Length of Assignment: May 13, 2025 – August 30, 2025 (16 weeks)
Hours Per Week: 35
Hours of Work: 9am-4pm, Tuesday through Saturday
Please note this position is subject to grant approval. Candidates must qualify under the requirements of the Canada Summer Jobs program.
The Brown Homestead is a historic site that is being adaptively restored as a community gathering space offering workshops, events, and tours. Settled around 1785 by a Loyalist family, it features the oldest house in the city (c. 1796) and is also the site of the Norton Cabin (c. 1817), built by Mohawk Chief Teyoninhokarawen, also known as Major John Norton. The cabin was moved to the grounds in 1997 to prevent its demolition. As stewards of this historic site steeped in agricultural tradition, we are dedicated to preserving both the built heritage structures on our grounds, and promoting the stories of everyday farm life within the Niagara community.
We are seeking an Program Assistant with a background education in Museum Studies, History, Public History, Education, Heritage Conservation, or a relevant equivalent to undertake the development and implementation of educational tours and on-site programming for The Brown Homestead’s 2025 season. Additional beneficial qualities or experience include: familiarity with charitable organizations, experience working with volunteers, leading tour groups, event planning/ coordinating, creating content for social media platforms, and teaching and/or public speaking.
Position responsibilities include:
- Delivering engaging and informative guided tours, education programs, and outreach events at The Brown Homestead site for both children and adults using diverse interpretation techniques;
- Delivery of exceptional customer service (including welcoming, conduct and communication) to all participants;
- Participating in community outreach to ensure The Brown Homestead is effectively serving the local Niagara Region;
- Supporting The Brown Homestead’s programming department with the planning, coordinating and implementation of its various on-site public programs (gardening, heritage art/restoration workshops, children/youth, volunteer engagement);
- Performing physical daily program set up and clean-up as required; and
- Working in a collaborative team environment to ensure best practices in both public history programming and communications work.
Position requirements include:
- Exceptional interpersonal skills as a team member and ambassador
- Enthusiasm for sharing the history and vision of The Brown Homestead with the public
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Public speaking skills
- Creativity, flexibility and ability to adapt quickly to change
- Knowledge and strong interest in the settlement of Niagara and Indigenous history, as well as heritage conservation practices, are beneficial.
- Experience working or volunteering at historic or built heritage sites will be considered an extremely valuable asset.
If you feel that you are a suitable candidate, please apply via email by April 21, 2025 to the Director of Programming, Theresa Felicetti ([email protected]) with a resume and cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications. You can learn more about the organization by visiting our website at thebrownhomestead.ca.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We are an equal opportunity organization committed to employment equity and to offering an environment free from discrimination, harassment and bias.
