Historical Interpreter - Whitehern (PERIODIC)

Position Details

• Job ID: 32256
• Union: CUPE Local 5167
• Job Description ID: 797
• Employment Type: Temporary part-time
• Duration: Periodic posting for all upcoming temporary part-time vacancies. Applications will be considered from October 15, 2026 to April 15, 2027.
• Vacancy Type: This posting will be used to fill current vacancies, as well as any further vacancies which arise during the period noted above.
• Deadline: October 21, 2026
• Department: Museum Services
• Work Location: Whitehern, Hamilton
• Schedule: Days, nights and weekends; staggered work hours may be required to meet operational needs.
• Salary: Grade E

About The City

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities—home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails, and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core. Join a diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody the values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership, and being engaged, empowered employees. Help achieve the vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully.

Summary Of Duties

Reports to the Site Supervisor at Whitehern. In accordance with museum standards, provides visitor orientation and interpretation. Creates and delivers educational and public programs and events; conducts research; and performs administrative and security functions.

General Duties

• Provide meaningful interpretation to the general public.
• Assist in developing and implementing public programs, special events, or other community activations, both in person and digitally. Create experiences that are relevant, thought-provoking, inclusive of multiple perspectives, emotionally intelligent, and fun.
• Receive and answer visitor inquiries.
• Manage aspects of tours and programs, including schedules, group control, supplies, and artifact safety.
• Research tours, programs, and special events; write reports.
• Set up and dismantle displays, program materials, equipment, and special events.
• Operate audio-visual equipment.
• Evaluate programs and recommend changes.
• Wear period costume.
• Represent the Museum at off-site functions.
• Work with staff, volunteers, and community members to expand accessibility and welcome new and diverse audiences.
• Assist with handling and relocating artifacts for exhibition, research, and cataloguing under the direction of the Conservator and Curator of Collections.
• Assist in monitoring and securing the building and collection. Ensure visitor safety and monitor visitors entering and leaving.
• Open and close the cash register, sell tickets and merchandise, and maintain associated records.
• Perform light cleaning as required, including dusting shelves, cleaning tables, vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping floors.
• Work in accordance with applicable health and safety legislation and City of Hamilton corporate and departmental occupational health and safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.

Qualifications

• Recent museum interpretation, teaching, public programming, and/or customer service experience related to the duties listed above.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate with groups of mixed ages, cultures, and abilities and with different levels of interest and knowledge.
• Proven ability to interpret an historic site and artifact collections, with a focus on visitor experience and safety.
• Ability to research and assist in planning and coordinating interpretation and public programs. Awareness of current best practices is an asset.
• Post-secondary education in museum studies, museum management, teaching, history, or engineering is an asset.
• Experience in a computerized environment with working knowledge of Word, Excel, Publisher, and Microsoft Outlook. Graphic design, photo and video editing, and social media skills are assets.
• Initiative, good judgment, and the ability to work independently, provide guidance, and take a leadership role when necessary.
• Experience with artifact handling is an asset.
• Must be available to work days, nights, and weekends.

Conditions Of Employment

• The successful applicant will be required, at their own expense, to obtain a satisfactory Criminal Reference Check (Vulnerable Sector Screening) before beginning work in this position.

How To Apply

Submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city. Internal applicants should apply using their work email address. External applicants will be considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Accommodation

The City is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and equitable treatment in employment without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants throughout the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you require accommodation, contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.