Vancouver Maritime Museum Society

Interpreter II - Summer Programs Assistant

About Us

The Vancouver Maritime Museum (VMM) is dedicated to inspiring people with the stories of the Pacific and Arctic waters and the ways in which they shape human lives. Through our programs and exhibits, we cultivate views of maritime history informed by diverse perspectives, partners, and voices.

We are one of the major maritime museums on the west coast of North America and one of Vancouver’s flagship cultural institutions.

We seek to:

Create powerful experiences that are accessible and inclusive
Address racism, and colonialism in our work
Make learning fun by approaching all we do with a sense of play, interactivity, curiosity and joy
Work collaboratively in all we do
Ensure respectful treatment of belongings and stories
Advance research through public access to archives and collections

About The Position

The Vancouver Maritime Museum is seeking three Interpreter II - Summer Programs Assistants. This position will be ideal for those who are motivated, enthusiastic and energetic individuals. Summer Programs Assistants will be accountable for research and delivery of daily programming for an 11-week period in the summer. These positions will be responsible for the daily delivery of programming including tours, hands-on activations, hosting community groups, craft stations and more. In additional they will be responsible for ensuring the daily schedule of activities, exercising a high level of communications with members of the public and other employees and volunteers. They will practice a high level of interpretative skills to communicate interpretive material and communicate the content of their research. These positions will inspire learning of maritime culture by providing visitors unique, creative and innovative experiences through interpretative presentations. In additional they will be valued members of the Programs Department and assist with ongoing projects, events and programs.

Nature and Scope of Work

This is educational work in developing and presenting routine interpretive programs for a variety of audiences at the Vancouver Maritime Museum and at offsite program events. An incumbent of this class develops and presented selected education programs and activities to children and adults. An incumbent of this class also provide assistance to senior staff in developing and presenting more complex interpretive programs and activities of a similar nature. After an initial period of training an incumbent exercises considerable independent judgement and action within program guidelines, referring unusual or difficult programs to a superior who reviews work performance for quality of services rendered and attainment of objectives.

Illustrative Examples of Work

Develops and presents routine interpretation programs for a variety of audiences such as families, adults, and children; school and community groups, and the general public; assists with researching topics related to theme for integration into presentations; selects and develops related activities; provides assistance to senior staff in developing and presenting more complex interpretation programs and activities and in conducting special programming events.

Liaise with teachers and other group leaders to ensure assigned programs meet learning objectives of groups.

Liaise with program event organizers, coordinates the set up and dismantle of program materials, schedules and oversees the activities of volunteers, and resolves routine programs and complaints.

Designs and creates educational materials such as properties, simple multimedia and hand-outs in support of programs; prepared programs display for special events.

Sets up and uses technology and equipment required to present routine interpretive programs; performs routine troubleshooting on equipment programs.

Assists a superior in training and overseeing the work of volunteers.

Acts as a cashier at offsite events; sells merchandise, received payment, makes change; balances recipes.

Performs related office support functions such as providing information ot the public, forwarding group bookings and maintaining files.

Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

Working knowledge of the methods, procedures, and techniques of developing and presenting interpretive programs and activities.

Working knowledge of maritime human history, particularly in relation to the Lower Mainland area of British Columbia.

Working Knowledge of Vancouver Maritime Museum policies, regulation’s, and requirement as they relate to the work performed.

Working knowledge of the methods and procedures of cashiering.

Ability to effectively develop and present routine interpretive programs and activities to children and adults, to research related topics and prepare related educational materials and properties props, and to provide assistance to seniors staff in the development and presentation of more complex programs and activities.

Ability to communicate effectively with children, adults and volunteers to lead group activities and provide instructions, and to promote interest in Vancouver Maritime Museum initiatives and events.

Ability to schedule and oversee the activities of volunteers.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts.

Ability to assist a superior in training and overseeing the work of volunteers.

Desirable Training and Experience

Must meet eligible for employment requirements of Young Canada Works (LINK), including Are a Canadian citizens 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 16 and 30 years of age inclusively at the start of employment; and are a high school, college, CEGEP or university student.

Are currently enrolled in post-secondary education in a discipline related to Museums, History, Performing Arts, Education or equivalent combination of training or experience.

Level 1 Certificate in First Aid is an asset

Hours

Temporary position from May 192025 to August 30, 2025 (15 Weeks) ;35 hours per week including some weekdays, weekends and evening Work. With opportunities to extend the positions into permanent axillary.

This position is Subject to Available Funding.

Remuneration

$21.69 per hour + 12% in lieu of benefits and statutory holidays.

How to Apply

Please apply via email with a resume and cover letter to the attention of Programs Manager, Darragh De Groot to email address programs.manager@vanmaritime.com.

Application Deadline: Monday, April 7

Thank you for your interest. Please note that only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Seasonal, Internship / Co-op
Contract length: 3.5 months

Pay: $21.69 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Flexible language requirement:

French not required

Schedule:

Evening shift
Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-04-07
Expected start date: 2025-05-19

Vancouver Maritime Museum

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Interpreter II - Summer Programs Assistant