Educational Program Instructor – Markham Museum

City of Markham; Markham; On-site; CAD 32,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Markham seeks an Educational Program Instructor to lead hands-on history and science programs for audiences from preschool to seniors. You will deliver content on-site and through outreach, aligning with the Ontario Curriculum and ensuring safe, engaging experiences.

Responsibilities include preparing materials, coordinating with coordinators, and mentoring volunteers. Flexible hours, including weekends, are required.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate-level study in history, museum studies, education, science or related field.
• Experience presenting programs to schools or public audiences as a historic interpreter or guide.
• Current certifications in Standard First Aid OR Intermediate First Aid with CPR ‘C’ and AED.
• VSS clearance is required.
• Strong verbal, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of Ontario Curriculum is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Delivers education programs to groups of 18–30 participants on the Museum grounds and offsite for outreach programs.
• Prepares materials and sets up locations for programs, including artefacts and sign-out items.
• Keeps program content current and ready to deliver; assists in creating new programming.
• Assists with training of new Museum Programming Department members and supports volunteers.

Skills

History knowledge

Public speaking

First Aid

VSS clearance

Communication skills

Curriculum knowledge

Education

Post-secondary ed

Tools

MS Office

Outlook

Database mgmt

Job description

Department and Commission:

Economic Development, Culture and Entrepreneurship, CAO Office

Vacancy Type:

Temporary

Posting Date:

August 18, 2026

Application:

September 1, 2026

About The City Of Markham

The City of Markham is consistently ranked among Canada’s top municipal employers. In 2026, the City received its sixth consecutive Canada’s Best Employers recognition from Forbes and Statista Inc., placing third among municipalities and 15th overall in Government Services. An award-winning municipality, Markham is recognized for its leadership in sustainability, innovative urban planning, and strong fiscal management. Serving a diverse and growing community of more than 370,000 residents, Markham combines rich heritage with a vibrant local economy and offers employees the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, impactful work that helps strengthen the community we serve.

Join us and make a lasting difference!

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Program Coordinator, the Educational Program Instructor is responsible for leading groups at the Museum or as part of outreach programs through exploration-based, hands-on history and science education programs for multiple audiences ranging from preschool to older adults. The successful candidate has experience leading interdisciplinary education programs and ensures consistent standards of program delivery while supporting a positive and safe environment for all participants. Shift hours will fluctuate depending on seasons and peak periods/events and will be predominantly Monday to Friday with some, evening and/or weekend hours’ programs.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Delivers education programs to groups of approximately 18-30 participants (including teachers/leaders) on the Museum’s 25-acre grounds and offsite for outreach program, both indoors and outdoors year-round, to schools and scheduled groups (e.g. Scouts & Girl Guides) and registered public programs based on the current Ontario Curriculum and other learning requirements of the group.
• Prepares for education programs by collecting all items required and preparing buildings/locations on site for the program including but not limited to signing out teaching collection artefacts for discussion purposes and setting up geocaches;
• Keeps up to date on all program materials/content and is prepared to deliver programs as scheduled.
• Assists in the preparation of programming materials as needed. Including the monitoring inventory of supplies and reporting to the Education Coordinator and/or Education and Volunteer Administrator any items needing replacement.
• Assists with the development of new education programming and the updating/revamping of current programs.
• Completes all program related forms as required (i.e. accident report, maintenance work orders, etc.).
• Advises Education Coordinator, Education and Volunteer Administrator and/or the Program Coordinator of any customer service issues or inquiries. Recommends program enhancements based on feedback.
• Conducts building checks prior and after programs to ensure all museum spaces are ready for groups and for those using the space after. This includes opening and closing the main museum buildings.
• Assists in ensuring a safe environment for all participants and reports and potential hazards to the Education Coordinator, Education and Volunteer Administrator and/or the Program Coordinator.
• Participates in all required training sessions and delivers program content as directed.
• Provides support to volunteers and staff assisting with education program delivery.
• Assist with the training of new members of the Museums Programming Department; and
• Perform all other related duties as assigned

Required Skills & Competencies

• Enrolled or completed a post-secondary education in history, museum studies, education, science, recreation and or another relevant degree.
• Previous experience presenting programming to schools and public audiences; as a historic interpreter or a guide at a historic site or animator at a Science Center, etc.
• Current certifications in Standard First Aid OR Intermediate First Aid with CPR ‘C’ and AED
• HIGH FIVE Healthy Child Development is required
• Must be able to provide a clear Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal and communication skills and above average organizational and follow-up skills required
• Strong time management, multi-tasking and above average organizational and follow-up skills required
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends
• Proficiency in MS Office, Outlook, database management, etc.
• Must be able to provide informative commentary and answer a range of relevant questions. To do this, they must learn information provided by the Curator, Program Coordinator and Education Instructors supplemented, when appropriate, from their own knowledge.
• Valid Ontario Class G Driver's License is an asset
• Knowledge of Ontario Curriculum is an asset.

Core Behaviours

• Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
• Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

Core Values

At the City of Markham, our work is guided by a shared set of core values that shape how we serve our community and support one another.

• Service Excellence: the consistent delivery of high-quality efficient and customer-centric service that exceeds expectations.
• Accountability: our obligation to be responsible and accountable for our actions, decisions and performance.
• People-Focused: putting people first.
• Trust: the confidence we place in each other to act with integrity and fairness.
• Innovation: Investing in each other and the way we deliver our programs and services.

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment, you will be required to provide a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) / Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) letter.

AI Disclosure

At the City of Markham, we value transparency and fairness in recruitment. While our system (ADP Workforce Now) includes AI-powered features, we do not use AI to screen, assess, or select applicants. All evaluations are conducted by people.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

Please respect our scent free area by not wearing scented products when visiting the office.