Department: Museum Programs
Location: Dousman’s Mill, Mackinaw City
Start/End Date: Early May into early September
Pay Rate: Starting at $15.00/hr
Accepting applications for the 2027 season.
Scope of Duties:
This position serves visitors to Mackinac State Historic Parks (MSHP) by working as a historic interpreter at Dousman’s Mill, a reconstructed water-powered sawmill and outbuildings near Mackinaw City, Michigan. This full-time seasonal position is responsible for interpreting the mill, workshop, and mill operator’s house, highlighting historic uses of natural resources, primarily during the period of 1820-1840.
Responsibilities:
- Put visitors first by treating them with respect, serving their needs, and providing them with an enjoyable and educational experience.
- Interpret 19th century uses of natural resources through programs about historic milling, farming, and domestic life at the Straits of Mackinac.
- Present regularly scheduled demonstrations of the reconstructed water-powered sawmill.
- Present regularly scheduled programs and tool demonstrations at the sawpit area and workshop.
- Present regularly scheduled programs at the mill operator’s house about daily life in the early 19th century.
- Provide informal historic interpretation to visitors between scheduled presentations.
- Keep the Dousman’s Mill park operations staff informed about any problems with the sawmill operation.
- Participate in other interpretive presentations and special events as required.
Position Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older as of date of hire.
- Must have an interest in cultural history interpretation, preferably working toward a degree in history or related field.
- Must be out-going, enthusiastic and have strong public contact and speaking skills.
- Should have a basic knowledge of woodworking tools and their use.
- Must be able to work for the number of weeks assigned.
- Must be willing to work most weekends and holidays during the visitor season.
Work Location and Schedule:
The workstation for this position is Dousman’s Mill, located near Mackinaw City, although the employee may be required to work at other MSHP park sites if park needs require it. The position is based both inside and outside reconstructed historic buildings at Dousman’s Mill. Work schedules are posted in advance and are subject to change depending on park operational needs. A normal work schedule is 40 hours per week; however, hours, days, and weeks worked may vary. The employee may be asked to work evenings, holidays, and/or weekends as park needs dictate.
Physical Requirements:
This position will require the employee to wear historic costumes in all types of weather conditions, including extreme heat. This position regularly utilizes a variety of hand tools, including axes and saws, and operates the reconstructed water-powered sawmill, which may include exposure to noise and vibration. Stretching and bending are moves commonly made throughout the day by employees in this position. The employee must have the ability to do the following activities, with or without, reasonable accommodation: Frequent lifting, carrying, transporting, loading and unloading of supplies, walking long distances and up steep inclines in all weather conditions, frequent twisting, bending, stooping, reaching and grasping, sitting and/or standing for long periods of time, and ability to utilize ferry boat transportation to and from Mackinac Island.
Dress Code:
The park maintains a dress code for employees in the public service to promote a productive and safe work environment and to maintain MSHP’s public image. This means no inappropriate hairstyles, jewelry, clothing or fashion statements are allowed. You are required to be in approved park costume at all times while on duty, which includes the wearing of proper footwear. The park will furnish the employee with the required costume items which must be returned at the end of seasonal employment. Violation of the dress code may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
Supervision:
The employee works under the direction of the Park Naturalist. This position does not supervise other employees.
General Position Information:
This is a temporary seasonal at-will position which serves at the will of the employer and does not include recall rights or benefits (other than those mandated by governmental laws). This position will expire at the time employment is ended for the season and the employee does not have recall rights to this or any other MSHP position in the future. Specifically, the park is under no obligation to hire the individual in subsequent seasons. The number of weeks and hours worked may vary as park needs dictate. Additional information will be provided upon employment.
Click here to fill out an application.
Questions or cannot apply online?
Please contact:
Employment
P.O. Box 873
Mackinaw City, MI 49701
231-436-4100 x111
