Heritage Interpreter (School Programs)

City of Richmond; British Columbia; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government agency in British Columbia is seeking enthusiastic individuals for educational program delivery. The role involves leading school programs at various heritage sites and requires strong customer service, public speaking skills, and knowledge of local history. Candidates must complete secondary school and have experience in facilitation. The position will engage with diverse age groups and was ideal for candidates interested in history and community education.

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service skills with ability to communicate effectively.
• Experience in public speaking, preferably to children.
• Knowledge of Canadian and BC history is essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver educational programs and tours to visitors.
• Prepare educational materials and manage spaces for programs.
• Provide evaluations to teachers post-program.

Skills

Excellent customer service

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Completion of secondary school

Courses in education, history, museum studies

Job description

Overview

The City of Richmond is currently looking for enthusiastic, responsible individuals who have excellent customer service, communication and interpersonal skills. You will enjoy working with the public and delivering educational programs and tours for all age groups at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, London Farm, and the Richmond Museum.

Examples of key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Delivery of school programs and tours.
• Preparing all educational materials and spaces for programs, including set-up and clean-up.
• Assisting with the development of hands-on activities for use on tours and programs.
• Providing school program evaluations to teachers at the time of the program.
• Mentoring volunteers to assist in program and tour delivery.
• Cash handling, balancing and reporting.
• Opening and closing of museum buildings.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience in public speaking, with a preference for speaking to groups of children.
• Experience in customer service, with ability to courteously and effectively communicate with the public.
• Experience interpreting cultural or natural heritage to public, with ability to interpret, explain, educate, and inspire visitors.
• Ability to work both independently and interdependently while exercising sound judgment and initiative.
• Ability to lead groups of various sizes and ages.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Proficient at guiding interpretative conversations while creatively encouraging active participation from visitors.
• Strong problem solving, communication skills, and ability to work well under pressure and deal with stressful situations with professionalism.
• Basic knowledge of interpretive techniques and museum principles.
• Knowledge of Canadian and BC history.
• Ability to successfully pass a Police Information Check.
• Ability to obtain First Aid certification.
• Ability to speak a second language is an asset.
• Ability to carry objects up to 25lbs.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Completion of secondary school or Grade 12 equivalent plus up to 1 year of additional courses in education, history, museum studies, drama or similar.
• A minimum of 1 year and up to and including 2 years of experience as a heritage interpreter, school program facilitator, or similar.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Working Conditions:

Duties are performed in a heritage environment. Must be comfortable standing for long periods of time. May be outdoors, in all weather conditions. May encounter upset or unpleasant customers.