PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION: Maritime Interpreters bring Lake Champlain’s maritime history to life through living history demonstrations of naval trades and guided tours aboard the tour boat, Carillon. From the vantage point of this 1920s replica tour boat, Maritime Interpreters tell the incredible stories of Ticonderoga, tracing ancient war paths along Lake Champlain. Following the same routes that soldiers rowed along to-and-from Ticonderoga, Maritime Interpreters bring these epic stories to life for guests on board the tour boat Carillon. Whether naval fleets built below the walls of Fort Ticonderoga or a unique perspective on our site’s battlefields, countless, rich tales are available to discuss with guests on and off the water. On shore, Maritime Interpreters build and maintain period wooden boats, practice sail making & other trades in front of guests. This position engages visitors in living history programs, practicing18th-century nautical trades to enrich their maritime narrative. Maritime Interpreters deliver hands-on maritime school and scout programs. They also help with highlighted programs within special living history and reenactment events.  Maritime Interpreters bring their practical experience with period boats to help illuminate story telling on the water. Maritime Interpreters act as the First Mates on board the Carillon, assisting with visitor entry and exit from the vessel, as well as launching and docking.  As such, Maritime Interpreters also aid Captains in emergency situations to safeguard visitor and vessel safety. 

INTERPRETIVE SKILLS:  Required to act and dress professionally.  Required to act and dress accurately out of respect of the historical individuals they portray.  Apply and interpret their mechanical trade within the season’s specific interpretive topic.  Able to interpret and practice a variety of 18th-century mechanical skills.  Able to cope with a variety of weather conditions using 18th-century clothing and skills.  Able to interpret the history of Lake Champlain, Ticonderoga, and inland waterways. 

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:  Able to talk to an audience of diverse age and backgrounds.  Follow, annotate, and update operations and maintenance checklists.  Clearly communicate with large groups and individuals.  Communicate effectively in verbal and written form.  Clearly inform visitors of all maritime safety information.  Presents a professional image with regards to Fort Ticonderoga in all media.  Work with other members of the interpretive staff.  Understand and follow the directions of Captains and Supervisors. 

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 read and understand plans and schematics.  Able to apply research skills to public interpretation. 

QUALIFACATIONS:  Must have previous tour guide or guest service experience.  Boating operations experience preferred.  Two years period carpentry or other maritime trades’ experience preferred. 

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:  Must be CPR certified or able to attain CPR certification.  Required to ensure the safety of all visitors and crew on the Motor/Vessel Carillon.  Required to ensure the safety of the Motor/Vessel Carillon and associated docks & equipment.  Required to safely demonstrate, use, and maintain 18th-century tools. 

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.