Student Future Opportunity Stream - Heritage, Arts, and Culture

About Us

At the Government of Nova Scotia, students play an important role in shaping the future of public service. We value the fresh ideas, new perspectives, and curiosity that students bring to our teams—and we’re committed to creating meaningful opportunities to learn, contribute, and grow.

Our work spans many sectors and communities, delivering programs and services that make a real difference in the lives of Nova Scotians. As a student with us, you’ll be part of work that matters, while gaining insight into how government serves the public.

We are committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) and to fostering a welcoming, respectful workplace where different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints are valued. We strongly encourage applications from students who share these values and want to help build a more inclusive public service.

One Application, Many Opportunities

This competition is part of the Future Opportunities Stream for Students — a centralized intake that allows you to submit one application to be considered for multiple student opportunities across government. By applying once, you’ll join a talent pool of students with diverse skills, interests, and experiences who may be matched to roles as positions become available.

Through this stream, students may be considered for opportunities focused on Heritage, Arts & Culture, including roles that support museums, historic sites, cultural programming, tourism, collections, events, and community engagement. These positions contribute to the delivery of government programs and services that preserve, interpret, and share Nova Scotia’s history and culture. Matches are based on operational needs as well as how your skills and interests align with available opportunities.

These positions are designed with students in mind. Roles are temporary and provide meaningful, hands‑on work experience that supports skill development, applied learning, and career exploration in cultural, creative, and public‑facing environments.

Work close to home—or somewhere new. Opportunities may be available in multiple locations across Nova Scotia, depending on operational needs and student interest. Some roles may also offer hybrid or technology‑enabled work environments, where applicable.

As part of the application process, you’ll complete a series of pre‑screening questions to help us better understand your skills, strengths, and interests. Not all skills are required for every role—some may be considered assets rather than essential, depending on the position. While there are several questions, they are straightforward and should not take long to complete. Thoughtful responses help us match students with the most suitable opportunities.

Equity matters. Some roles may be designated for specific employment equity groups. To be considered for these opportunities, applicants must self‑identify during the application process.

Learn more by reviewing the Nova Scotia Government’s Employment Equity Policy, including information on designated groups.

Apply once—and explore a range of opportunities in Heritage, Arts & Culture.

Take the next step in your student career journey supporting museums, cultural sites, and community‑focused work across Nova Scotia.

More About Our Opportunities

Explore a summer opportunity that lets you learn on the job, explore your interests, and make a real difference. As part of the Government of Nova Scotia, these roles offer students hands‑on, résumé‑building experience in heritage, arts, culture, tourism, marketing, and events.

You’ll build valuable, transferable skills—such as communication, teamwork, public engagement, and organization — while working in dynamic museums, historic sites, and cultural spaces across the province. Whether you’re exploring career options or gaining experience related to your field of study, this is a meaningful way to turn curiosity into practical, real‑world experience.

Important Information:
The Future Opportunities Stream for Students will also be used to fill positions funded through the Young Canada Works (YCW) program. Students selected for YCW‑funded opportunities must meet the program’s eligibility requirements. To learn more about Young Canada Works, visit: www.youngcanadaworks.gc.ca

Opportunities may include, but are not limited to:

Visitor Experience Team
Be the welcoming face of our museums. Greet visitors, share stories, and help create engaging experiences that make every visit memorable.

Heritage Program Assistant
Help bring history off the page and into action. Support the delivery of interactive programs, tours, and events that celebrate Nova Scotia’s diverse heritage.

Tourism Ambassador
Share what makes Nova Scotia special. Connect with travelers, provide local insights, and help visitors discover experiences they’ll remember long after summer ends.

Artifacts Collections Assistant
Go behind the scenes of museum operations. Assist with the care and organization of historical artifacts and help preserve cultural treasures for future generations.

Marketing and Events Assistant
Turn creative ideas into reality. Support marketing initiatives, promotions, and special events that engage audiences and strengthen community connections.

Museum Events and Promotions Assistant
Help plan and deliver interactive events that spark curiosity, encourage learning, and bring people together in meaningful ways.

Qualifications and Experience

We’re looking for curious, enthusiastic students who are eager to learn, contribute, and gain hands‑on experience in museums, heritage sites, and public‑facing environments. You don’t need extensive work experience — your attitude, interest, and willingness to grow matter most.

Required Qualifications

You may be interested in these opportunities if you:

• Are currently enrolled in a post‑secondary program and returning to school in the next academic term
• Bring a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and interest in heritage, arts, culture, tourism, or community engagement
• Enjoy working with people and can communicate clearly and respectfully with visitors, teammates, and supervisors
• Are organized and reliable, with the ability to manage your time and adapt in a fast‑paced, public‑facing setting
• Have basic computer skills, including email, Microsoft Office, and online tools
• Value teamwork, learning, and inclusive workplaces, and are committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA)
  
  

Assets (Nice to Have, Not Required)

• Previous customer service, volunteer, event, or administrative experience
• Creativity, curiosity, and problem‑solving skills
• An interest in history, cultural programming, museums, or community engagement
• We’re excited to support your learning and help you develop transferable skills you can carry into future studies and careers.
  
  

Working Conditions

These opportunities offer a supportive, student‑friendly work environment where learning, collaboration, and mentorship are encouraged. Most positions are based in museums, historic sites, and community spaces, giving students hands‑on experience in dynamic, public‑facing settings.

Work schedules are typically aligned with regular daytime hours; however, some positions may include evening or weekend shifts to support programs, special events, or peak visitor periods. 

Students can expect a workplace that emphasizes teamwork, inclusion, and personal growth, while offering exposure to a wide range of museum and cultural experiences across communities throughout the province.

Where You Could Work:
The Nova Scotia Museum includes 28 unique museum sites across the province, offering students diverse work environments based on location.

Halifax Metro:
Museum of Natural History; Maritime Museum of the Atlantic; Uniacke Estate Museum Park

South Shore:
Ross Farm Museum; Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic; Wile Carding Mill; Perkins House Museum; Black Loyalist Heritage Centre; Ross‑Thompson House Museum; The Dory Shop Museum; Barrington Woolen Mill; Old Meeting House

Yarmouth & Acadian Shores: 
The Acadian Village of Nova Scotia; Firefighters’ Museum of Nova Scotia

Fundy Shore & Annapolis Valley: 
North Hills Museum; Prescott House Museum; Clifton Museum Park; Shand House Museum; Lawrence House Museum; Fundy Geological Museum

Northumberland Shore:
Balmoral Grist Mill; Sutherland Stream Mill; Museum of Industry; McCulloch House Museum

Cape Breton Island:
Baile nan Gàidheal / Highland Village; Cossit House

Eastern Shore:
Sherbrooke Village; Fisherman’s Life Museum

Additional Information

These are student employment opportunities with start dates that vary by position—some roles begin as early as May, while others offer July–August work terms only. We are building a pool of candidates for a variety of roles, and applicants with full-summer or partial-summer availability are encouraged to apply.  

The sooner you apply to the Future Opportunities Stream, the earlier you may be considered for upcoming roles. As positions become available, hiring managers will contact candidates and confirm specific details for each role, including anticipated start and end dates. 

What We Offer

Meaningful, Purpose‑Driven Work
Contribute to projects that help preserve and share Nova Scotia’s history and culture while making a positive impact in communities across the province.

Hands‑On Skill Development
Gain practical, real‑world experience in areas like public engagement, tourism, events, collections, and communications—building transferable skills that support future studies and careers.

Inclusive and Welcoming Workplaces
Be part of a team that values equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, where different perspectives are respected, and students feel supported.

Supportive Teams and Mentorship
Work alongside experienced professionals in collaborative environments where learning is encouraged, questions are welcome, and your contributions are valued.