Core Interpreter (Heritage Trades)
Under the general supervision of and reporting to the Public Programming Coordinator, the Core Interpreter is responsible for interpreting a 19th century trades (such as, tinsmith, printshop, carpentry, leatherworking, early 20th century medicine, etc) through explanation and demonstration as a timed and/or ongoing activity for public programming, education/group tours and special events.
Hours/Days of Work:
● 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (Daily)
● From mid-May through mid-October, 11 hours per week, Generally 2 5.5 hour days, with a 30 minute unpaid lunch.
● Casual hours for select Seasonal events in November-December.
● Hours vary throughout the season.
Term: Part-time Seasonal, Weekends and Holiday Mondays will be required.
Salary: Grade 2- $17.45 (Step Range $17.45-$18.63)
Reporting to: Public Programming Coordinator
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Interpretation Responsibilities
a. Interpret 19th century heritage trades to visitors through demonstration and explanation as a timed and/or ongoing public programming activity.
b. Interpret 19th century trades and professions to students/visitors through demonstration and explanation as a timed/scheduled education program and/or guided tour as required.
c. Interpret 19th century trades and professions to visitors through demonstration and explanation as a timed and/or ongoing activity for special events.
d. Interpret Cluster themes to students/visitors during education/guided tour programs through demonstrations and activities.
e. Monitor and coordinate supplies required for daily public and special events programming.
2. Cross Departmental Responsibilities
a. Coordinate “apprenticeship program” for new staff and select volunteers in conjunction with the Public Programming Coordinator. Develop parameters and programming, and identify FPV staff or volunteers for training.
b. Coordinate with the Public Programming Coordinator the development of specific materials made from the trades shops for village special events, rental program, maintenance program, public programs and education programs.
c. Coordinate appropriate “Made in the Village” products for sale in Denfield General Store in conjunction with the Shopkeeper/Manager of Visitor Services and Interpretation Coordinator.
d. Oversee and implement the cleaning and set up of trades buildings as required.
e. Monitor and report all building issues to the Public Programming Coordinator or Collections Coordinator.
f. Assist with the orientation and training of new volunteers and staff to trades interpretation.
3. General Responsibilities
a. Support Fanshawe Pioneer Village’s vision, mission and board approved programming initiatives.
b. Support Fanshawe Pioneer Village customer service initiatives.
c. Ensure the safety of visitors and staff and protect the site’s resources.
d. Building set-up, cleaning and maintenance.
e. Coordination of all materials required for demonstrations and projects.
f. Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
● Ability to perform and/or learn the skills associated with the following: 19th and early 20th century trades, such as; printmaking, tin-smithing, carpentry, medical history, leatherworking, weaving, farming.
● Ability to communicate and to interpret effectively to large numbers of people of various ages and backgrounds.
● Ability and desire to work with children and youth and deliver hands-on activities.
● Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices used in developing and carrying out a museum interpretive program.
● Ability to wear historical costumes and adhere to guidelines with respect to jewelry, make-up and other forms of personal adornment required.
● Knowledge of 19th century south-western Ontario history an asset.
● Ability to learn historical information and interpret to the public in an interactive way (in both individual and group settings).
● Ability to perform and/or learn 19th century demonstrations relating to the Fanshawe Pioneer Village interpretive program.
● Prior retail/customer service experience required.
● Ability to foster and maintain cooperative working relationships with supervisors, volunteers and other staff.
● Prior supervisory experience an asset.
● Excellent organization and communication skills.
● Ability to work weekends and holidays.
● Prior experience in a museum or living history setting an asset.
● Physical requirements of the position include the ability to lift and carry 20-30lbs, ability to walk and navigate gravel paths and uneven surfaces, ability to work in an environment with air pollutants (pollens, dust, and wood smoke), ability to tolerate exposure to nuisance wildlife, and inclement and severe weather.
● Fluency in French an asset.
● Valid driver’s licence.
● Standard first aid and CPR certificate an asset.
● Must have own transportation.
● Must be able to provide a Police Information Check and Vulnerable Persons Screening.
Employees will observe and comply with our Code of Conduct
PLEASE NOTE:
● Public transportation to the site is unavailable. Staff must have own transportation.
● Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Integrated Accessibility Standards. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. The London & Middlesex Heritage Museum is an equal opportunity employer.
● Fanshawe Pioneer Village thanks all those who apply, but only those applicants selected for interview will be contacted.
Interested candidates may submit a cover letter and resume by 5:00 pm on April 10, 2025.
Christina van Hardeveld Public Programming Coordinator
Fanshawe Pioneer Village
2609 Fanshawe Park Road East
London, Ontario
N5X 4A1
