Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

Under the direction of the Manager, Operations, it is the responsibility of the interpreter to learn the story of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and/or Discovery Harbour. Position performs the duties associated with the creation, delivery, instruction and analysis of public programs, special events, and educational and experiential products to youth and adults related to the cultural heritage and stewardship of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and/or Discovery Harbour. Assists with the development and research of new and innovative related programming for the delivery of education, public and digital programs. Delivery may at the attraction, on-site, via outreach, or by digital means. May include other duties as assigned

Duties / Responsibilities :

Provides historical information for site programs, special events, and educational and experiential groups by using a variety of interpretive techniques such as themed tours, curriculum-based programs, costumed interpretation and animation, dramas, discussions,
questions and demonstrations of historical activities such as blacksmithing, black powder, rope work and cooking.
Assumes role of historical site animator as required and provides specialized interpretation on specific topics.
Delivery may be on-site, via outreach, or by digital means.
Greets visitors in a friendly way upon their arrival and provides them with information on the site(s) and other tourism services in the area.
Engages visitors in conversation and delivers on HHP's Mission, Vision and Values philosophies.
Helps to monitor and maintain the flow of traffic through the historical site and advises Manager of Operations of issues on site as they arise.
Maintains the historic buildings, artifacts, vessels, reproductions and grounds in a clean and presentable state by dusting, sweeping and removing garbage.
Re-supplies site animation kits and advises the Manager of Operations when supplies need to be ordered.
Cleans the staff room, staff change rooms and supply/preparation depots.
Moves firewood and other supplies to appropriate locations.
Maintains costume in a clean state.
Assists with set-up and take-down of special events and programs.
Assists in the training and mentoring of new staff.
Assists with summer student and on-call staff scheduling according to operational needs and available budget.
Assists in the evaluation of programs and activities as required.
Acquires additional historical knowledge of the sites through reading and research as required.
Drafting interpretive, educational, and other programming plans and conceptual outlines for new programs as directed.
Manager has the right to assign additional responsibilities.
Actively contributes to the safety of Huronia Historical Parks visitors and staff by:
- Working in compliance with all health & safety regulations, the Occupational Health & Safety Act of Ontario, and HHP policies
- Reporting to the employer or supervisor any contravention of the Act or regulations or the existence of any hazard of which they know
- Reporting to the employer or supervisor the absence or defect in any equipment or protective device that the worker is aware of and which may endanger them or another worker
- Using any protective device required by the regulations or their employer
- Using equipment, machines, and devices in a manner that does not endanger themselves or others

Performs other related duties such as
- Drafting, preparing, and revising program related narrative and images as required, using computer software (i.e., Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, etc.) and handheld devices to capture and distribute image and video content for traditional and digital platforms.
- Participating in experiential learning programs, both in person and via digital means, including performing the duties associated with the delivery and instruction of experiential activities for site programs, special events, and educational products to youth and adults. Familiarity with Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Google Meets to deliver digital programs via a variety of devices.
- Participating in meetings and committees as required
- Attending training and development sessions as assigned
- Working closely with staff to ensure efficient and effective delivery of programs, services and activities
- Travel as required
- Supporting Huronia Historical Parks daytime, evening and weekend site activities as needed for the operation ofa 24 hour a day, 7 day a week tourist business

Staffing and Licensing :

Valid Class "G' Driver's License. Criminal Record Check

Knowledge :

Job requires knowledge of the period and reproduction artifacts/furnishings/room settings/vessels.
Knowledge of historic trades and processes such as seamanship, blacksmithing and carpentry.
Experience in developing site programs, special events, and educational and experiential products in alignment with historic site objectives.
Knowledge of the information contained in the Staff Resource manual of historical information, the Staff Operations manual, the Staff and Student handbook and any other relevant manuals as assigned.
Knowledge of all Health and Safety policies for staff and the public.
Knowledge obtained through post-secondary studies in historical and cultural interpretation.
Sound knowledge of computer use including Microsoft Office, Excel, Word and internet to communicate via email, and perform a variety of Ministry intranet functions such as entering attendance, completing on-line training and other administrative and financial functions.
Financial functions may include tracking and monitoring of purchases via P-Card or T-Card following Ministry guidelines.

Skills :

Job requires ability to communicate effectively with visitors of all ages, backgrounds and education levels.
Ability to recall historical facts related to the story and contemporary information related to area tourism.
Ability to perform job duties in a period-style costume.
Ability to perform historical demonstrations such as cooking, blacksmithing, carpentry and rope work.
Ability to read contemporary and historic documents, synthesize the information and apply it to the job responsibilities.
Job works within the procedural controls of Ministry and government policies, legislation, associated manuals, directives and established policies and procedures.
Possess personal commitment to customer service, employment equity, health and safety, workplace discrimination and harassment prevention, revenue and cost reduction.

Freedom of Action :

Job requires ability to adjust content and delivery of tours/programs to meet the needs of visitors. Ability to respond to Health and Safety incidents involving staff and the public and complete incident reports.
- Job works within the procedural controls of HHP and MHSTCI policies, legislation, associated manuals, directives and established policies and procedures. Job requires working independently with minimal supervision and in a team environment. Job works in a team environment and is required to accept responsibility for actions taken and work carried out