Living History & Historic Weapons Interpreter

When most people think of an Interpreter, they think of someone whose job it is to translate one language into another. At Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, our job is to translate the language of history into terms that the visitors can understand and to help them find an emotional or intellectual connection to our park. 

"Through interpretation, understanding; through understanding, appreciation; through appreciation, protection." - Freeman Tilden 

We are looking for Volunteers-In-Parks (VIPs) to help bring the Castillo to life by interpreting the lives & experiences of the soldiers who defended the fort and the city! Join the ranks of the Overseas Troops of St. Augustine and transport visitors back to the 18th century through cannon and musket firing demonstrations.  

Benefits to VIP:

• Personal enrichment and experience working in a National Monument setting
• Experience in historical interpretation, historic weapons firing, public speaking, and communicating with visitors from around the world

Goal/Outcome of Job: Enriched visitor experience and education.

Expectations and Qualifications:

• Willingness to interact with the public in a professional, friendly, and helpful manner.
• Knowledge of and/or willingness to learn and interpret the history of the Castillo de San Marcos as well as the city of St. Augustine, as well as military history and weapons appropriate to the various time periods associated with the site(s).
• Physical ability to be out-of-doors in the extreme weather conditions found in the Florida environment while wearing heavy wool uniforms.
• Willingness to abide by National Park Service directives and Park rules and regulations, including the use of safety equipment, and be directed by assigned park supervisor(s).
• Continuously seeks feedback and improvement of interpretive programs using Park resources.

Training: Orientation to Site (by VIP Manual, Rangers, and/or other VIPs), ongoing informal interpretation training. Training for the cannon and musket firing demonstrations will be done in a hands-on, one-on-one setting with a Historic Weapons Supervisor and experienced volunteers. Other training such as quality customer service, first aid, and CPR may be available.

For more information about the VIP program at Castillo de San Marcos & Fort Matanzas National Monuments, visit https://www.nps.gov/casa/getinvolved/volunteer.htm