Government House Tour Guide

Competition # : 48882

Department: Intergovernmental Affairs

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Casual

Union Status: Exclusion - Non Union - NSPG

Closing Date: 08-Jun-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

Government House is Canada’s oldest vice regal residence. Over the years it has played host to royal visitors, served as a command post following the Halifax explosion, and thousands of national and international dignitaries. Government House continues to be the working office and the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor – the King’s Representative in Nova Scotia.

For information about Government House please visit: http://lt.gov.ns.caGovernment

House is wheelchair accessible.

About Our Opportunity

As a Government House tour guide you will interpret the legislative system and the history of Government House. From the architecture to artwork, these buildings are home to historic artifacts. Thousands of people visit both locations annually.

Offering guided tours of historic buildings provides an excellent opportunity to make use of public speaking skills, as well as second language skills and learn more about Nova Scotia and its government.

Primary Accountabilities

• Greeting visitors and collaborating with teammates and security to provide a positive visitor experience.
• Delivering tours of Government House.
• Guiding visitors through the public areas.
• Learning historical and significant facts about both buildings to deliver public education.
• Answering questions about both buildings and the roles of each institution and consistently communicating in a nonpartisan manner.
• Handing out printed informational material for visitors.
• Recording the number of visitors.
• Placing and removing temporary outdoor and indoor signage and stanchions as directed.
• Must be able to move a 40lb sign. Ascending and descending stairs may be required.

Qualifications and Experience

As the successful candidate, you will demonstrate your knowledge and interest in the legislative system and possess an understanding of history, art, and architecture. You will demonstrate the ability to work with children, youth, and adults of all ages. You possess strong verbal communication skills. Fluently bilingual (French & English) candidates are preferred.

At times, this role may be working independently or in a team environment and as the successful candidate, you must clearly demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics to work effectively with the diverse public in a professional manner.


While not required, previous experience in the tourism/hospitality sector is considered an asset.


We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Working Conditions

Guides are employed from June 26 to August 31 on a casual basis, as required. This includes a one-week period.


Hours of operation for tours of Government House will include June 26 and July and August on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 10am to 4pm. A full schedule will be provided in advance and is subject to change. Tours are provided on Canada Day. Tours are not provided on Labour Day or National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.

Additional Information

In your cover letter please explain how you hope to benefit from participating in the program.

Pay Grade: HOURLY

Salary Range: $18.00 - Hourly

Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

Accommodation Statement: We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.

Current government employees may access this posting through the link below:

PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.