Legislative Tour Guide

About Us

Government House is Canada’s oldest vice regal residence. Over the years it has played host to royal visitors, served as a command post following the Halifax explosion, and thousands of national and international dignitaries. Government House continues to be the working office and the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor – the King’s Representative in Nova Scotia.
 

For information about Government House please visit: http://lt.gov.ns.ca
 

As Canada’s oldest legislative building, Nova Scotia’s Province House has witnessed Freedom of the Press, the birth of Responsible Government and the Confederation debates. The House of Assembly meets at Province House and the building continues to bear witness to historic events.
 

For information about Province House please visit: http://nslegislature.ca

Government House and Province House are wheelchair accessible.

About Our Opportunity

As a Legislative tour guide you will interpret the legislative system and the history of both buildings. From the architecture to artwork, these buildings are home to historic artifacts. Thousands of people visit both locations annually.
 

Offering guided tours of historic buildings provides an excellent opportunity to make use of public speaking skills, as well as second language skills and learn more about Nova Scotia and its government.

Primary Accountabilities

• Greeting visitors and collaborating with teammates and security to provide a positive visitor experience.
• Delivering tours of Government House and Province House. Guiding visitors through the public areas.
• Learning historical and significant facts about both buildings to deliver public education.
• Answering questions about both buildings and the roles of each institution and consistently communicating in a nonpartisan manner.
• Handing out printed informational material for visitors.
• Recording the number of visitors.
• Placing and removing temporary outdoor and indoor signage and stanchions as directed. Must be able to move a 40lb sign. Ascending and descending stairs may be required.

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate, you will demonstrate your knowledge and interest in the legislative system and possess an understanding of history, art, and architecture. You will demonstrate the ability to work with children, youth, and adults of all ages. You possess strong verbal communication skills. Fluently bilingual (French & English) candidates are preferred.
 

At times, this role may be working independently or in a team environment and as the successful candidate, you must clearly demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics to work effectively with the diverse public in a professional manner.
 

While not required, previous experience in the tourism/hospitality sector is considered an asset.
 

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Working Conditions

Guides are employed from June 1 to September 30 on a casual basis, as required.

Hours of operation for tours of Government House will include July and August on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 10am to 4pm. A full schedule will be provided in advance and is subject to change. Tours are provided on Canada Day and Natal Day. Tours are not provided on Labour Day or National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

Hours of operation for tours of Province House will include June, July, August and early September, on weekdays from 10am to 4pm, however daily shifts are not necessarily consecutive over the three-month period. Some weekends will also be required. A full schedule will be provided in advance and is subject to change.

Additional Information

In your cover letter please explain how you hope to benefit from participating in the program.