PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Mackenzie King Estate, Where History Lives...
This 231-hectare estate set in the rolling hills of Gatineau Park, the Capital’s conservation park, was for nearly 50 years the summer retreat of William Lyon Mackenzie King, Canada’s 10th prime minister. Visitors to the Estate can roam the wooded property on walking trails, visit the restored cottages and wander through formal gardens and the picturesque collection of ruins assembled by King. Guide Interpreters, audio-visual presentations and interpretation panels combine to give visitors an overview of Canada’s history during the career of this former prime minister.
The Guide Interpreter plays a key role in the Mackenzie King Estate. The incumbent welcomes visitors, gives guided tours and performs interpretation of the Estate’s landscaping, buildings and artifacts. The incumbent delivers thematic activities focusing on this site’s rich history and assists in the preparation and the delivery of the Program.
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
• Applicants must have completed a minimum of one (1) year university or college studies in History, Politics, Communications, Recreation and Leisure Studies, Education, Museum Studies or other program related to the position and be returning to full-time studies in the fall of 2025.
• Applicants must be fluently bilingual, in both official languages
EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES
• Have strong interpersonal communication and public-speaking skills, both in individual or group exchanges;
• Have a good general knowledge, as well as an ease for learning and integrating new material;
• Have relevant experience in dealing with the public, preferably in heritage interpretation, in group animation, communications or in tourism;
• Have the capacity to undertake tasks that require precision with a minimum of supervision; and
• Have a basic understanding of the NCC’s mandate and activities.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
• Must be able and willing to work outdoors in various weather conditions;
• Must wear a uniform which will be provided by the NCC;
• Must be willing to work 1 or 2 days on weekends, and holidays;
• Must attend mandatory paid training sessions for the Guide Interpreters at the Mackenzie King Estate; and
• Must arrange for their own means of transportation as the Mackenzie King Estate is located 21 km from downtown Ottawa, and is not accessible by public transportation.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to the Program Officer, the Guide Interpreter:
• Welcomes and orients visitors to the Mackenzie King Estate and/or Gatineau Park and informs visitors of the services available;
• Performs interpretation of the Estate's landscaping, buildings and artifacts;
• Performs interpretation of the history of Canada and the Canadian prime minister’s role during the first half of the 20th century;
• Assists in the preparation, implementation and delivery of activities;
• Assists in conducting inventory, maintaining and cleaning the historical artifacts as well as exhibit rooms and staff facilities;
• Contributes to the evaluation of programs, activities, exhibits and material through on-site observation, gathering visitor surveys, and/or maintaining accurate statistical records, as well as recommending changes or improvements to these elements; and
• Undertake other related tasks required for the program and the daily operations.
MANDATORY APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
You must follow the instructions below carefully in order to ensure the admissibility of your application.
- Submit a cover letter:
Your cover letter will be used as the primary screening tool; it must showcase your strengths, expertise and your interest in the position adequately, and it must include the following:
• The number of years of post-secondary study you will have completed by August 2025 and the program of study in which you are enrolled.
- Submit an updated version of your resume.
- Applicants must be full-time students in the fall semester of 2025
NOTES:
The National Capital Commission is committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted regarding this position, please advise the departmental official of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.
• Interviews will be conducted with selected candidates in August 2025.
• Tests may be administered;
• Reference checks will be done; and
• The NCC will not reimburse travel costs nor relocation expenses.
We thank all those who apply. Please note that only candidates who are selected for the next stage of the selection process will be contacted.
