Historical Interpreter

**Historical Interpreter (Seasonal)**:
**Job ID**:

- 232255

**Posting status**:

- Open

**Organization**:

- Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming

**Division**:

- Agency Relations and Accountability Division

**City**:

- Penetanguishene

**Position(s) language**:

- English

**Job term**:

- 1 Temporary - annually recurring seasonal contract for up to 10 months each year

**Job code**:

- U0129 - Interpreter 2

**Salary**:

- $19.51 - $20.71 Per hour*
*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.

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

**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 e