Cultural Heritage Interpretation and Program Assistant Student

Opening Statement

The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek (Ah-nish-nah-beg), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen

• dat). Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government.

At the City of Kingston, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a thriving workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.

As staff, you play a pivotal role in enhancing people's lives by delivering exceptional, customer-centered services of the highest quality. Within our highly ethical environment, you'll embrace accountability by consistently going above and beyond, actively listening to our customers, creatively addressing their needs, and maintaining unwavering respect for all individuals you serve. As a result, you'll become an integral part of our qualified and dynamic team, recognized for its compassion, excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability.

Position Summary

As the first point of engagement, Cultural Heritage Interpretation and Programming Assistants welcome guests to the PumpHouse Museum, City Hall National Historic Site, and the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum. They also represent the Heritage Services department within the Kingston community. In this role, you will serve as a host and guide for members of the public visiting these sites, plan and facilitate public programs and school programs. Ideal candidates must have outstanding customer service capabilities, possess a positive attitude and are both self-motivated and well accustomed to teamwork.

Duties

Work primarily onsite at the PumpHouse Museum and offsite throughout the community (as needed).

Conduct daily tours of the PumpHouse Museum and City Hall for all ages to interpret museum exhibitions and collections for the public.

Facilitate and lead public and educational programming for visitors of all ages and abilities at the PumpHouse, City Hall National Historic Site and the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum.

Support special events, workshops and programming.

Support the development of inclusive, innovative and curriculum-based heritage and STEM programs.

Represent the Heritage Services department while deployed to off-site outreach event opportunities.

Assist visitors with booking tickets and respond to visitor queries.

Complete admission and sales related tasks for cash and Point of Sale (i.e. debit and credit) machine transactions and check-ins using the online ticking system.

Provide general museum administration assistance, including but not limited to data entry, filing and photocopying.

Collaborate effectively as part of a large team within the Heritage Services department.

Follow and uphold Corporate Health & Safety protocols.

Light housekeeping duties, sanitization and site inspections.

Other duties as assigned.

Working hours are set on a rotating schedule that includes a mix of day, evening and weekend shifts including some holidays between April and August 2026.

Qualifications, Competencies

MUST BE ENROLLED IN AND RETURNING TO FULL-TIME POST SECONDARY STUDIES IN FALL OF 2026 - Verification will be required

Experience working in a museum, gallery, heritage site, and / or educational setting is an asset

Must meet eligibility requirements for the Young Canada Works summer employment program such as being a permanent resident or citizen of Canada and between the ages of 16 to 30 years old; please read the requirements in full detail prior to applying to ensure you qualify : visit www.pch.gc.ca

Valid Standard First Aid / CPR-C certification is required prior to the start date of successful candidates

Valid Class "G" driver’s Licence is considered an asset

Access to own transportation an asset – please note transportation is not provided and there may not always be public transit access to offsite working locations

Must readily demonstrate the Corporation of the City of Kingston’s core competencies : Customer Focus, Results Orientation, Integrity, and Teamwork;

Skills, Abilities, Work Demands

Proven customer service skills

Bilingualism (English and French) highly desired; additional languages also welcome

Experience working with infants, toddlers and school-aged children is preferred

Ability to multi-task, adapt to change, solve problems, work independently and be self-directed when needed is essential

Public Speaking, customer service experience and leadership skills are an asset

Must be able to obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check, including Vulnerable Sector, at candidate’s own expense

Must be available for full time work from the end of April to the end of Labour Day weekend in September 2026.

Standard Hours of work : Wednesday – Sunday 9 : 00am-5 : 00pm (open to flexible changes in schedules, accommodating a Monday – Sunday Schedule)