Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To develop the Indigenous heritage programming operations at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, provide expertise in leading the research, development and implementation of new and innovative education and special event programs dedicated to the celebration of Indigenous culture and the interpretation of the Huron-Wendat culture and history during 1639-1649. To expand Sainte-Marie among the Hurons' partnership activities with a network of Indigenous groups promoting cultural education and exposition across Central Ontario.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Provides leadership in all Sainte-Marie among the Hurons Indigenous heritage programming in the planning, development and implementation of authentic, quality Indigenous programming. Provides ongoing professional Indigenous heritage skills, expertise, leadership, direction and training of demonstrating Indigenous artisan skills, researching and interpreting Huron-Wendat culture, history and lifestyle pertaining to the 17th Century.
Assists the Public and Education Program Coordinator in day to day direction to student staff assigned to the Indigenous Heritage Program Area. Oversees interpretive presentation, demonstrations and activities and ensures historical accuracy in the depiction and portrayal of Indigenous culture and society.
Oversees staff in the depiction of Huron-Wendat culture and history. Incorporates curriculum guidelines established by the Ministry of Education and current market interest and demand. Leads and participates in educational programming, historical interpretations, artisan demonstrations, special events and daily activities.
Maintains a level of authenticity in portraying and depicting living history activities in period costume, as per historical standards and approved documentation.
Leads the planning, development and delivery of cultural education to visitors to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons on arts, games, dance and cultural history. Promotes and fosters the preservation and expanded knowledge of Indigenous cultures and cultural resource protection.
Plays a lead role in building program, promotional and strategic linkages with organizations, groups and institutions. Liaises with Indigenous community and acts as a lead resource to all operational areas, partners, volunteers, private and public sector stakeholders in the areas of research development, training and implementation of Indigenous heritage activities and programs.
Establishes, implements and revises short and long-term program plans; prepares regular reports, correspondence, manuals, program outlines, new program development and special cross-sectional projects. Leads Indigenous programming year end reviews with a focus on the quality application of living history methodology and to assess Indigenous heritage program success. Evaluates stakeholder feedback and actively contributes to departmental objectives and business plan development. Recommends changes to the Manager to improve program delivery.
Assists the Public and Education Programs Coordinator in conducting regular equipment, material and supply inventories and ensures that modern and historic reproductions are maintained. Ensures the structural and aesthetic integrity of assigned program facilities, exhibits and equipment through regular cleaning maintenance and periodic rehabilitation.
Assists the Public and Education Programs Coordinator in ensuring a safe environment for visitors and staff and ensures that all work is performed in accordance with safety regulations. Assists to ensure all staff receive appropriate safety training for the Indigenous Heritage Area and that comprehensive records of all safety training are maintained, as outlined in the seasonal handbook or area manual.
Performs administrative duties by purchasing goods using ministry purchasing card and/or petty cash, recording budget expenditures, provides delivery and pick up services as required. Maintains records and reconciles purchases according to ministry guidelines. Computer use and knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel, Word and internet to communicate via email, perform attendance functions, etc.
This position requires weekends, holidays and/or evening work as assigned in a 24 hrs a day, 7 day a week tourist business. Hours may fluctuate based on the timing of special events and programs.
Specialized courses in Indigenous Studies or minimum 5 years' experience within an Indigenous cultural organization is preferred.

Staffing and Licensing :

Class G Ontario Driver's License
Criminal Record Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)

Knowledge :

Job requires knowledge of:
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons programs, events, promotions, projects, policies and procedures, to contribute to the interpretation and operation of a Living History program.
Historical interpretation and heritage/cultural programming skills and theoretical and applied living history interpretive, education methodologies and applications to lead the development and implementation of Indigenous programming.
Huron-Wendat culture and history; particularly as it applies to the pre-colonial era and time of first contact; natural history as it pertains to Indigenous Life in the pre-colonial era.
Fabrication, construction and esthetic techniques pertaining to Indigenous material culture; demonstrated skills such as leather and wood craft, food preparation, bark shelter and canoe construction and open fire cooking to lead/conduct demonstrations and train staff.
Ontario school curriculum guidelines pertaining to the pre-colonial and New France era and Indigenous culture and history to meet the needs of the regional and local learning institutions.
Indigenous culture and the role and function of organizations such as Huron-Wendat Nation; to promote partnerships with Indigenous communities.
Research, documentation and reporting techniques to document historical characters and events, plan and lead the development of new and innovative programs and training.
Ability to provide group leadership to direct and coordinate activities of staff in day to day activities, as well as, supervisory, coaching and mentoring techniques.
Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets and internet to communicate via email, perform attendance functions, etc.

Skills :

Job requires:
Analytical skills to lead the development of the Indigenous heritage programming and interpret Living History as it pertains to the seventeenth century; ensure authenticity in the depiction of public program; re-evaluate, revise and enhance programs to reflect high quality historical interpretations.
Evaluation skills to revise short and long-term program plans; assess Indigenous heritage program success; review quality of work performed by staff; evaluate stakeholder feedback.
Research skills to conduct thorough research to support specialized training activities and historical accuracy.
Creativity to meet the increased scope and complexity of Indigenous cultural and social programs and to develop programming that implements skill retention and preserves Indigenous cultural knowledge.
Oral communication skills to lead demonstrations and public performances, educate and interact with visitors; communicate with Indigenous organizations and communities; promote collaboration; lead/participate in historical interpretations.
Writing skills to prepare resource manuals, reports, program outlines, interpretation material and recommendations.
Interpretive skills to demonstrate and interpret cultural heritage trade practices, tools, methods and materials.
Sensitivity to appropriately develop historical, contemporary and culture program content.
Problem-solving skills to motivate staff and deal with staff or customer services issues.
Planning and organizational skills to work independently and as part of a team; to assist with program implementation and evaluation.

Freedom of Action :

Job works within the procedural controls of HHP and MHSTCI policies, legislation, associated manuals, directives and established policies and procedures.
Decision-making involves: Leading the planning, development and implementation of innovative Indigenous heritage programming for Sainte-Marie among the Hurons; acting as a lead Indigenous heritage resource to all operational areas; liaising with the Indigenous community; playing a lead role in developing partnerships; providing technical direction to staff; meeting training requirements; incorporating curriculum guidelines; contributing to departmental objectives and business plan development; ensuring authenticity in portraying and depicting activities; representing Sainte-Marie among the Hurons at Indigenous cultural committees, associations and forums; recommending changes to improve program delivery.
Work is reviewed by the Manager of Operations for accuracy and satisfactory completion. Job refers problems relating to customer service or potential safety issues, which cannot be resolved, to the Manager, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons Operations.