Canoe Builder

Fort William Historical Park is one of the largest living history attractions in North America with 57 heritage and modern buildings on 250 acres. The Park brings life to history through hands-on demonstrations, workshops, reenactments, educational programming, and special events. Programing shapes an immersive journey that helps to transports audiences into the world of the past.

As the Canoe Builder/Shipwright, you'll play an important role in a dynamic team using your expertise to demonstrate hands-on skills and techniques relating to traditional canoe building, create period reproductions, maintain furnishings, and teach visitors about the role of the Canoe Builder/Shipwright all while dressed in period clothing.

This exceptional opportunity will have you interacting with tourists from around the world to create educational experiences that promote cross-cultural understanding across generations. Come join the team and help bring life to history

As part of a dynamic team working in Fort William Historical Park, you will use your canoe/boat building expertise to demonstrate hands-on skills and techniques, create period reproductions, maintain furnishings, and to teach visitors about the role of the Canoe Builder/Shipwright.
**OPS Commitment to 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.

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 "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.
**What can I expect to do in this role?**: In this role, you will:

- demonstrate hands-on Canoe Builder/Shipwright skills and techniques, and interpret the role and significance of the Canoe Builder/Shipwright within the context of Fort William Historical Park's living history, education, events and exhibits program
- research and fabricate period reproductions and provide specialized maintenance services for site structures and furnishings

**How do I qualify?**:
**Mandatory**:

- You possess or have the ability to obtain a Forklift Operator's Licence.
- You possess or have the ability to obtain a Class 'CZ' Driver's Licence.
- You have the ability to perform physical work outdoors and in all weather conditions; drive equipment; lift materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

**Please note**: Fort William Historical Park is a 7-day a week, 24-hour operation. The position may be required to attend overnight functions, travel to out of town events and off-hour programs, work holidays and weekends.
**Communication skills**: You have:

- the ability to deliver interpretive demonstrations to dramatize and portray historical characters and events, and present educational workshops to staff and the public
- demonstrated communication and interpersonal skill to interact effectively with colleagues visitors

**Technical expertise/canoeing experience**:

- You have knowledge of regulations governing vessel design, construction and operation
- You have experience operating canoes
- You are able to lead and teach others in the proper and safe use of canoes including birch bark canoes on water
- You have knowledge of harvesting from raw source and preparation of bark, roots, sealants and wood structural elements for use in fabrication
- You have the ability and experiencing interpreting the process of canoe manufacture to others
- You have the ability to design and prepare drawings and schematics of vessels and related items

**Analytical skills**: You have:

- planning and organizational skills to organize tasks and priorities, and coordinate activities of seasonal staff
- evaluative skills to review quality of work performed by seasonal staff
- precision and attention to detail to accurately use the techniques, equipment and materials of the Canoe Builder/Shipwright trade
- the ability to maintain program supply inventories and ensure that hand and power tools are maintained

**Historical building knowledge**: You have knowledge of:

- period and contemporary vessel building techniques and safety guidelines, particularly as it pertains to birch bark canoe building and period boat building
- design knowledge and construction of period vessels such as schooners, bateau's, skiffs and warys using period and/or contemporary building methods or combinations

**Additional Information**:
**Address**:

- 1 English Permanent, 1350 King Rd, Thunder Bay, North Region, Vulnerable Sector Check

**Compensation Group**: