Cultural Programmer

Company: Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area
Location: Grand Rapids
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Join Metroparks Toledo as a Seasonal Cultural Programmer. In this role, you bring the Canal Experience to life. You tell the story of life on the Miami & Erie Canal and Ludwig Mill and its significance to the region’s natural and cultural history. Day in the Life? You’ll be preparing the canal and lock area, leading groups through the Canal Experience – whether field trips, tour groups, or the public. You’ll operate the historical mill equipment. You will also clean the area and perform light maintenance to keep the boat and locks in working order. Here’s why we think you’ll love working at Metroparks Field experience in cultural interpretation helps grow your skills. Competitive pay, health care, and retirement benefits. Read more here. Grow your career by advancing to a Programming Specialist. You’ll love this job if You have a passion for local history and story telling. You like hands-on experience working with historical equipment. You like working outdoors in all kinds of weather. Job Summary Advance Metroparks Toledo’s core conservation mission by providing an engaging Canal Experience for visitors. Duties and Responsibilities Assist Year-Round Programming Staff by presenting interpretive programs through first-person living history characters to the public. Research and develop your living history character. Steer, handle rope lines, and dock the canal boat on the Miami & Erie canal. Operate the historical mill equipment located inside Ludwig Mill. Assist in the maintenance of historical program areas and equipment, including preparing the area, boat maintenance, ongoing maintenance at the lock, and general cleaning in the mill. Respond to customer questions, comments and suggestions in a courteous and timely way. Other Park District duties as assigned. Equipment Used Historical Costumes (provided) General office equipment Software & Apps: Microsoft Office Suite Canal Boat and Mill equipment used in their daily operation, historical props Maintenance Equipment: lawn equipment, power and hand tools, Vehicles: golf carts, UTVs Physical Requirements and Working Conditions Length of employment varies based on need. Generally, March – December. Employment will not exceed 1,480 hours in a calendar year. Schedule: 24-35-hour work week. 3-6 days/week, 6-hour shift. Will require work on the weekends and/or holidays Most common schedules are: Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 5pm May: Tuesday – Saturday, 9am – 3pm Home Work Location: Providence May require business use of personal vehicle to travel between Metroparks locations. Working around and with mules that pull that canal boat. Extensive outdoor physical labor exposed to climate extremes, inclement weather, stinging insects, grain dust and pollen. Requires frequent lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds and occasional lifting up to 90 pounds with assistance. Requires ability to walk and work outdoors for extended periods of time in all types of weather including extreme heat and cold. Must be able to move about off trail over uneven ground and in wooded areas while carrying equipment. Requirements Job Requirements Must be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. Education: High School Diploma or GED. 4 semesters of college coursework in History, Education, Recreation and Leisure or related field or equivalent combination of education and work experience, preferred. Experience: No prior work experience required.1 year experience in historical re-enactments, research, or public programming, preferred. Certifications: External Candidates: Must obtain the following certifications within 1 year of employment and fulfill requalification and recertification requirements: Internal Candidates: Must obtain the following certifications within 1 year of employment and fulfill requalification and recertification requirements. Certifications already achieved, preferred. CPR/First Aid/AED certification Certified Interpretive Guide (NAIA) Alternates to the position requirements may be made as Metroparks finds appropriate and acceptable. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Demonstrated appreciation for enhancing quality of life and conserving the region’s natural resources through clean, safe and natural parks and open spaces. Knowledge Some knowledge of historical interpretation, programming, or theater. Skills Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate in an articulate, intelligent and friendly manner when serving the public. Demonstrated problem solving skills. Demonstrated computer skills. Basic historical research and analytic skills. Abilities Ability to learn how to safely operate canal boat and mill. Ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships with all stakeholders, including employees, volunteers and the general public. Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with speed and accuracy under the pressure of deadlines. Ability to comply with all safety rules and regulations. Ability to understand and follow verbal and/or written policies, procedures and instructions. Metroparks Toledo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Keywords: Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area, Toledo , Cultural Programmer, Science, Research & Development , Grand Rapids, Ohio