The pay range for this position starts at $21.06/hour and is based on qualifications and experience above the minimum requirements.

Job Summary

The Oral Historian is a reserve position within the Archives, which is part of the Museums Services Department. This position will conduct oral history interviews to capture Biltmore’s rich history. The primary work will involve outreach and relationship building with interviewees and conducting the interviews. Additional duties may include transcribing and processing interviews.

Candidates must submit the following materials:
• Cover letter detailing experience and qualifications relevant to the position.
• CV or resume
• Oral history interview transcript or a link to a transcript for an interview you have conducted.
• Contact information for two professional references.

The starting pay range for this position begins at $21.06/hour and is based on the level of qualifications and relevant experience above the minimum requirements.

Reserve: A position working an average of 10 hours per week (between 40-999 hours/year). Hours and schedule will vary based on business needs, but hours are generally M-F 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Essential Job Duties

1. Outreach, research, and conduct oral history interviews. 80%
2. Transcript oral history interviews. 10%
3. Processing oral history interviews. 10%

Independent Decision Making:

1. The Oral Historian’s responsibilities include developing connections with potential narrators within and outside of the Biltmore Company, building and maintaining relationships, scheduling, researching, writing general interview outlines, and conducting interviews. Numerous independent decisions will be made during this process.
2. This position will transcribe the oral history interviews following both internal guidelines and industry standards. They will make decisions regarding content capture and blending internal and industry standards for a consistent output.
3. This position will process the oral history interviews they conduct. They will follow the processing guidelines and industry standards that have already been developed for Biltmore’s Oral History Collection. There are nuances to processing that will require case-by-case decisions to meet standards while providing consistency.

Qualifications:

Required
1. B.A. in Public History, History, American Studies, or a related field with at least one year of experience conducting oral history interviews
2. Training in the methodology, theory, ethics, and curation of oral history.
3. Experience with audio recording and editing technology, equipment, and software.
4. Outstanding oral and written communication skills for a range of audiences.
5. Ability to work with tact and diplomacy with a diverse and wide range of employees and members of the community.
6. Excellent research skills and the capability to work independently and take individual initiative.

Preferred
1. M.A. in Public History, History, American Studies, or a related field.
2. Experience transcribing and processing oral history interviews. Demonstrated skill in synthesizing research findings into coherent themes and narratives.
3. Excellent attention to detail and organizational and project management skills.
4. Experience working in a corporate setting.
5. Knowledge of Biltmore Estate and the Asheville-Buncombe-Western North Carolina community.
6. Member of a professional oral history association.

Physical Requirements:

1. Able to lift 15 lbs.
2. Able to climb stairs and navigate areas with low light, uneven floor surfaces, or in proximity to collection objects.
3. The incumbent will occasionally work in an office environment. 60% of the incumbent’s time will be spent in a climate-controlled space in cool temperatures with low relative humidity.