Science & Heritage Interpreter (casual)

Job Posting: Science & Heritage Interpreter

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking an enthusiastic, outgoing, motivated, and energetic person for this position. We are establishing a list of on-call staff for casual shifts, perfect for students or individuals looking to pick up occasional shifts around other life commitments. You will be greeting visitors, interpreting historical and science exhibits, offering more information on the exhibited materials, answering visitors’ questions, and maintaining an overall positive atmosphere to enhance the visitor’s experience. You are comfortable being on your feet presenting information to visitors in a friendly, interactive, engaging, and professional manner.

What are the hours and benefits?

There is a casual, on-call position with flexible/variable hours based on your availability and institutional staffing needs. A regular workday is 8 hours, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break, with additional shorter shifts available as needed for special events. Statutory holidays, occasional extended hours, and evening shifts for events are also available as needed.

After a 3-month probationary period, benefits (if eligible, usually based on minimum standard hours) include:

• Extended health and dental benefits, including an Employee Assistance Program
• Vacation accrual of 2 weeks (or 80 hours for full-time) annually
• Sick leave of 10 days (or 80 hours for full-time) annually
• Annual Membership to The Exploration Place
• Staff discount at Elements Retail and Origins Kitchen
• Professional Development opportunities related to this position and the museum and science centre industry

About the job:

The Science & Heritage Interpreter is responsible for engaging visitors by sharing our stories through activities, demonstrations, and general visitor engagement. The Interpreter will provide support on the gallery floor or for special events and provide information to visitors about the museum, its collections, and its exhibits. The Interpreter will also provide educational outreach when appropriate and work to enhance the visitor’s experience at The Exploration Place through interaction and engagement related to our community, science, and history.

Must present a friendly demeanour while interacting with visitors of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. Must embrace and model outstanding customer service to all and be willing to provide solutions to whatever comes your way.

The successful applicant will be responsible for the following:

• Interpreting museum exhibits and answering questions from a diverse group of visitors
• Setting up or taking down equipment, supplies, or furniture for special events
• Greeting and engaging visitors, making them feel welcome
• Cleaning and disinfecting as directed
• Ensuring that all applicable policies, procedures, and regulations are followed
• Reporting any noteworthy visitor feedback, issues, incidents, or concerns to the supervisor
• Performing other daily routine duties, including general guest services and supervision, cleaning and maintenance, coverage for front desk, etc., as necessary
• Representing the museum with the utmost integrity, exemplifying the core values and mission of our organization
• Other duties as assigned

 Knowledge, skills, and abilities we are looking for:

• Canadian Citizenship or permanent resident status
• Willing to submit to a criminal record check
• Possess a minimum of Grade 12 Graduation Diploma, Dogwood, or equivalent
• Must be willing to present a BC Vaccine Card showing full COVID-19 vaccination and abide by all COVID-19 regulations. If, over time, Health Canada updates its definition of “fully vaccinated” (such as requiring “booster” vaccine doses), employees will be expected to comply to maintain fully vaccinated status
• Comfort with public speaking and presenting in a friendly manner with an outgoing personality
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A strong interest and sound knowledge of science, history, and culture with a willingness to learn
• Able to communicate verbally in a confident, kind, tactful, and professional manner to visitors and staff
• Ability to handle stressful situations while working in a fast-paced, customer-orientated facility, in cooperation with other staff and departments
• Ability to work closely and communicate respectfully with The Exploration Place team at large
• Must be dependable and committed to carrying out your responsibilities to the best of your ability

The following will be considered an asset for this position:

• Background or interest in theatre, performance, or public presentation
• Post-secondary education in a scientific field of study
• Experience bartending or serving for events

 The Exploration Place is an equal opportunity employer.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented communities, diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We’re looking for motivated, compassionate people who can execute from the ground up. The Exploration Place is committed to providing our team members with safe, quality work experience, employability skills, and access to career development through professional development opportunities and mentoring. We use an in-depth, hands-on training program that allows our new employees to learn by doing, working closely with all departments and the leadership team.

All offers are subject to satisfactory completion of reference, criminal record checks, and proof of vaccination.

Only successful applicants will be contacted. Please email your application with the subject heading “Interpreter Application” as a PDF (lastname_firstname_documentname.pdf)  with your resume, cover letter, and two professional references to:

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