Education and Interpretation Programs Officer

JOB SUMMARY

Cultural and Heritage Programs is responsible for multi-disciplinary arts centres, heritage and museum facilities and structures, the delivery of arts, heritage and museum public programming and events, volunteer program development, audience development, and exhibits and research.

You are responsible for the development, delivery, evaluation and promotion of professional heritage site interpretation activities, guided tours, public events, school programs, workshops, outreach activities, camps and other public programs at one of the city museums (Billings Estate, Pinhey’s Point or Cumberland).  You are also responsible for the implementation, monitoring and supervision of financial resources, including the negotiation of contracts and agreements and the purchase of services within the job’s scope of responsibilities.  You are expected to work with community partners and heritage trades professionals, and develop linkages with other city staff in order to deliver quality programming for the museum.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of  3 year university degree in museology, history, education, anthropology, Canadian studies or related field

Minimum of 4 years of experience developing, delivering, promoting and evaluating museum programs and events; including a minimum of 2 years supervisory experience recruiting, hiring, supervising and training interpretive staff and volunteers

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

KNOWLEDGE

• Advanced knowledge of standard and curricula-based educational programming, interpretive and teaching techniques, both theoretical and practical
• Advanced knowledge of customer service practices, including conflict resolution
• Basic knowledge of local history, heritage resources and organizations
• Basic knowledge of the proper museological techniques for the handling and display of artefacts
• Familiarity with the development and delivery of museum exhibits
• General knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety legislation, and related awareness of corporate and departmental policies and procedures
• Must possess the training, experience and knowledge to organize the work and its performance
• Must be familiar with all applicable health and safety legislation, have knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the work place, and have knowledge of appropriate actions to be taken in order to ensure the health and safety of staff in accordance with applicable legislation and city policies and procedures

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to use word-processing and spreadsheet database programs
• Ability to take 35 mm and digital photography
• Ability to complete research in history
• Ability to communicate effectively with all work-related contacts, museum visitors including seniors and children
• Strong writing skills to develop communications materials
• Ability to manage human and financial resources
• Strong planning and organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to see a project through from inception to completion
• Works well independently and as part of a team
• Excels at problem solving
• Works well with a wide variety of individuals and organizations
• Flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities and circumstances
• Positive, energetic, professionally committed, self-motivated, conscientious, and willing to take on a leadership role
• Strong manual dexterity and ability climb, lift and carry
• Attends off-site meetings
• Will be required to work occasional evenings or weekends