Are you a creative, visitor focused individual with a passion for history and cultural heritage preservation? Do you enjoy sharing these experiences with others? Through digital and in person interpretation and program development, you will have the opportunity to convey the culture and history of two iconic Ontario attractions - Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Midland and Discovery Harbour, Penetanguishene.
Are you an individual who enjoys teaching through interactive in-person demonstrations and is comfortable animating in front of others? If so, consider applying for the Historical Interpreter positions! As a Historical Interpreter you will have the opportunity to engage and share the intriguing and compelling history of two culturally significant attractions in the heart of central Ontario and along the shores of Georgian Bay.
The fascinating story of each historic attraction is captivating and communicates a unique period of Canadian history. Sainte-Marie among the Hurons was Ontario's first European community and was the headquarters for the French Jesuit Mission to the Huron-Wendat people, while Discovery Harbour traces its roots back to the original British naval and military base in Penetanguishene, built to safeguard access to Upper Canada after the War of 1812. Both are situated on their original locations, and are rich in original artefacts and cultural assets, both archived in on-site museums and in-situ on the properties.
Note: This position works within a 7-day work week and requires the ability to work daytime, evening, weekends, and holidays.
What can I expect to do in this role?
As a Historical Interpreter, you will:
• Provide historical information and program development expertise for public programs, special events and educational and experiential groups, across platforms from traditional on-site and hands-on interpretation to outreach programming via digital and in-person presentations to groups.
• Supports the living history program, such as performing historical activities; blacksmithing, black powder demonstrations, rope work, cooking, carpentry.
• Greet visitors
• Maintain historic buildings, artefacts, vessels, reproductions, and grounds to ensure they are clean and presentable.
• Assist with set-up and take-down of special events.
• Research and develop innovative program plans.
• Provide technical direction and training to students
How do I qualify?
Mandatory
• You must have a valid class 'G' driver's licence or equivalent, as recognized by the Province of Ontario.
Historical Knowledge:
• You have knowledge of historic trades and processes such as seamanship, blacksmithing and carpentry.
• You have knowledge of historic periods and their reproduction artifacts, furnishings, room settings and vessels.
• You have the knowledge and ability to re call historical facts.
Communication Skills:
• You have the ability to engage visitors of all ages in the history of the attractions
• You have demonstrated interpersonal skills to explain historical techniques including, but not limited to agricultural/horticultural, seamanship, carpentry, blacksmithing in readily understood terms to the public.
• You have proven oral communication skills to discuss in detail work plans with a range of other staff and workers.
Presentation Skills:
• You have experience performing demonstrations.
• You can perform job duties in period-style clothing.
Computer Proficiency:
• You can operate computer software to complete administrative and financial functions.
• 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.
Technical Knowledge and Experience:
• You can use interpretive applications, special events, theoretical and applied living history techniques for the development of event, education, and interpretive planning.
Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Anti-Racism:
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.
