Job Title: Historical Interpreter
Reports to: Programs Coordinator
Compensation: $20.00, 4% vacation
Hours of work: Up to 40 hours per week, 13-16 week temporary seasonal. Requires flexible weekend and holiday availability.
The Cranbrook History Centre is a landmark site located in Cranbrook BC. We preserve and display internationally recognized paleontology specimens, a nationally designated railcar collection, and serve as a repository for the history of Cranbrook and the East Kootenay region for all to explore and discover. We would like to acknowledge that the Cranbrook History Centre is located on the traditional, ancestral and present Ktunaxa homeland and extend our gratitude for the opportunity to live and learn in mutual respect and appreciation.
The museum is supported by the Cranbrook Archives, Museum and Landmark Society and its Executive Management Team which provides strategic direction, development and funding to achieve the museum’s mission. Our team values a supportive and collaborative work culture that is respectful, challenging and promotes diversity and creativity.
Position Summary
The position of Historical Interpreter is a unique opportunity for students with an interest in history, tourism, education, and/or museum studies, who would like to build a variety of new skills over the summer months. Our Historical Interpreters are the heart of museum’s summer programming, as they are responsible for leading the daily tours of historic railcars. Additionally, the Historical Interpreter is expected to take on other projects throughout the summer matched to their skills and goals. Projects may include: Summer Camp Assistant, Walking Tour Guide, and Tour or Event Development. In these roles the student will help to develop and deliver new programs that connect the museum with our community throughout the summer season.
Historical Interpreters will gain experience in the day-to-day operation of a heritage organization. They will develop and learn valuable skills, such as public speaking, managing groups, historical interpretation, conservation and restoration, cultural program development and delivery, office procedures and point-of-sale transactions.
Position Duties and Responsibilities
- Deliver informative and engaging interpretive guided tours of the historic railcars and museum to visitors.
- Share with visitors the museum’s significance, identity, and mandate.
- Greet tour groups, introduce the museum, and deliver museum rules to visitors.
- Adapt tours and programs to the needs of various age groups and/or nationalities.
- Help develop and lead delivery of one of the museum’s summer special projects (to be decided once the work term begins)
- Contribute to ongoing evaluations of interpretive railcar tours and other summer programs.
- Carry-out visitor services task including, but not limited to processing admission and ticket sales, answering the phone, and resolving visitors’ questions or concerns.
- Carry-out gift shop customer service, maintenance, stocking, restocking, and pricing.
- Cash and credit card handling and accurate accounting of cash registers and drawers in accordance with museum policies.
- Participate in museum maintenance, including event set up and breakdown in the Royal Alexandra Hall.
- Keeping public and private spaces clean and sanitized; including foyer, exhibits, washrooms and museum grounds.
- As related to the job description, other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Must be registered with Young Canada Works at www.youngcanadaworks.ca
- Must be a full-time student, between the ages 16-30, who is returning to their studies in the fall.
- May not have another full-time job (over 30 hours per week)
- Eligible to work in Canada.
Experience & Skills
- Prefer a background in History, English, Museum Studies, Tourism, Indigenous Studies, Education or related field.
- An understanding of Indigenous relations in this region; additionally, familiarity with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the relevant Calls to Action for Museums is an asset. This knowledge can be through education, lived or worked experience.
- First Aid Level 1 certification required.
- Must possess excellent verbal communication skills with demonstrable public speaking experience.
- Possess professionalism, personal maturity, and excellent interpersonal skills.
- Experience working with diverse audiences and groups, including children an asset.
- Have an outgoing personality, enjoy working with the public
- Strength and mobility to stand for extended periods, work an active 8 hour shift, work outside, navigate stairs and lift reasonable weights.
We are looking for these personal qualities:
- Initiative: We need someone who has ideas as well as someone who can come up with creative solutions!
- Reliability: We must be able to count on you to ensure the success of our programs.
- Judgement: Things evolve rapidly, being able to make decisions with discernment is an essential quality to being successful in this position
- Detail Oriented: the details matter!
How to Apply
In the spirit of reconciliation, we are committed to increasing Indigenous representation throughout the organization and encourage applicants to self-identify as Indigenous within cover letters and/or resume.
Please send your resume and cover letter as a PDF to [email protected]. Subject line: first name, last name, job title. Ex: Jane Doe, Historical Interpreter. The selection process will remain open until the position is filled.
*We appreciate all applications; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. A clean criminal record check and vulnerable sector police check will be required before employment*
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Able to reliably commute to Fort Steele Heritage Town
Work Location: In person
