Science & Heritage Interpreter (seasonal)

Job Posting: Science & Heritage Interpreter (seasonal)

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, outgoing, and engaging individual to help visitors explore science, history, and culture at The Exploration Place this summer. As a Gallery Interpreter, you’ll be greeting guests, answering questions, and providing insight into our exhibits to enhance their experience.

You’ll spend your days interacting with visitors of all ages, interpreting historical artifacts and science exhibits, and creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere. Whether it’s leading hands-on activities, sharing fascinating facts, or sparking conversations, you’ll play an important role in making each visit memorable.

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys public speaking, loves learning and sharing knowledge, and thrives in a dynamic, visitor-focused environment. As a front-facing ambassador of The Exploration Place, you’ll help inspire curiosity and discovery in everyone who walks through our doors. 

What are the hours?

There is a full-time (40 hours/week) position. A regular workday is 8 hours, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. The regular shift is 8:45am to 5:15pm, except on Thursdays, when there is an option for 11:45am to 8:15pm. Weekend shifts may also available. Statutory holidays (with days off in lieu), occasional extended hours, and evenings for events may also be required with notice. 

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 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 to a diverse group of visitors
• Delivering tours to visiting groups as needed
• Developing a thorough understanding of the galleries and exhibits to be interpreted
• 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 or retail, 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:

• Possess strong oral and written communication skills
• Solid understanding of culture and heritage as related to science, technology, and innovation
• Ability to speak and present content to audiences of varying sizes and composition
• Experience working with the public
• Be a self-motivated team player
• Willing to submit to a criminal record check
• 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 in science, history, and culture, with a willingness to learn
• Able to communicate verbally in a confident, kind, tactful, and professional manner to visitors
• 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
• Be familiar and comfortable with software, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite programs
• Must show flexibility when asked to perform other tasks as needed
• Be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds on select occasions and stand for long periods
• To comply with funding guidelines, candidates are required to be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or have refugee status in Canada, be between the ages of 15 and 30, be enrolled in full-time secondary or post-secondary education in the previous school year, and to intend to return to full-time studies in the fall. Please indicate the name of your post-secondary institution and field of study on your resume. 

The following will be considered an asset for this position:

• Background or interest in theatre, performance, or public presentation
• Experience developing or delivering educational programs, working with children, or in customer service
• Post-secondary education in a scientific field of study

The Exploration Place is an equal opportunity employer.

We do not discriminate against ability, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic background, or sexual orientation. We strongly encourage applications from individuals from under-represented communities and 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 with our leadership team.

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

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 three professional references to: 

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