Heritage Interpretive Assistant (SGE)

The Heritage Interpretive Assistant (Special Grant Employee) will welcome and orient living-history, farm museum visitors at the John R. Park Homestead, a living history museum on the shore of Lake Erie. The Heritage Interpreter will dress in period clothing daily, lead site tours daily, demonstrate 19th century skills like animal husbandry, fireplace cooking, gardening and blacksmithing. This position will also assist the Curator with the care, interpretation and display of artifacts in the museum collection.

This position is classified as a ‘Special Grant Employee’ as the tasks associated with this position are funded in whole or in part through Federal and Provincial agency funding sources. The period of this contract is approximately June 29, 2026 through September 6, 2026 with specific hours and start date to be determined pending funding approval.  This position WILL require weekend work. This position may have opportunities for part-time work beyond the contract duration based on funding.

To Apply:

1. Send your resume and cover letter in ONE document (Word or PDF format only) to careers@erca.org by no later than 12:00 pm on March 27, 2026.

2. Note the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email.

   
   

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Providing exceptional customer service to welcome and orient visitors to the John R. Park Homestead museum and conservation area.

• Lead site tours daily and provide an excellent level of customer service.

• Demonstrate 19^th century skills like animal husbandry, fireplace cooking, gardening and blacksmithing.

• Care, interpretation and display of artifacts in the museum collection.

• Assist with heritage programming and special events.

• Performs other related duties and responsibilities consistent with the position as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Eligibility under the Canada Summer Jobs funding program, this position is open to applicants:

• between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment;

• Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment; and,

• who have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

• Must be an Ontario resident and legally entitled to work in Canada

• Well-developed written and verbal communications skills

• Excellent attention to detail, using checklists that are provided

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team

• Must have transportation to location

• First Aid/CPR is an asset

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Job Duration:  Pending confirmation of funding ~June 29, 2026 through September 6, 2025; 10 weeks x 30 hours per week with the possibility of extension of weekend hours into the fall 2026. Shifts are scheduled typically Wednesday through Sunday with varied hours scheduled between 10am and 7:30pm to meet JRPH operating needs (subject to change). May be required to work evenings and holidays.

• There is no guarantee of full time hours and this position may be subject to temporary layoffs from time to time and/or alternate work schedules should business interruptions occur.

• Hazards and Risks:  Working in high heat/humidity (the Homestead is not climate controlled); working outdoors and in all weather conditions, as required; lifting (up to 25 lbs), bending, crouching, repetitive actions requiring a high level of attention to detail. 

• Environmental conditions: Will be required to wear 19th century period costume.

Department:    Communication and Outreach Services

Union Affiliation: None

Job Status:   Special Grant Employee (SGE) position

Hours of Work:  Typically, up to 30 hours per week with specific hours to be determined pending funding approval. On demand, weather dependent.  Scheduled shifts include weekends. May be required to work holidays.

Posting Added Date: March 12, 2026

Posting Closing Date: March 27. 2026

Posting Closing Time: 12:00 pm

Positions to Fill: Two (2)

Progress Status:  Receiving Applications

Office Location:  360 Fairview Avenue West, Suite 311, Essex, ON N8M 1Y6

Wage Rate:   $18.10 per hour

Grade:  NBU/Core

Contact:   Nicole Kupnicki, Human Resources Manager

This position is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Canada Summer Jobs program.

• ERCA is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and promotes an inclusive workplace.

• We thank all applicants in advance, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

• Personal information is collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for the purpose of this employment opportunity only.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not utilized in the recruitment process to sort, screen or assess potential applicants.

• We are pleased to accommodate any individual needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation throughout the hiring process, please contact HR 519-981-4469 to make your needs known in advance.