provides special interpretive experiences by authentically portraying people from Washington’s world.  

Responsibilities:

Division-wide Principles:
A. Exceed guest expectations – be friendly, respectful, engaging, and flexible. Always remember that this visit may be their first and only.
B. Encourage a meaningful appreciation of George Washington – keep him first and use his unparalleled legacy of character and leadership to inspire.
C. Engage yourself in the mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association – take responsibility for your continued development and commit to collaboration.  Care for your colleagues and be proud of what we accomplish together.

Position-specific Responsibilities:

1. Create a positive learning environment for guests of all ages and backgrounds by being hospitable, approachable, and engaging.  Encourage participation in impromptu and planned interactions.
2. Provide guests with accurate, interesting, and pertinent historical information about George Washington and Mount Vernon. Follow departmental interpretive strategies in order to effectively integrate your interpretation into the total guest learning experience.
3. Accurately portray pre-determined historical persons in order to provide an immersive, thoughtful, and entertaining experience. Always remain in character unless required otherwise by special circumstances. Maintain an appearance that is appropriate for the person being portrayed and closely follow 18-century standards for etiquette/deportment.
4. Thoroughly research your designated historical identity and all relevant persons in order to establish a comprehensive understanding of your character’s life and times. Identify and prepare for frequently asked guest questions. Assist the Coordinator of Character Interpretation with developing new programs/characters and other special projects as needed.    
5. Write, practice, and perform dramatic presentations when needed for special public programs, private events, and outreach initiatives, which may be on or off site.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Previous interpretive experience with a proven talent for performing formally and informally in a variety of settings and conditions is required
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills required
• Must work well with a diverse audience and have a sincere interest in history
• Must be responsible, flexible, punctual, and able to work well under pressure
• Ability to work creatively and effectively as a member of a team is mandatory 

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to stand/walk for long periods on varying surfaces, inside and outside, and in a variety of conditions
• Must comply with: departmental dress code (period dress) 
• Must work frequent weekends, evenings, and holidays

Please forward a resume, cover letter and salary history/requirement by e-mail to hrmail@mountvernon.org, by fax to 703.780.8320 or by US Mail to POB 110, Mount Vernon, VA 22121.

Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Position:

Retail Sales Associate 

Department:  

Retail 

Responsibilities:

The busy Retail Shops at the historic Mount Vernon Estate, Museum and Gardens are seeking Part-Time retail salespeople. Benefits are available dependent on tenure and hours worked. 
 
Responsibilities:
Applicants must be available to work every Sunday, however schedules are flexible and there are no evening hours, except for special events. Candidates must be able to perform cash register transactions, provide excellent customer service and possess outgoing, friendly personalities.  Employment will be contingent upon successful drug test and background investigation.
 

Qualifications:

• Previous retail experience a plus 
• Must be organized, detail oriented and flexible
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required
• Must work well under pressure in a fast paced environment

Compensation:  Hourly rate of $7.50 - $9.00, dependent on skills and experience

Please forward a resume, cover letter and salary history/requirement by email to hrmail@mountvernon.org, by fax to 703.780.8320 or by US Mail to POB 110, Mount Vernon, VA 22121.

Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Position:

Guest Services Staff

Department:  

Guest Services

Mount Vernon’s Guest Services department is currently hiring Seasonal/Part-time employees.  Duties may include, but are not limited to: selling tickets and annual passes; scanning tickets and greeting guests, assisting with crowd and parking control and giving directions and information as guests enter and exit the estate.  We are a tourism based organization thus weekend and holiday work is required.  During high visitation periods 40 hours/week may be required.  

Responsibilities:

Provide the first point of contact; Warmly and actively greet visitors; Ensure compliance to external  food/beverage policies; Demonstrate knowledge of daily Estate activities and resources; Accommodate needs of guests; Provide information and directional assistance; Understand the roles of other departments; provide assistance as needed; Assist in providing a safe environment for guests and employees; Clean-up designated post area throughout and at the completion of shift; Provide Guest Services support as assigned.  Extended standing and walking on uneven, unpaved surfaces in a farm-like setting required.  Uniform attire will be provided but must be maintained and worn to present a professional image.

 Qualifications:

• Excellent customer service skills 
• Outgoing, friendly, positive demeanor required
• Must be able to communicate clearly and cheerfully in English
• Ability to walk/or stand for long periods of time
• MS office suite skills preferred
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Must work well under pressure in a fast paced environment

Please forward a resume, cover letter and salary history/requirement by email to hrmail@mountvernon.org, by fax to 703.780.8320 or by US Mail to POB 110, Mount Vernon, VA 22121.

Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

Position:

Wait/Waitress, Host/Hostess Staff and Part-time Bartenders

Department:  

The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant

The high volume Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant located at the entrance of George Washington’s Estate and Gardens and serving the visitors to the  Estate and all of the Washington Metropolitan area, is seeking to fill food server, (day and evening shifts) host/hostess (day and evening shifts) and part-time bartender vacancies, FT and PT positions available.  No prior experience is necessary for lunch shift employment.  Free meals, uniforms, parking, and flexible scheduling.  Benefits are available dependent on tenure and hours worked.

Responsibilities:

Wait/waitress staff will participate in all aspects of coordination and implementation of food service and will be responsible for guest/client relations.  Frequent evening and weekend duty required.

Qualifications:

• 1-2 years food service or restaurant experience preferred
• Must be very organized, detail oriented and flexible
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required
• Must work well under pressure in a fast paced environment

Please forward a resume, cover letter and salary history/requirement by email to either to hrmail@mountvernon.org, by fax to 703.780.8320 or by US Mail to POB 110, Mount Vernon, VA 22121.

Mount Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer