Historical Interpreter (Museum Educator)

The Hamilton Conservation Authority has a casual employment opportunity for a

Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area

Westfield Heritage Village is an over 150-hectare property within the City of Hamilton, midway between Cambridge and Hamilton near Rockton. The property is owned and managed by the Hamilton Conservation Authority. Westfield operates as a living history museum and provides special events for the public, educational programs for students, unique heritage activities, weddings, business rentals and filming opportunities. Our goal is to connect people to both cultural heritage experiences and nature.

Reporting to the Program Assistant, the Historical Interpreter engages student groups visiting Westfield Heritage Village Conservation Area in interactive educational programs. Working within the site’s historical buildings and natural areas, the interpreter leads activities and experiences that encourage students to consider aspects of daily life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Most students participating in these programs are at the elementary level, primarily in grades 1 through 4. However, participants occasionally include individuals from other age groups, including high school students and adults.

This position is on an as-required basis throughout the year, with weekly hours ranging from 0 to 30 hours based on program needs. Most shifts are scheduled Monday through Friday to align with school schedules. The Historical Interpreter may occasionally be required to assist with other museum programs and events, including those held on weekends and evenings.

Duties and Responsibilities

Learn, interpret, and deliver pre-developed educational programs aligned with the Ontario curriculum.
Lead students, group leaders, and visitors in engaging educational experiences.
Participate in initial and ongoing training required for program delivery.
Prepare, maintain, set up, and clean-up program materials and spaces.
Occasionally conduct research to support educational programming and historical interpretation.
Demonstrate and promote the proper care of artifacts, collections, and historic buildings.
Collaborate with museum staff and fellow Historical
Interpreters to support programs and operations.
Follow all Conservation Authority policies, safety requirements, and emergency procedures, and report hazards, incidents, or unsafe conditions.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Degree, diploma, accredited certification, or equivalent experience in education, history, museum studies, or a related field. Experience as a teacher or historical interpreter is an asset.
Aptitude for engaging, educating, and supervising program participants (mainly children)
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including confidence speaking to groups.
Basic knowledge of Canadian history.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Initiative, enthusiasm, reliability, and adaptability.
Commitment to providing inclusive and accessible experiences for diverse audiences.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Willingness to work in historic buildings and outdoor environments using period clothing, props, equipment, and techniques.
Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
Ability to perform physical tasks related to historical demonstrations.

Working Conditions and Rate of Pay

The Historic Education Program Interpreter will be based at Westfield Heritage Village, located at 1049 Kirkwall Road, Rockton Ontario. The rate of pay is $20.27 per hour.

This position requires employees to perform their duties in historical reproduction costumes and approved footwear. The setting is an indoor and outdoor environment with a great deal of standing and exposure to seasonal temperatures, direct sunlight, insects, plants, wood smoke, open flame and substances related to artifacts including pollen, mold, and dust.

Training, teaching materials and period clothing will be provided.

Application Process

Interested applicants are to send their cover letter and resume in PDF or MS Word format via email by 4 PM on Monday, August 31, 2026 to: westfield@conservationhamilton.ca. Please include Historical Interpreter (Museum Educator) in the subject line.

Although we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process; applicants are asked to inform Human Resources for any disability required accommodations in advance.

Hamilton Conservation Authority and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment cycle does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.