Job Posting: Site Manager

Posted: January 15, 2009

Hay Lake School and Erickson Log House Museums

The Washington County Historical Society seeks a Site Manager for the Hay Lake School Museum Complex in Scandia, Minnesota.

Background: The Hay Lake School Museum Complex is made up of the 1896 Hay Lake School and the Johannes Erickson Log House. The school was once rural school district #2 and was used to educate children in first through eighth grade, closing as an active school in 1963. The Washington County Historical Society started operating the building as a rural school museum in 1974 and purchased the building from the Forest Lake School district in 1978.

The Johannes Erickson Log House was constructed in 1868. The log house typifies homes constructed by early Swedish immigrant farmers in the Midwest. Both properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The museum complex is open Saturday and Sunday from 1 - 4 p.m. in May, September and October and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 - 4 p.m. in June, July and August with additional days depending on tours.

Qualifications: The Site Manager should have a Bachelor’s Degree in History or a related field; administrative skills, strong communication skills, and an interest in local and state history; knowledge of basic conservation and preservation methods, materials, and resources; ability to accurately interpret local history in a variety of formats; ability to work successfully with staff, interns, and volunteers; ability to develop special events to enhance museum attendance; and the ability to adapt to the ever changing needs of the historical society and museums. Prior historic site management preferred.

Position Overview: The Site Manager will arrange for open hours of the museum and special tours as requested; care for and provide interpretation of the museums using professionally accepted standards in exhibition and program presentation; conduct tours and special programs at the Hay Lake Museum Complex; keep museums and grounds clean; keep records of museum visitors, gift shop sales, and proceeds from fundraisers and events at the Hay Lake Museum Complex; and assist Historic Sites Supervisor in developing museum programs, exhibits, and special events.

Supervisory Procedures: The Site Manager reports to the Historic Sites Supervisor, and is responsible for the consistent achievement of the Historical Society's mission and successful operation of the Hay Lake Museum Complex.

Application Process: Please send application letter, resume, and references by March 15, 2009 to: Washington County Historical Society, Site Manager Position, P.O. Box 167 Stillwater, MN 55082. Please call (651) 439-5956 or visit www.wchsmn.org for more information.