JOB TITLE: Maintenance Assistant, Split Rock Lighthouse
OPEN TO: This job is open to current MNHS staff.
LOCATION: Split Rock Lighthouse, 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors MN 55616
COMPENSATION: Typical starting range $19.67 - 21.18 hourly
STATUS & HOURS: This is a part-time, regular position of approximately 1,144 annual hours. A typical schedule is 12-32 hours/week March - April, 24-32 hours/week May - October, and limited hours for holidays and snow events November - February based on business need.
BENEFITS: Eligible to participate in State Employee Group Insurance Program and a retirement program with employer contribution. Generous vacation and sick time accruals with.
DESIGNATION: Bargaining Unit AFSCME Local 3173
POSTING DATE: March 4, 2026
DEADLINE DATE: March 11, 2026
TO APPLY: Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a resume and cover letter by the application deadline date.
DESCRIPTION: This position exists to perform maintenance activities at Split Rock Lighthouse, ensuring that the historic site buildings, including visitor center, are maintained at a high level of quality and safety for the staff and visiting public.
SUMMARY OF WORK: 1) Maintain in a safe and attractive manner, the grounds and buildings of the historic site which will include, but is not limited to: landscaping, trash and debris removal, and janitorial work; and 2) Maintain in a safe working condition the equipment throughout the site, including resale fixtures and janitorial equipment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or equivalent with demonstrated experience in facilities maintenance and repair.
Considerable knowledge of cleaning methods, materials, and equipment, and the ability to perform a variety of cleaning and maintenance tasks.
Demonstrated ability to operate a wide variety of hand and power tools, including scaffolding and rigging equipment.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing, by phone, and in person with team members, contractors, and vendors.
Basic experience in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and painting tasks.
Demonstrated ability to repair and maintain building structures, furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
Demonstrated ability to operate a wide variety of hand and power tools and grounds and building maintenance equipment.
Working knowledge of grounds keeping and horticulture practices.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and to be self-motivated.
Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team.
Willingness to work occasionally 10 hour days
Ability to use Microsoft Office and Google software and email.
Ability to maintain electronic and written records and to complete assigned reports.
Physical strength, stamina and coordination to perform a wide variety of job tasks. ● Ability and willingness to climb ladders and enter enclosed spaces.
Ability to lift 75 pounds rarely, 50 pounds occasionally, and 30 pounds regularly.
Ability to stand for extended periods of time, to walk long distances regularly, and to perform exterior duties in all Minnesota climate extremes.
Ability to work from approximately May 1 - October 30; approximately 24-30 hours weekly.
Valid driver’s license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Awareness of the need to maintain buildings and grounds in such a way as to maintain historical integrity of site, while at the same time prolonging the life of the facility.
Demonstrated ability to repair and maintain historic building structures, furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
Experience in historic and modern methods and practices of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and painting tasks.
Ability and motivation to study historical reference materials related to preservation of historic buildings and sites.
Experience working at a museum, historic site, or comparable setting.
Ability to negotiate service contracts, working with multiple facility contractors, remodeling, or restoration projects.
Should you have questions with the application process, email humanresources@mnhs.org or call MNHS Job Line at 651-259-3181.
At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.
JOB TITLE: Interpreter I, Split Rock Lighthouse
LOCATION: Split Rock Lighthouse, 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors, MN 55616
COMPENSATION: Typical starting rate $19.67 hourly
STATUS & HOURS: Part-time regular position of approximately 418 annual hours. A typical schedule is 32 hours per week, June through August, 3-5 days a week, with two weekends per month.
Part-time regular position of approximately 963 annual hours. A typical schedule is 32 hours per week, May through October, 3-5 days a week, with two weekends per month.
BENEFITS: Eligible to participate in a retirement program with employer contribution. Generous vacation and sick time accruals.
DESIGNATION: Bargaining Unit AFSCME Local 3173
POSTING DATE: February 18, 2026
DEADLINE DATE: Updated: March 11, 2026
DESCRIPTION: This position exists to engage, educate, and entertain visitors to the Split Rock Lighthouse Historic Site. The Interpreter I engages visitors of all ages and learning abilities by choosing effectively among a variety of interpretive and performance techniques and skillfully applying these techniques. The Interpreter I provides customer service to patrons and assists in the daily operations of the museum program.
SUMMARY OF WORK: 1) Conduct various programs that serve diverse historic site or museum audiences; 2) Assist in the daily operations of the historic site program; 3) Provide customer service to patrons of the historic site or museum and its programs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Excellent oral communication skills.
Ability to listen to the public and be responsive to inquiries and comments.
Experience as a teacher or group leader working with diverse audiences.
Strong customer service skills in working with a diverse public, including children, teachers, senior citizens, people with various disabilities, persons of different ethnic or cultural backgrounds, people of color, and professional staff.
Acting, storytelling, or musical performance abilities that can be used in interpretive programs.
Knowledge of Minnesota history and the cultural diversity of the state.
Ability to master program information and present it according to interpretive or learning objectives.
Ability to master and apply a wide variety of interpretive techniques.
Flexibility to adjust to changes in schedule and assignments.
Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
Ability to climb the 32-step spiral staircase in the lighthouse several times each day and to walk and work on one's feet for an eight-hour day.
Ability to work a varying schedule, including weekends, from May through October.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Some college coursework in history or a related field.
Extensive knowledge and experience in museum interpretation, theatrical performance or storytelling.
Knowledge of Minnesota history and the cultural diversity of the state.
Knowledge of the history of Split Rock Lighthouse and the North Shore area.
Experience with site-specific related skills – baking on a wood-burning cook stove, ability to understand and explain mechanical functions of lighthouse equipment, hauling firewood, mopping floors, cleaning, etc.
Demonstrated strength in providing consistent, quality customer service.
Should you have questions with the application process, email humanresources@mnhs.org or call MNHS Job Line at 651-259-3181.
At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.
JOB TITLE: Sales Assistant I, Split Rock Lighthouse
LOCATION: Split Rock Lighthouse, 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors, MN 55616
COMPENSATION: Typical starting rate $19.67 hourly
STATUS & HOURS: Part-time, regular position of approximately 988 annual hours. A typical schedule is 32 hours a week, May through October, 3-5 days a week, 2 weekends per month; Part-time, regular position of approximately 416 annual hours. A typical schedule is 32 hours a week, mid-June through mid-August, 3-5 days a week, 2 weekends per month, with some weekends in September and October.
BENEFITS: Eligible to participate in a retirement program with employer contribution. Generous vacation and sick time accruals.
DESIGNATION: Bargaining Unit AFSCME Local 3173
POSTING DATE: February 9, 2026
DEADLINE DATE: Updated: March 17, 2026
TO APPLY: Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a resume and cover letter by the application deadline date.
DESCRIPTION: This position exists to provide front-line customer service to the clientele of Split Rock Lighthouse Historic Site. This position meets and greets, provides information, sells admissions, uses the cash register, operates the Point of Sale system, handles credit card transactions, maintains/stocks the front desk/store area/brochure racks regularly, and starts the timer and film in the theater.
SUMMARY OF WORK: 1) Perform admissions duties; 2) Utilize product knowledge to assure profitable sales and assist with inventory control; 3) Welcome, orient, and receive visitors; 4) Process sales and store merchandise; 5) Follow site safety procedures; and 6) Study historical materials related to the site’s interpretive programs and history.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
At least six months of customer service experience.
Experience in stocking and displaying merchandise.
Good verbal and interpersonal skills.
Ability to be courteous when relating to the public.
Ability to learn how to use a cash register and retail software.
Basic accounting and math skills.
Available to work a varied schedule, weekdays and weekends, mid-May through October, winter weekends may also be available.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and be comfortable using a ladder.
DEMONSTRATED SKILLS IN OR KNOWLEDGE OF:
Strong customer service experience and skills.
Specialty store sales and cashiering experience.
Knowledge of Minnesota history.
Knowledge of the history of Split Rock Lighthouse and the North Shore area.
Experience with a Point of Sale (POS) system.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Availability to work limited hours during the winter season.
Should you have questions with the application process, email humanresources@mnhs.org or call MNHS Job Line at 651-259-3181.
At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.
