Are you a creative individual who enjoys performing in front of others? Do you have a passion for history, education, public programming, and special events? If so, consider applying your skills as a Historical Interpreter at Discovery Harbour, Huronia Historical Parks!
Through the stewardship of its historical sites, heritage assets, and natural spaces, Huronia Historical Parks (HHP) offers unique interactive interpretive experiences and educational programming that make history come to life. HHP promotes a strong tourism sector and prosperity in the region by welcoming visitors from around the world and building partnerships that strengthen its cultural, social, and economic impact.
Discovery Harbour is a living history museum that recreates a 19th century British naval and military base. Its origins trace back to 1793 and today it features reconstructed and original buildings, replica tall ships, and interactive exhibits. The site features seasonal events like Ghost Tours, Escape Room, and the award winning Pumpkinferno!
Note: This position works within a 7-day work week and requires the ability to work daytime, evening, weekends and holidays.
About the job
As a Historical Interpreter, you will:
• provide historical information for public programs, special events and educational and experiential groups
• lead guided tours and interactive programs for all visitors
• interpret the history and daily life of the 19th century naval and military base through accurate storytelling, demonstrations of traditional crafts, blacksmithing, rope work, cooking and other historical practices
• maintain historic buildings, artifacts, vessels, reproductions and grounds to ensure they are clean and presentable
• assist with design, set-up and take-down of special events
• research and develop new innovative event and programs plans
• assist in monitoring and evaluating historical interpretations, dramas, tours, special events, education and outreach programs
• assist with providing technical direction and mentoring to students
What you bring to the team
Mandatory requirements
• You must have a valid class 'G' driver's license or equivalent, as recognized by the Province of Ontario
• You have experience in historical interpretation, education, events, or a related field
Historical knowledge
You have:
• experience in developing programs, special events, and educational and experiential products in alignment with historic site objectives
• knowledge of historic trades and processes such as seamanship, blacksmithing and carpentry
• knowledge of historic periods and their reproduction artifacts, furnishings and, room settings/vessels
• the knowledge and ability to re call historical facts
Communication, public speaking and interpersonal skills
You have:
• written and verbal skills necessary to draft/revise and share program content and key program information
• the ability to engage visitors of all ages in the history of the attractions
• proven oral and written communication skills to discuss in detail work plans with a range of other staff and workers
• demonstrated interpersonal skills to explain historical techniques including, but not limited to rope work agricultural/horticultural, carpentry, blacksmithing in readily understood terms to the public
• experience performing live or virtual demonstrations or speaking in front of visitors
• You can perform job duties in period-style costume
Computer proficiency:
• You can operate computer software to complete administrative and financial functions in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and Share Point
• You can operate Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Google Meets to deliver digital programs
• You are proficient with Microsoft Office Suite of tools to prepare scripts, outlines, manuals, reports, correspondence and recommendations
Research and analytical skills:
• You can use research techniques to ensure historical accuracy in the depiction and portrayal of the historic period programming
• You have effective analytical skills to re-evaluate, revise and enhance programs to reflect high quality historical interpretations and drama activities
Planning and organizational skills:
• You have proven organizational skills to plan and coordinate work within a team and prioritize work to ensure deadlines are met
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
What we offer
The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer:
• a career that can grow across ministries and job functions
• flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
• many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups
Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package includes:
• a defined-benefit lifetime pension plan (guaranteed, ongoing inflation-protected income after retirement)
• group health, dental, life and disability benefits
• a range of vacation and leave options
• an Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling services