Heritage Interpreter

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 / Musée canadien de l'immigration du Quai 21; Halifax; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A cultural institution committed to diversity is seeking a Mandarin-speaking Heritage Interpreter for a 6-month contract, from April to October 2026 in Halifax. The role involves delivering guided tours and providing excellent customer service. Candidates must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and be fluent in Mandarin. This position offers $18 per hour plus vacation pay, requiring 37.5 hours weekly with potential extended hours. Applications close on February 13, 2026.

Qualifications

• Must speak fluent Mandarin.
• High level of customer service skills and knowledge.
• Comfortable in public speaking situations.

Responsibilities

• Deliver guided tours, presentations and workshops.
• Ensure visitor satisfaction with excellent customer service.
• Conduct ongoing research to improve Museum presentations.

Skills

Fluent Mandarin

Customer service skills

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree or certificate in history, education, or tourism

Job description

Job Title: Heritage Interpreter – Mandarin speaking
Duration: 6 month contract from April to October 2026
Wages: $18 per hour plus 4% vacation pay
Hours: 37.5 hours a week with two paid rest periods of 15 minutes and one 30 minute unpaid lunch break each day. As the Museum operates 7 days a week, the workweek includes Saturdays and/or Sundays and irregular hours (evenings, weekends)
There is the possibility of extending the contract

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 has an opening for a Mandarin speaking Heritage Interpreter.

The primary responsibility of the Heritage Interpreter is to provide excellent customer service to individuals, school groups, and special interest groups on visits to the Museum. The Heritage Interpreter is expected to interpret the permanent, travelling and temporary exhibitions, describe particular areas of interest, answer questions, and provide historically accurate information on immigration in a creative way that encourages the audience to participate. The Heritage Interpreter must also complete accurate cash, debit, and credit transactions at the front ticket counter and may be asked to provide customer service in the Gift Shop occasionally.

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is committed to having a skilled, diversified workforce that reflects Canadian Society. Applications are invited from all qualified candidates, including Indigenous persons, women, people of any sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, visible minorities, racialised people, and people with disabilities. The Museum is committed to developing inclusive, barrier‑free selection processes and a welcoming work environment. Alternative selection tool methods and/or reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

Primary Duties

• Deliver guided tours, presentations and workshops to individuals, school groups and special interest groups
• Assist with the delivery of special programming
• Ensure visitor satisfaction with excellent customer service and communication skills
• Meet and greet visitors in both official languages and provide general Museum and tourist information as required
• Participate in the development of interpretive programming
• Sell tickets, receive cash and perform end‑of‑day cash reconciliation according to instruction
• Monitor the frontline conditions and report and/or remedy concerns appropriately, including the appearance of the lobby and Welcome Pavilion; changes in the state of exhibitions and workshop materials; equipment set‑up; etc.
• Assist with quality control in the Museum
• Conduct ongoing and regular research to improve the quality of Museum presentations and to provide accurate and timely information
• Develop a well‑rounded, current knowledge of the Museum, including all departments and services in order to offer appropriate recommendations/ information to visitors
• Conduct daily opening and closing operations of the Museum
• Assume additional responsibilities as requested, Interpretation
• Help to orient new Visitor Experience staff and volunteers
• Cross‑train and provide customer service in the Gift Shop if required

Education, Knowledge & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or certificate in a related discipline such as history, education, tourism or an equivalent in years of experience through demonstrated ability
• The ability to speak fluent Mandarin
• High level of customer service skills and knowledge
• Well‑developed communication, leadership and organizational skills
• An outwardly consistent, positive and enthusiastic attitude
\>A demonstrated excellent understanding of how to provide exceptional visitor service
• High accuracy in performing cash, debit and credit transactions
• Dedicated to keeping all forms and reports constantly up‑to‑date and accurate
• The ability to remain calm and professional under frequently changing and stressful circumstances
• Comfort with public speaking

Skills And Qualifications – Desired

• Fluency in English and French
• Experience serving the public within a high‑traffic environment either within a museum, visitor attraction and/or customer service position
• Experience leading activities for children
• Experience in a team environment
• Experience working with volunteers

Please submit your cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

Closing date for applications is February 13, 2026 at 5pm AST.