Interpreter/Cook/Demonstrator (PERIODIC)

Position Details

• Location: Hamilton
• Union: CUPE Local 5167
• Job ID: 32255
• Job Description ID: 392
• 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.
• Closing Date: October 21, 2026
• Department: Dundurn National Historic Site

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities, and join a diverse team of talented and ambitious staff. Help achieve the City’s vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully.

Summary Of Duties

Reports to the Site Supervisor at Dundurn National Historic Site. In accordance with museum standards, provides visitor orientation and interpretation for Dundurn National Historic Site, including Dundurn Castle, Dundurn Park and related outbuildings. Creates and delivers educational and public programs and events, and conducts research. This position wears period costume; interprets the nineteenth-century kitchen, gardens and grounds; cooks and bakes in the period kitchen; and plans, coordinates and conducts period kitchen programs while demonstrating historical cooking techniques.

General Duties

• Work as part of a team with the Historic Kitchen Coordinator, Cook and Garden Demonstrators, Historical Interpreters and other Dundurn NHS staff.
• Provide meaningful interpretation to the public. Assist in developing and delivering public programs, special events or other community activations, in person and digitally. Create experiences that are relevant, thought-provoking, inclusive of multiple perspectives, emotionally intelligent and fun.
• Manage all aspects of tours and programs, including schedules, group control, supplies and artifact safety.
• Be responsible for visitor safety and ensure visitors entering and leaving are accounted for.
• Wear period costume and demonstrate the role of a nineteenth-century person.
• Interpret and engage visitors while preparing historic recipes in the historic kitchen.
• Cook and bake using traditional and modern methods and equipment.
• Research nineteenth-century recipes, traditions and equipment (foodways).
• Word-process correspondence, kitchen notes, and educational and promotional support materials.
• Perform required cleaning in a kitchen where food is prepared and served to the public, including dusting shelves, cleaning tables, vacuuming, sweeping and mopping floors.
• Maintain tools and work areas, including cleaning and maintaining modern and historic kitchen equipment and utensils.
• Represent the museum at off-site functions.
• Assist with setting up and dismantling program materials, equipment and special events.
• Report maintenance deficiencies.
• Maintain security for Dundurn Castle, the historic kitchen garden, associated outbuildings and artifacts.
• May be required to take tickets and complete related forms.
• Work in accordance with applicable health and safety legislation and City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to occupational health and safety.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.

Qualifications

• Previous and recent historical cooking and interpretation experience related to the duties, normally acquired through a combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated ability to provide visitor orientation and interpretation, research pertinent facts, and assist in planning and implementing special events, programs and exhibits on and off site.
• Competence in specialized foodways knowledge and skills is an asset. Must possess practical knowledge and skill relating to this specific field.
• Demonstrated ability to cook and bake in a period kitchen using traditional and modern methods and equipment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and experience with visitors of all ages and levels of knowledge.
• Experience in a computerized environment and working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Must be available to work days, nights and weekends due to operational requirements.
• Food Handler Certification is an asset.
• Experience with artifact handling is an asset.

Note

As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check, satisfactory to the City of Hamilton and at their own expense, before beginning work in this position.

Human Resources frequently audits internal and external applicants’ resumes to ensure and validate that the information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information during the recruitment process may result in disqualification and, for internal applicants, may be subject to discipline up to and including termination.

How To Apply

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

The City is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. The City of Hamilton is committed to equitable treatment and barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination.