Heritage Interpreter (Clerk 2)

About Us

The Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage (CCTH) supports communities across the province to be welcoming, inclusive and accessible, providing a great quality of life for Nova Scotians and a memorable experience for visitors. We value the collective diversity of our heritage and our people and believe in the transformative nature of culture to help create healthy, active, growing communities.
 

Do you have a passion for Nova Scotia’s rich cultural and natural heritage and an interest in sharing these stories with others? The Nova Scotia Museum, part of CCTH, has 28 incredible sites that each offer unique opportunities for creativity and connecting with others. If you are positive, flexible and ready to learn new things, then come join a team of likeminded people.
 

This position will work at two NSM sites.
 

Sutherland Steam Mill (Denmark, NS), a saw mill from 1894, explores Nova Scotian ingenuity in a mill once powered by steam. For nearly 70 years, Alexander Sutherland and his family produced carriages, sleds, windows, and fancy gingerbread trim, which were shipped on the old railway line beside the mill.
 

Balmoral Grist Mill (Balmoral Mills, NS) is a three-story mill, open in 1874 by Alexander McKay. The deeper significance of the site lay in the unseen: a fully preserved example of a 19th century mill that was one of four others that existed on Matheson Brook. Serving the local community, grains were ground, sifted, and turned into flour on a Scottish granite millstone.

About Our Opportunity

Sutherland Steam Mill and Balmoral Grist Mill are excited to announce an opening for a heritage interpreter. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a team dedicated to preserving and sharing Nova Scotia's rich cultural and natural history.
 

Sutherland Steam Mill and Balmoral Grist Mill are excited to announce an opening for a heritage interpreter. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a team dedicated to preserving and sharing Nova Scotia's rich cultural and natural history.
 

The Heritage Interpreter (Clerk 2) will be supported by the museum’s Site Supervisor. This position would fit well with someone who would enjoy a meaningful conversation with visitors of all ages and diverse backgrounds. Those you engage with are there to learn about the museum collection and the cultural and natural history of Nova Scotia. You will enable this through hands-on, interactive, well-researched activities. This position will deliver the museum’s school and public interpretive programs, demonstrations, events, workshops, site tours and presentations.
 

You will be a vital member of the Nova Scotia Museum’s frontline staff. The Heritage Interpreter will support the Museum’s goal to promote and engage visitors in understanding Nova Scotia’s unique cultural and natural history through interpretive programs and events.

Primary Accountabilities

You will assist with:

• Retail, visitor, and client services
• Planning, research, and evaluation
• Answering public enquiries
• Maintaining the museum collection by learning how to appropriately clean and care for these artifacts and specimens using approved handling policies and procedures
• Following daily safety and security procedures and ensuring the site operates efficiently; and,
• Cleaning and administrative duties

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this position, you must have three years of experience. An acceptable equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered. The following training and experience are assets:

• Coordinating, developing, and delivering interpretive programs and events in a heritage or cultural institution (e.g. museum, science or interpretive centre, library, or art gallery)
• Providing the safety and security of the museum collection and the public
• Knowledge and interest in local and Nova Scotian history and respect for the historical integrity of the site and its collections
• Strong research and written communication skills that all ages and diverse backgrounds can comprehend
• Strong verbal communication skills with creative and innovative ways to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds
• Ease of interacting with the public, demonstrating tact, listening skills, and a positive attitude
• Demonstrate the ability to work as a team member
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet, and social media).
   

The successful candidate will be trained in Nova Scotia Museum, government and departmental policies and procedures. Previous museum work experience and French-language skills are considered assets. We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: Interview(s), reference checks, oral presentations, and written exercises.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Additional Information

This is a seasonal employment opportunity for the period between May and October. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate. Successful candidates must be able to work flexible hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays. In your resume/covering letter, please clearly state how you qualify for this position and your flexibility on working hours.
 

Candidates must complete reference and background checks, including a criminal record check and a vulnerable sector search.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules