Heritage Interpreter (Bilingual) / Interprète du patrimoine bilingue

ORGANIZATION:
Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society

DEADLINE:
Until Filled

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery, built in 1894 in the historic village of Steveston, is a living monument to the people involved in BC’s fishing industry. The National Historic Site is operated by the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society, a non-profit society. Working in partnership with Parks Canada, the Society preserves the history of the BC fishing industry and presents it in an engaging and relevant way. It is open to the public year-round and welcomes visitors from across Metro Vancouver and around the world.

WEBSITE:
www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.org

JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society is posting for a part-time Heritage Interpreter position. We are seeking an outgoing individual to join our front-line Heritage Interpreter team, dedicated to providing exemplary customer service in presenting the site and its history to our visitors. In addition to engaging with public audiences of all ages, Heritage Interpreters will be trained to lead high-quality, curriculum-based Education Programs as Education Program Leads.

The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site is federally owned under Parks Canada, offering services in both French and English. For this posting, we are seeking candidates with advanced language proficiency in French. Ideal candidates will be available 3–4 days (Monday–Friday) per week for both training and delivery of school programs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform front desk duties, including greeting visitors, responding to enquiries, and conducting admission and Cannery Store transactions

• Interact with visitors in the gallery and present focused interpretive content from exhibits and displays

• Deliver public and commercial tours, programs, and assist with events

• Provide ongoing feedback on tours, educational programs, and visitor services procedures

• Wear costumes as required

• Maintain updated knowledge of the Cannery, local attractions, and other points of interest

• Answer front desk phone calls and take messages professionally

• Assist with ongoing cleaning and maintenance, including public washrooms

• Operate A/V equipment as required for exhibits, rentals, and programs

• Assist with projects such as restocking store merchandise, developing activities for school programs and special events

• Assist with social media postings when required

• Report visitor concerns or safety issues to a supervisor in a timely manner

• Participate in staff meetings and group training opportunities

• Represent the Cannery at outreach events when required

• Perform other duties as directed by the Visitor Experience Manager or Visitor Services Coordinator

• Participate in training programs including visitor services, heritage interpretation, exhibit familiarization, historical training, emergency procedures, and first aid (when required)

Education Program Lead Responsibilities:

• Deliver Cannery Education Programs to school groups of all ages

• Achieve curriculum-based goals and objectives of Education Programs

• Set up and take down all program materials, supplies, props, and worksheets

• Open, close, and secure the Cannery Ice House before and after programs as needed

• Assist with program logistics, including payments, greeting teachers, and providing parking passes

• Provide feedback on and assist with improvements to existing and new programs

• Assist with training new Educational Program Leads where appropriate

• Supervise student groups during on-site lunches and snacks as required

• Participate in Education Program Lead training to learn up to six on-site Education Programs

Working Conditions:

• Cold working environment during fall and winter, with temperatures possibly below 0°C; heated uniforms provided

• Historic site with potential airborne allergens, dust, and intermittent loud noises

• Ability to move or lift objects up to 25 lbs

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Motivated team player with the ability to work independently

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and reconciliation

• Passion for delivering engaging, interactive visitor experiences

Skills & Experience:

• Excellent customer service skills; public speaking experience an asset

• Background or interest in history, theatre, childcare, or education an asset

• Fluency in English required; fluency in French a strong asset

• Experience working with children an asset

• Experience working with volunteers an asset

HOW TO APPLY:
Apply with a cover letter and resume to Leanne Jung, Visitor Experience Manager, Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society, 12138 Fourth Avenue, Richmond, BC V7E 3J1, or email leanne.jung@gogcannery.org. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls, please. For more information, visit www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.org. Applicants who feel excluded by any part of this posting are encouraged to reach out; the organization is committed to inclusive and decolonizing practices and welcomes applicants from equity-seeking groups.

REMUNERATION:
Starting wage $19.50 per hour, plus 6% in lieu of vacation and benefits. Educational Program Lead rate is $21.61 per hour.