A 60+ year-old nonprofit, Aspen Historical Society operates four historical sites (Wheeler/Stallard Museum and Archives, Holden/Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum, Ashcroft Ghost Town, and Independence Ghost Town), provides free history education for regional schools, and offers guided tours, programs, and community events year-round. AHS maintains one of the largest public archives in the region, with a portion of its collection available online as a free resource. AHS has started initial planning for its snowsports history museum, which will be part of the Lift One base area redevelopment at Aspen Mountain.

Job Opportunity

This is a fun and unique opportunity to learn about and share Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley’s remarkable history while working at an established museum setting. Aspen Historical Society (AHS) seeks part-time staff for seasonal summer positions and year-round hourly positions, both offering opportunities to assist with programming, education, and events. 

Responsibilities

Part-time staff will be expected to learn about and help with what we do at AHS. This  may include the following (depending on scheduling needs): 

• Working as a docent at each of our 4 historical locations. These include the ghost town of Independence, located near the Continental Divide, on Independence Pass (elevation 10,800 ft.); the ghost town of Ashcroft, located in the Castle Creek Valley (elevation 9,521 ft.); the Holden/Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum, located in Aspen; and the Wheeler/Stallard Museum, home of Aspen Historical Society’s administrative offices and public Archives.  
• Leading interpretive tours of our historical sites and other locations around Aspen. 
• Supporting our signature community events (Hoedown, Ice Cream Social, Twilight Cemetery Tour). 
• Offering educational programming (including Playing with the Past) for preschool and elementary aged children and their caregivers at the Wheeler/Stallard Museum. 
• Working in the gift shops and at book sales (if applicable). 

Training provided  

• All part-time staff will receive local history training from AHS staff and resources to assist them with docent information and tour scripts. 
• Staff will be trained in interpretive guide principles as well as customer service skills that are applicable and valuable in many career settings. 
• Part-time staff will also be trained in computer POS operation, daily accounting practices, and visitor attendance tracking. 

Transportation  

• Part-time staff must provide their own transportation. The Roaring Fork Valley has a robust bus system, but a car is generally needed to get to certain sites. Requirement to visit all sites can be flexible if needed. 

Qualifications

Experience/interest in history, archaeology, theater, museum studies, communication or a related field is helpful, but not required. What is required is the desire to share our rich history with others! 

Expectations of Part-Time Staff

• All staff will assume professional responsibilities and complete tasks as assigned. 
• No use of tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drugs will be tolerated on the job.
• Part-time staff will dress appropriately. Generally, this is very casual, however docent duties and certain tours and events may require a more professional appearance and/or period costuming.
• Attendance at all mandatory training. 
• All staff are important ambassadors representing Aspen Historical Society and this role will be proudly and enthusiastically accepted. 

Scheduling and pay rate

Part-time staff are paid hourly ($15-$25/hour depending on experience) with hours per week capped at 30, although fewer hours is fine. Pay periods fall on/around the 5th and 20th of each month. 

To apply

Please email a resume and cover letter to outreach @ aspenhistory.org
Please include:

• Your contact information, including current address
• Two References