Job Posting: Science & Heritage Interpreter (seasonal)
Anticipated start date: | Open until filled |
Terms of employment: | Full-time or part-time; seasonal contract |
Wage: | $17.65/hour |
Application deadline: | Open until filled |
Number of positions: | 1 - 3 |
Who are we looking for?
We are seeking an enthusiastic, outgoing, motivated, and energetic person for this position. 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 experience. You are comfortable being on your feet presenting information to visitors of all ages in a friendly, interactive, engaging, and professional manner. You are the face of our organization when you interact with our visitors and inspire them to learn more about heritage, science, technology, culture, and natural history through the interpretation of artifacts and exhibits.
What are the hours and benefits?
There is a full-time (40 hours/week) position, and/or flexible part-time based on availability. A regular workday is 8 hours, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. Regular shift is 8:45am to 5:15pm, except Thursdays when there is an option for 11:45am to 8:15pm. Weekend shifts also available. Statutory holidays (with days off in lieu), occasional extended hours, and evenings for events can also be required with notice.
After a 3-month probationary period, benefits (if eligible based on required hours) include:
- Extended health and dental benefits
- 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 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 gallery and exhibit 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 services, 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
- 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 comfortable with communication and collaboration tools such as Zoom and SLACK
- Must be dependable and committed to carrying out your responsibilities to the best of your ability
- Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and willing to abide by all COVID-19 regulations
- To comply with funding guidelines, candidates are required to be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or have refugee status in Canada, and be between the ages of 15 and 30
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, 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 three professional references to:
