POSITION DESCRIPTION
For
SEASONAL DECKHAND/INTERPRETER
POSITION GOAL:
To interpret the historic Miami & Erie Canal and provide visitors an
educational and entertaining experience on the canal boat. To
operate the canal boat in a safe and historical manner.
CLASSIFICATION:
Hourly/Seasonal
COMPENSATION:
$8.85 per hour
Employer and employee contribute to Public Employees
Retirement System.
(Refer to attached sheet for full list of compensation benefits)
MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Education:
High School graduate or equivalent
Experience:
Must have college course work in public history, theater or music,
historical re-enacting and/or comparable experience or training.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Must have the ability to communicate in an articulate, intelligent
and friendly manner when servicing the public or interacting with
other staff.

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Must have a valid driver’s license.

Must be physically able to fulfill performance responsibilities.

Have a means of transportation for reliable attendance at work.

Must have an outgoing personality and work well with people of all
ages and special needs.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Must possess the ability to research and organize materials in a
meaningful fashion to enthusiastically interpret local and canal
history throughout the park and on the canal boat.

Must possess the ability to act out a first person persona.

Ability to work around and with animals that would be pulling the
canal boat.

Alternates to the above qualifications may be made as the Park
District finds appropriate and acceptable.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
Time of Work: April through the end of November, holidays and
evenings, up to 40 hours per week. Possess the physical ability to
handle ropes and climb in and out of the canal lock.
Your Clean, Safe, Natural Metroparks
Page 2 – Deckhand/Historical Interpreter – Seasonal Cont’d.
Working Conditions – Continued:
Location: Providence Metropark, Grand Rapids, Ohio
REPORTS TO:
Historical Programs Manager
DIRECT REPORTS:
Volunteers where assigned
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Steering and docking of the Canal Boat on the Miami & Erie
Canal.

Must possess a pleasant, helpful personality when serving the
public and interacting with other staff members.

Develop and present interpretive programs for the public on the
canal boat and the Isaac Ludwig Mill.

Assist in all phases of the interpretive programs.

Develop and present a first person living history character on the
canal boat.

Work safely around all equipment in related work areas.

Assist in the maintenance of the Canal Boat, all assigned
equipment and boat dock area.

Assist in the recruitment and training of volunteers.

Accurately record all work performed on time sheet.

Wear historic costume while on site.

May be required to become certified in basic First Aid, CPR and
AED.

Other Park District work related duties as assigned.

Promotes innovation through participation in the park district’s
idea program.
EQUIPMENT USED:
Canal Boat and equipment used in its daily operation, Metroparks
vehicles, hand and power tools, safety equipment and audio visual
equipment, etc.
The Metropark District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
All inquiries should be addressed to :
JK/cm/6/1/05
F:Clerical\seasdeckhand05
Your Clean, Safe, Natural Metroparks
Human Resources
Metroparks of
the Toledo Area
5100 West Central Avenue
Toledo, Ohio 43615-2100