Listing Expires: 5/15/2026

Organization Name: Wilkes Heritage Museum

Organization website: 

https://wilkesheritagemuseum.com/

About Us

Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization formed in 1968 that collects and preserves historical structures, artifacts, and documents of Wilkes County and serves as a resource center for every Wilkes County citizen and visitor. Through exhibits, educational programs, performances, and research, Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. interprets the history of Wilkes County and western North Carolina. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit https://wilkesheritagemuseum.com. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team!


Description of Work
The Research Specialist is responsible for conducting daily operations and interpretation at the Wilkes Heritage Museum in Wilkes County, North Carolina. The Wilkes Heritage Museum is a site with 3 structures, including the main museum, The Old Wilkes Jail, and The Robert Cleveland Log House. The site offers regular tours of The Old Wilkes Jail and The Robert Cleveland Log House, and offers The Joyce Dancy McNeil and George Franklin McNeil Family History Collection for research on genealogical information through a computerized database of genealogy information specifically pertaining to cemetery/gravesite locations.

The part-time hours will vary based on the scheduling needs of the museum. Typically they will consist Mondays-Tuesdays, and some Saturdays, 9:30 to 4:00 pm with some work at night required during special events, etc. Expect 15-25 hours per week. Research Specialist will be responsible for the ongoing development and maintenance of our databases that include the McNeil Collection and Past Perfect. Greet and orient visitors, conduct tours, operate the gift shop. Conduct artifact management and care, and general office work. Assist with site maintenance and cleaning as needed. The person in this position must have good written and oral communication.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conducting tours as part of visitor services.
• Conducting appropriate artifact management and care techniques.
• Researching historical topics related to the site or area.
• Assisting visitors in gift shop as needed.
• Assisting with light maintenance and janitorial duties.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences
Recruitment Range: $14,000-$18,000
To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on your resume and cover letter. Any information omitted from the resume will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Applicants who possess the following are preferred:
Experience with special events and/or special programs.
Experience with public speaking.
Beginning level proficiency with Microsoft Word.
Knowledge of adapting historical tours to age, interest level, special interests, and/or time constraints.

Position/Physical Requirements
Must be available to work as needed for the staffing demands through Monday-Saturday with occasional night or weekend work required as needed.
Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.

Minimum Education and Experience
High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma
AND
Actively pursuing higher education - excellent opportunity for those interested in history, museum studies, anthropology, digital humanities, and public administration that could be applied to your degree and/or building a resume.
OR
three years of experience in giving or developing museum tours;
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Apply to this email directorwhm@wilkes.net

Hiring Salary: $14,000-$18,000 - PART-TIME