Ocean Science Interpreter
- Posted on:
- 2026-06-12 4:54:38 p.m.
- Program stream:
- Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage
- Job title:
- Ocean Science Interpreter
- Organization name:
- Discovery Centre
- Job location:
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Length of assignment:
- 2026-09-09 to 2027-03-28 (29 weeks)
- Hourly wage:
- $20.00
Supervisor: Operations Manager of Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity
Position Category: Full time, temporary seasonal contract
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week; 29 weeks
Wage: $20.00 per hour
Start Date: September 9, 2026
Application Deadline: July 25, 2026
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of the Young Canada Works Program. They must be between the ages of 15-30 and be a Canadian citizen/permanent resident as per the eligibility criteria of the of the grant program(s) funding this role. Applicants may be required to complete a pre-screening survey to determine if they meet the eligibility criteria.
The Ocean Science Interpreter is responsible for the delivery of an exceptional experience for all visitors. The role is primarily focused on encouraging visitor interaction with the centre’s exhibits, facilitating educational talks and hands-on activities, and providing orientations and guided experience for groups. The Ocean Science Interpreter will contribute to the development of the special program days for public.
Description of Tasks:
The Ocean Science Interpreter reports to the Operations Manager and works closely with Customer Relations Coordinator and Visitor Experience Facilitator. The primary tasks of the position are:
- Engage and interact with visitors in the exhibit galleries, providing an exceptional visitor experience.
- Facilitate guided experiences for the public, groups and school groups.
- Be knowledgeable on topics related to marine conservation, ecosystem modelling, human impacts on oceans, climate change and technologies.
- Contribute to the development and delivery of special ocean related programming/education demonstrations and hands-on activities.
- Assist with conducting evaluation for exhibits and newly developed programs.
- Collaborate with staff, volunteers, community organizations, researchers, and the public in a friendly and professional manner.
- Assist with front desk operations as needed.
- Clean exhibits and demonstration equipment regularly. Reports any exhibit maintenance needs.
- Actively participate in the Occupational Health and Safety Program.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education: Post-secondary studies in science, education, recreation, or a related discipline
Experience: Experience in presenting educational programming to youth, preferably in an educational, recreational, museum or camp setting; experience in delivering workshops considered an asset
Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required; additional language (French preferred) considered an asset
Competencies:
• Experience working as part of a team
• Exceptional communication skills
• Public speaking
• Able to work independently and take initiative
• Good time management and punctuality
• Highly organized
• Reliable and trustworthy
Other Qualifications:
• Proficient in MS Office applications
• Must pass a criminal record check/vulnerable sector check
• First Aid and WHMIS certification an asset
Eligibility: Applicants must qualify for Young Canada Works Program.
This position is funded in part through the Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage program, and all applicants must be registered in the YCW candidate pool and meet the current YCW-BCH eligibility criteria. An individual may be eligible for an internship if they:
• 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 15 and 30 years of age; and
• are a college or university graduate (certificate, bachelor's, master's or doctorate).
Note: Priority will be given to graduates that have not previously participated in YCW internship programs and that are unemployed or underemployed. Details: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/young-canada-works/students-graduates/careers-heritage-graduates.html
Orientation and Training:
The Ocean Science Interpreter’s orientation will include training in interpretive education techniques, customer engagement, and Occupational Health and Safety. OHS Program is a key organizational priority for the Centre, so the individual will receive training on occupational health and safety policies and procedures, emergency protocols, building safety, first aid training (if applicable), and any other training that is specific to their role.
The individual will be given all applicable policies, including the respectful workplace policy and code of conduct. Training includes online courses from CCOHS (including the Being a Mindful Employee: An Orientation to Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace and Reducing Mental Health Stigma at Work programs).
The Ocean Science Interpreter will be required to participate in general staff meetings.
Work Schedule:
The Ocean Science Interpreter will work from Wednesday to Sunday with evening hours on Thursday.
Application:
Applications are to be emailed to recruitment@thediscoverycentre.ca. Applicants are to submit their resume, cover letter, and references. Please note the position that you are applying for in the subject line of your email application. All applications will be reviewed but only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. All applicants are thanked in advance for their interest. Please note: this position is dependent upon receipt of funding.
Discovery Centre is committed to leveraging our facility, people, and programming to create inclusive spaces that ignite a passion for science and discovery. We are also committed to advancing diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility practices within our workplace, public engagement spaces, and programming. Our Centre’s Board of Directors, management, and staff believe diverse participation and representation are essential and that our networks thrive when we create an inclusive and equitable culture where all people can see themselves reflected, feel respected, and have their contributions valued.
Discovery Centre promotes equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, and we encourage applications from candidates who self-identify as a member of an underrepresented group, including Indigenous people (especially Mi’kmaq), people of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), members of other racialized groups, women, people with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact recruitment@thediscoverycentre.ca to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
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