Employment Opportunity

The Interpretation Guide will serve as a key ambassador of the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village, contributing to the organization’s mission of preserving and showcasing Canada’s historical heritage. This role involves not only accurately portraying historical roles and engaging in educational demonstrations but also actively participating in the creation of immersive and enjoyable experiences for visitors. The Interpretation Guide will be instrumental in site preservation, collections management, and the smooth operation of the museum’s gift shop, playing an integral part in promoting a deep appreciation for Canada’s transportation history. This position offers a unique opportunity for a student to be an active participant in the preservation and sharing of Canadian history within a vibrant museum setting.

Tasks and Responsibilities 

Tasks:
Supervision and Safety Oversight

• Ensure the safety and well-being of campers by enforcing camp rules and guidelines.

Activity Planning and Execution

• Plan and lead a variety of engaging and educational activities, including games, crafts, and sports, tailored to campers aged 5–12.
• Create and organize weekly camp themes to ensure a dynamic and cohesive experience for all participants.

Establishing Relationships

• Foster positive and inclusive interactions by building connections with campers to create a supportive environment.

Behavioral Guidance and Management

• Manage camper behaviors, handle conflicts, and employ problem-solving techniques when necessary.

Communication, Reporting, Record-Keeping, and Documentation

• Regularly communicate camper concerns and updates to the Education Coordinator.
• Utilize digital tools, such as Google Forms, to document attendance, track camper information, and report incidents.
• Maintain accurate records, including attendance, camper information, and incident reports.

Team Collaboration and Participation

• Participate in meetings with fellow counsellors and the Education Coordinator to coordinate activities and address camper needs.

Support in Heritage Village Maintenance

• Assist in maintaining cleanliness, minor repairs, and structural upkeep of Heritage Village facilities under supervision.

Assist with the Creation of Promotional Materials

• Contribute to the development and distribution of promotional content for the camp, including flyers, social media posts, and digital communications.

Environmental Education and Outdoor Programs

• Lead outdoor educational activities and assist with Forest Festival programs that teach campers about ecosystems, conservation, pollinators, and sustainable practices.

Responsibilities:
Ensuring Campers’ Safety and Well-being

• Safeguard campers’ safety and ensure their well-being during all camp activities.

Curating Engaging Activities

• Plan and deliver age-appropriate, educational activities that align with campers’ interests and developmental needs, incorporating weekly themes and hands-on learning experiences.

Behavioral Guidance and Intervention

• Manage camper behaviors and address conflicts to maintain a safe and positive camp environment.
• Foster an inclusive, supportive environment through meaningful connections with campers.

Effective Communication and Reporting

• Communicate camper-related concerns to the Education Coordinator and maintain accurate digital documentation.

Accurate Record-Keeping

• Maintain precise records, including attendance logs, camper details, and incident reports.

Collaborative Team Engagement

• Engage in team meetings, contribute ideas, and coordinate activities to ensure camper needs are met.

Heritage Village Maintenance Assistance

• Aid in the upkeep, minor repairs, and cleanliness of Heritage Village facilities throughout the summer season.

Promotional Material Contribution

• Assist in the development and distribution of promotional content for the camp, such as flyers, social media posts, and digital communications.

Environmental Education Leadership

• Lead and support outdoor educational programs, including Forest Festival activities that teach campers about environmental stewardship, sustainability, and conservation practices.

Must be able to meet all the criteria of Young Canada Works:

• Are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident or have refugee status in Canada (non-Canadians holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent resident status are not eligible).
• Are legally entitled to work in Canada (have a valid social insurance number).
• Are between 16 and 30 years of age inclusively at the start of employment; and
• Are a high school, college, CEGEP, or university student.

This position is 8 weeks in June – August

Artifact Care and Maintenance:

• Cleaning and maintaining artifacts on display according to established schedules.
• Ensuring the cleanliness and safety of heritage buildings to create a welcoming environment.
• Assisting with minor repairs and upkeep of Heritage Village buildings under supervision to support preservation efforts.
• Reporting concerns related to the condition or safety of artifacts and exhibit areas.

Artifact Documentation and Management:

• Accurately documenting and cataloguing artifacts within the museum’s permanent collection.
• Following established museum guidelines and best practices for preservation and data entry.
• Using the PastPerfect software system for digital recordkeeping and artifact tracking.
• Supporting inventory reviews and assisting with artifact movement between storage and display areas.

Supporting Curatorial Activities:

• Assisting the curator with artifact handling, deaccessioning, and exhibit rotation.
• Helping to set up, clean, and dismantle exhibits as required.
• Ensuring all collections work adheres to museum standards of care and documentation.

Storage Area Duties:

• Transferring artifacts between storage spaces responsibly and efficiently.
• Maintaining the organization and condition of collection storage areas.
• Identifying and reporting any environmental or storage issues that may impact preservation.

Education-Based Programs and Environmental Initiatives:

• Assisting with the preparation of artifacts for education-based displays, public programming, and research projects.
• Conducting artifact-related research to support interpretive panels and educational materials.
• Supporting the Forest Festival educational stations by preparing, researching, and presenting artifact-based content that highlights environmental awareness, conservation practices, and the historical relationship between people and nature.

Responsibilities:

Artifact Care and Maintenance:

• Ensuring artifacts and exhibit spaces are maintained in clean and safe condition.
• Following handling and cleaning protocols to preserve historical integrity.
• Supporting minor maintenance and repairs under supervision to contribute to building preservation.

Artifact Documentation and Management:

• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date digital records for artifacts in the collection.
• Assisting with cataloguing, numbering, photographing, and condition reporting using PastPerfect.
• Following proper archival and preservation procedures in all collection-related tasks.

Supporting Curatorial Activities:

• Working with the curator to ensure exhibit and storage transitions are conducted safely.
• Providing assistance during exhibit installations and rotations.
• Collaborating with staff to uphold museum standards of documentation and artifact care.

Storage Area Duties:

• Maintaining the order, cleanliness, and environmental stability of storage spaces.
• Assisting with artifact placement and labeling as directed.
• Identifying areas where improvements to storage conditions are needed.

Education-Based Programs and Environmental Initiatives:

• Assisting with the development and presentation of educational materials related to museum collections.
• Contributing to the Forest Festival by preparing historical displays that emphasize conservation, sustainable practices, and traditional trades connected to the environment.
• Conducting research and creating interpretive materials that help visitors understand the environmental and historical context of artifacts.

 Other Skills: 

• Physical and Manual Dexterity, Research Skill, Care of Museum Collections, Organizational Skill 

This position is 8 weeks from June-August

Become an integral part of the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village! Join us as a Collections Assistant and contribute to the preservation of our diverse collection of over 100 vehicles and historical buildings from the 19th century. Your pivotal role will involve overseeing artifact transfers, cataloging, database management, and maintaining exhibit standards.

Main Focus: As a Collections Assistant, you will play a crucial role in our newly completed storage area. You’ll be responsible for transferring artifacts between storage spaces, receiving comprehensive training in PastPerfect for documentation and preservation efforts. Your contributions will directly impact our cataloging standards and management protocols.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the cleanliness and safety of heritage buildings by diligently monitoring and cleaning artefacts on exhibition according to set schedules, creating a clean and enjoyable environment for staff, volunteers, and visitors.
• Accurately accession, catalogue, condition report, digitize, and safely store artefacts in the permanent collection and storage areas, adhering to museum standards and safe handling practices, and diligently updating the museum’s collection management database.
• Provide support to the curator by assisting with artefact loans to other museums, handling the movement of large artefacts in storage or on exhibit, exhibit setup and take-down, and artefact cleaning.
• Work in challenging conditions such as dusty environments and heritage buildings without air conditioning, requiring prolonged mental concentration, keen attention to detail, bending, lifting, working in confined spaces, and using ladders.
• May involve travel and contact with the public, interested organizations, and individuals.
• Perform other collections/exhibition related duties as time permits.

Requirements:

• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage visitors while diligently working on tasks.
• Demonstrate a strong vocabulary and writing skills. Exhibit patience, meticulous attention to detail, and willingness to be hands-on.
• Familiarity with cameras and related software is an asset, as well as good hand-eye coordination.
• Previous experience working with artefacts, particularly in a museum or historic site, is an asset. Ability to problem-solve and possess high organizational skills and motivation.

Must be able to meet all the criteria of Young Canada Works:

• Are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident or have refugee status in Canada (non-Canadians holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent resident status are not eligible).
• Are legally entitled to work in Canada (have a valid social insurance number).
• Are between 16 and 30 years of age inclusively at the start of employment; and
• Are a high school, college, CEGEP, or university student.

This position is 12 weeks from May-August

Digitization & Digital Records

• Scan and digitize Deeds of Gift, car files, and other archival documents using on-site equipment.
• Ensure scanned documents are complete, legible, and saved in the correct file formats (PDF, TIFF, JPEG as required).
• Rename and organize digital files using the museum’s numbering and folder structure.
• Add basic metadata and follow agreed tagging/filing procedures to make archives searchable.
• Upload digitized records to the museum’s Google Drive storage and create secure backups.

Digital Quality Control & File Management

• Review scans for quality; re-scan or adjust scanner settings when necessary.
• Verify that digital copies match physical originals and flag missing, damaged, or incomplete files.
• Maintain an orderly digital workflow and document progress (logs or simple spreadsheets).

Sustainability & Records Efficiency

• Reduce future paper usage by supporting the transition from paper records to a digital archive.
• Avoid unnecessary duplication by checking existing files before scanning new items.
• Follow practices that support long-term digital preservation (consistent formats, backups).

Physical Records Handling & Preservation Support

• Handle paper records and archival materials carefully, following handling best practices.
• Re-file and organize physical documents after scanning to maintain the integrity of the paper archive.
• Identify fragile or deteriorating documents and report them to the curator.
• Cut, assemble, and create custom archival-safe envelopes, folders, and housing for documents or photos being catalogued, ensuring proper long-term preservation.

PastPerfect Cataloguing

• Catalogue photos, archival artifacts in PastPerfect.
• Enter metadata, attach digital files, and ensure catalogue entries follow museum standards.
• Update or correct existing PastPerfect records as needed.

Event & Public-Facing Support

• Assist with event duties when needed (e.g., set-up help, distributing informational materials, on-site support).
• Support the gift shop during busy periods by assisting with sales transactions and customer service using the point-of-sale system.
• Help prepare archival materials or images for use in displays, presentations, or educational tables during events.

Site Preservation Assistance

• Under supervision, assist with minor repairs or upkeep tasks to preserve heritage buildings.

Responsibilities

Digital Preservation & Accuracy

• Ensure all digitized records are accurate, complete, and searchable.
• Maintain consistent file naming, metadata entry, and secure backup procedures.

Confidentiality & Record Security

• Handle donor and artifact information responsibly, maintaining privacy and data security at all times.

Quality Control & Reporting

• Report scanning issues, missing documents, or preservation concerns to the curator.
• Keep a clear log of completed work and progress on backlog items.

Physical Care & Organization

• Maintain a clean, organized workspace appropriate for archival work.
• Re-file and preserve physical documents after digitization according to museum protocols.

Supportive Museum Duties

• Provide reliable assistance during events and in the gift shop when needed, representing the museum professionally.
• Carry out minor supervised repairs/upkeep tasks responsibly and only under staff direction, adhering to preservation standards.

Other Responsibilities 

• Suggest small workflow or naming improvements when appropriate to increase efficiency and long-term accessibility.
• Participate in briefings/training on archival standards, digital tools, and museum procedures as provided.

Other Skills: 

• Physical and Manual Dexterity, Research Skill, Care of Museum Collections, Organizational Skill

This position is 8 weeks from May-June

Social Media Management

• Manage and update the museum’s social media accounts by creating engaging posts, stories, and educational content to promote upcoming events and programs.
• Develop fun posts showcasing the museum’s collections, historical facts, and general museum information.
• Create pre-planned posts using Meta Business Suite for consistent scheduling.
• Create a short promotional social media series leading up to the Forest Festival, highlighting nature education, outdoor activities, and environmental awareness connected to the event.
• Create a short promotional social media series leading up to the Reenactment, highlighting historic education, historic activities, and information connected to the event.

Event Poster Design & Distribution

• Design visually appealing posters for museum events and programs and distribute posters to community partners, local businesses, and public venues.

Off-Site Event Representation

• Attend off-site events to represent the museum, distribute promotional materials. Act as a spokesperson for upcoming events, exhibits, and museum initiatives.
• Assist in designing parade floats (e.g., Canada Day).

Website Updates

• Regularly update the museum’s website with new event information, news, and educational content.

Free Event Listings

• Post museum events on local event listing websites to increase visibility and community engagement.

Video & Photography Creation

• Capture photos and videos of the village, events, exhibits, and activities for promotional use.
• Edit videos and create engaging content for social media and the website.
• Produce short behind-the-scenes clips and Reels to showcase museum activities.

Educational Tutorials

• Create engaging educational tutorials suitable for all ages, artifact-based or craft-based, to support hands-on learning and historical understanding.

Site Preservation & Event Support 

• Assist with minor repairs and upkeep of Heritage Village buildings under supervision to ensure spaces are safe and functional for events and content making.
• Support setup and preparation of the village for photography and video content, ensuring areas are visually appropriate and in good condition.
• Work with staff to maintain the site during events, assisting with any minor adjustments or repairs.

Responsibilities 

Museum Representation & Promotion

• Represent the museum at community events, sharing information.
• Promote museum events through posters, digital content, and social media.
• Help with front desk, gift shop operations, and using the point-of-sale system. 

Content Creation & Visual Design

• Create and curate digital content (photos, videos, graphics) to promote museum events and initiatives.
• Ensure all visual materials follow museum branding and messaging.

Educational Social Media Engagement

• Share engaging posts about collections, history, and museum programs.
• Create one promotional content series leading up to the Forest Festival, focusing on nature-related educational activities featured at the event.

Community Engagement

• Build positive relationships with community partners, organizations, and local businesses to increase awareness of museum events.

Website & Event Management

• Ensure all event information is accurate and consistent. 
• Regularly update online platforms to keep the public informed.

Creative Contributions

• Contribute fresh ideas for marketing campaigns, seasonal promotions, and community engagement strategies.
• Bring creative concepts forward for event promotions and museum storytelling.

Video Content Creation

• Produce creative video content for social media and the website.
• Capture and edit highlight videos of events, exhibits, and activities.
• Create short video stories that increase interest and community engagement.

Site Preservation & Event Support 

• Assist with minor repairs and upkeep of Heritage Village buildings under supervision to ensure readiness for photography, video, and public events.
• Help maintain the site during events, making minor adjustments as needed while adhering to preservation standards.

This position is 8 weeks from July-August

Event Set-Up, Layout, and Dismantling

• Assist with setting up event spaces, including arranging tables, chairs, signage, lighting, sound system and decorations.
• Support site readiness by assisting with minor repairs and upkeep of Heritage Village buildings and event areas under supervision to ensure spaces are safe and functional for use.
• Help dismantle and properly store equipment and supplies after events, ensuring materials are organized for reuse.
• Contribute to environmentally friendly event practices by sorting recycling, reducing waste, and reusing materials whenever possible.

Event Planning and Coordination

• Support the planning and execution of community events, including meetings, weddings, markets, the Forest Festival, and car shows.
• Assist with logistical layout and space design planning to ensure efficient and safe visitor movement, gaining exposure to aspects of event infrastructure and site preparation.
• Help prepare and distribute digital event materials, such as schedules, maps, or online advertisements.
• Assist with maintaining event calendars and updating scheduling software or spreadsheets.

Technology and Digital Operations

• Use digital tools and event management software to track bookings, vendor information, and schedules when needed.

• Assist with online communications, email correspondence, and social media event promotion.
• Help set up and operate audio, visual, and lighting equipment for events.
• Process transactions using digital point-of-sale systems and maintain accurate digital records of payments.

Vendor and Sustainability Support

• Coordinate with local vendors, including small businesses and caterers, ensuring timely setup and delivery.
• Track and document sustainable practices used at each event (e.g., recycling, reusable décor, energy efficiency).

Client and Guest Support

• Provide direct assistance to clients and guests before and during events, ensuring all needs are met.
• Assist with accessibility arrangements to ensure inclusive participation for all visitors.
• Respond to inquiries via phone, email, and in-person with professionalism and courtesy.

Responsibilities

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the Event Coordinator and museum staff to execute successful events.
• Communicate effectively and adapt to changing needs or last-minute adjustments during setup or operation.
• Assist in maintaining the physical and digital organization of event supplies, equipment, and files.

Event Execution and Site Management

• Support safe, efficient event setup and teardown, following site and safety guidelines.
• Assist with supervised minor repairs and event area maintenance to ensure facilities and equipment are ready for use.
• Contribute to the improvement of event layouts and traffic flow using feedback and observation.

Environmental Stewardship

• Promote sustainability by using eco-conscious materials.
• Assist with waste sorting and recycling initiatives during and after events.
• Participate in the development of greener event practices within the museum.

Digital and Technical Operations

• Use digital tools for recordkeeping, communication, and event promotion.
• Learn to operate sound, lighting, and projection systems to enhance event experiences.
• Gain experience with online scheduling platforms and point-of-sale systems to support modern event management practices when needed.

Client and Visitor Engagement

• Provide professional customer service to guests and vendors.
• Resolve issues promptly while maintaining a positive visitor experience.
• Represent the museum’s mission and values through courteous, informed interactions.

This position is 8 weeks from July-August

Trail Development: 

• Develop and maintain walking trails, ensuring they are accessible and well-marked for visitors.

Woodlot Development: 

• Remove and manage brush, invasive species, and deadfall to ensure trails and surrounding areas are clean and well-maintained. Work to develop a healthy and growing diversified woodlot, identifying Carolinian species and assist in developing storyboards highlighting their history.

Native Species Development: 

• Plan and implement flower beds with local native plant species to support local biodiversity and sustainability.

Garden Maintenance: 

• Regularly develop existing flower beds, including weeding, pruning, and ensuring plants are healthy.

Wildlife Support: 

• Focus on planting species that support local wildlife, including pollinators, and maintain those areas.

Garden Development Around Historic Buildings: 

• Design and develop gardens around historic buildings that complement the heritage and aesthetics of the site. Use plants and design elements that reflect historical gardening practices.
• Use programs such as Canva to create a digital reproduction of gardens when needed before planting. 

Helping During Events 

• Set up and manage an educational station focused on nature during events like the Forest Festival. Educate visitors on the importance of biodiversity, native species, and wildlife habitats using the garden and natural surroundings as a resource.
• Ensure the work station remains clean, welcoming, and informative, encouraging visitor engagement and learning.

Responsibilities:

Trail Maintenance: 

• Responsible for ensuring all trails are safe, clear, and welcoming for visitors.

Landscape Improvement: 

• Oversee the ongoing development of flower beds using native plants to enhance the natural beauty and biodiversity of the grounds.

Garden Care: 

• Maintain the beauty and health of all planted areas, ensuring proper care for seasonal and perennial plants.

Invasive Species Management: 

• Responsible for identifying and managing invasive species that may harm the environment or biodiversity of the Heritage Village.

Collaboration with Team: 

• Work closely with other staff to ensure landscaping tasks are aligned with overall site objectives, such as enhancing visitor experience and supporting wildlife.

Visitor Engagement: 

• Occasionally assist in educating visitors on local flora and fauna, particularly regarding the benefits of native plants and their role in supporting local ecosystems.

Historic Garden Development: 

• Develop and maintain gardens around the historic buildings, ensuring that they are in keeping with the site’s historical character while promoting sustainability and biodiversity.

This position is 8 weeks from in May-August