Heritage Interpreter - Student & Youth

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

📌 If at any point you are struggling with your application or have questions about what we are asking for, please reach out to the contact listed at the bottom of this poster. Persons who are unable to apply on-line must contact the person listed below prior to the closing date.

📌 Parks Canada is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be part of the Government of Canada's Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS). Parks Canada's YESS program supports the creation of additional job opportunities each year, with a particular focus on underrepresented youth. In support of this initiative, preference may be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as Indigenous, Racialized, or Youth with Disabilities, as well as youth facing other barriers to employment. Your self-identification information is confidential and will not affect your employment with Parks Canada.

Who can apply? To be eligible to the YESS, you must be:
• Between 15 and 30 years old; and
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada.

Note: It is not required that participants be students.

📌Parks Canada housing is not available. Applicants are responsible for their own housing, food, transportation and other costs. Applicants are responsible for their own transportation to and from work.

📌This position requires in-person attendance in Colwood, BC. We prefer candidates attend Phase 2 of the assessment process in-person in Colwood, B.C, but reasonable accommodations can be made upon request.

Duties

You arrive at the gates of Fort Rodd Hill, a late Victorian military fortification that was active in both World Wars, and the iconic Fisgard Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the west coast of Canada, and prepare to welcome visitors from around the world. Fellow interpreters roam the site, wearing clothing from the 1860’s at the Lighthouse, or military uniforms from the 1890’s through the Second World War at the Fort. The setting overlooks the Olympic mountains, and features diverse wildlife in and around the Garry Oak Learning Meadow.

You deliver historical interpretive programming to visitors and assist in executing events. You share stories and teach visitors the secrets of the fort while delivering programs to audiences of all ages. You will respond to public questions, comments and concerns related to the site. You may research and learn about the history of Fort Rodd Hill, Victoria, and the objects on display at the site. At the end of the day, you leave with a sense that you have contributed to enhancing visitors’ understanding and enjoyment of these two unique National Historic Sites. At the end of the summer, you leave with an appreciation for British Columbia’s history, an exciting resume of interpretive skills, and fun memories of events and encounters.

Work environment

✨Parks Canada is a federal government agency responsible for the protection and presentation of Canada’s outstanding natural and cultural resources through a system of national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites in all regions of Canada.

At Parks Canada, presenting, educating and sharing the stories of national parks and historic sites to the public is a key part of what we do.

Are you motivated? Creative and energetic? A strong communicator? Do you enjoy nature and history? A summer job as a Parks Canada team member might be right for you!

Intent of the process

📣The intent of this process is to hire students for the 2025 summer season (May to September).

The results may be used in the future to fill other temporary vacancies that may arise in Coastal BC Field Unit, in various locations, with full or part-time hours for various tenures, depending on the status of the selected candidate.

Positions to be filled: 5

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 3 references.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

💼 EXPERIENCE:
• Experience in providing front line customer service.
• Experience working independently.
• Experience working in a team environment.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English essential

Information on language requirements

💡 ABILITIES AND SKILLS:
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team to meet goals and expectations.
• Ability to interact with and present to a wide variety of audiences.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities.

⭐ PERSONAL SUITABILITY:
• Personally connects with others.
• Exercises sound judgment.
• Makes things happen.
• Flexible and adaptable.

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

The following is not essential to the job, but would be an asset in carrying out the duties of the position. It may be used in screening, assessment or determining right fit for this selection process:

📝 ASSET (ADDITIONAL) QUALIFICATIONS:
• Experience communicating in French, Indigenous languages, or languages other than French.
• Experience in heritage interpretation, theatre/performing arts, or story-telling.
• General knowledge of relevant Canadian history and/or of natural sciences.

Conditions of employment

• Obtain and maintain Reliability Status security clearance (done at the time of hiring).

📁 OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Willingness to work weekends/evenings, statutory holidays, provincial/territorial holidays and irregular hours.
• Willingness to wear a Parks Canada uniform, prescribed protective equipment, and/or dress in period costume as per Parks Canada requirements.
• Willingness to work and/or travel outdoors in adverse weather conditions and by various means of transportation.
• Willingness to perform certain physical tasks (e.g. lift and carry up to 15 kg, set-up large equipment, reach above head) and stand/walk for extended periods of time as per job requirements.
• Willingness to perform safe work practices and be trained in the appropriate handling of historic weapons and materials.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

📌 Parks Canada is established as a separate employer in the Federal Public Service under the Financial Administration Act. Persons appointed to the Agency continue to be part of the Public Service. Parks Canada operates under its own human resources framework outside of the Public Service Employment Act and in line with values of fairness, competence and respect, and its operating principles.

📌 You may be assessed using a variety of assessment tools, such as, but not limited to: written exams, interviews, reference checks, recent and past performance assessments, self-assessments, and candidate achievement records, among others. All information obtained throughout the selection process, from the time of application to close of process, may be used to evaluate the candidates.

📌Each person is entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

📌 For tips to navigate the application process step by step, refer to the following site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GW7P3g9hhI.

🏆 The Parks Canada team is proud to be recognized by Forbes as one of Canada's Best Employers (2024).

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Contact information

Apply online