Heritage Interpreter
- Program stream:
- Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
- Job title:
- Heritage Interpreter
- Organization name:
- Carr House
- Job location:
- Victoria, British Columbia
- Length of assignment:
- 2024-05-20 to 2024-09-09 (16 weeks)
- Hourly wage:
- $18.00
Carr House is a provincial and national historic site, where iconic artist and writer Emily Carr
was born 151 years ago. The site is located in picturesque James Bay near downtown Victoria,
on the traditional territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən speaking people. Tours are offered to the public
during the summer season, traditionally presenting the life of Carr and her family and the
historic preservation work that has taken place in the building. The management of the site
would like to continue working toward decolonizing the story of the house. More recently, the
focus of the site is shifting to become a centre for creative community in the off season,
presenting workshops and micro conferences, exhibits and events, and becoming more of an
accessible asset to the local community.
Job Summary: Heritage Interpreter
The Heritage Interpreter will be responsible for presenting engaging and thought-provoking
guided tours for visitors to Carr House. The presentations will explore the history of the place,
the life of Emily Carr and the heritage preservation of the site. Importantly, the heritage
interpreter will be responsible for researching and incorporating the First Nations story of the
site and surrounding area. The Heritage Interpreter will also create a small exhibit as
part of the interpretation. The executive director will provide guidance in this as well as in
exploring avenues of research through local archives, historical records, and online courses. The
Heritage Interpreter will also receive mini-workshop training in subjects of museology such as
care and handling of collections and exhibit fabrication, and given the opportunity for off-site
visits to other local historic sites and museums. Shop sales, light cleaning and opening and
closing of the site will be required as part of the duties.
This is an exciting opportunity for candidates interested in exploring a career in heritage and
museums. The position would suit a candidate who enjoys working with people, presenting to
the public, historical research, art and social history, and education. They must display
enthusiasm for learning and sharing, particularly about heritage and community, and possess
strong sensitivity to, and respect for, diversity, inclusivity, and reconciliation.
Required Skills and Experience:
● Experience in customer service and confidence in public presentation, possibly gained
through public speaking or theatre
● The ability to distill ideas from primary and secondary research
● The ability to adapt spontaneously to visitor’s needs and interest levels and to respond
to questions and different perspectives thoughtfully and respectfully
● Knowledge, or keen interest, in heritage preservation, Victoria and BC history, First
Nations communities of BC and the life and work of Emily Carr
● Excellent written, verbal, and creative skills
● Ability to work weekends and holidays
● Ability to work independently and with others
● Experience in a museum or heritage site is an asset
*Please note: The nature of this heritage site makes this position challenging for those with
mobility restrictions.
Carr House is committed to ensuring inclusivity and diversity in our organization. Candidates from the four designated employment equity groups are encouraged to apply. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/services/appointment-framework/employment-equity-diversity/employment-equity-groups.html
Interested applicants should email a cover letter and resume to carrhouse@telus.net Attention:
Pascale Halliday, Executive Director.
Deadline for applications is May 03 2024 at 5pm
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those candidates selected for
interviews will be contacted.