Job Description: Public Programs Assistant

Company: Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre
Location: Rossland, British Columbia (Kootenay)
Job Category: Programs and Events
Job Type: Young Canada Works
Salary: $16-17 - Hourly

Back to Search Apply Now

Public Programs Assistant

Job Purpose

The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre’s mission is to preserve and dynamically present the heritage of Rossland and area. We do this with comprehensive indoor and outdoor displays on the industrial, social, natural, and cultural history of Rossland with a particular emphasis on the mining and skiing histories of the area. We are designated as the “Mining in the Kootenays” historic site – on top of the original Black Bear Mine – with 5 acres of property and 6 exhibition buildings among many other outbuildings/shelters. Additionally, we have an extensive community archive, a provincial visitor information centre, numerous educational community programs in-house and through outreach activities, heritage walking tours, and various special events throughout the year.

The Museum Programs Assistant will work with the Community Engagement Manager for the planning, coordination, and evaluation of our youth and toddler programs with themes ranging from science and technology to art and history. Planning includes organizing requirements (registrants, allergies, permissions, etc.), assisting with material prep for all crafts, experiments, and activities, scheduling field trips/workshops, and other tasks as needed. In addition to the programs, as time permits, the student will conduct interpretive tours, coordinate loaning out, evaluating, and inventorying educational outreach kits, assist with ongoing senior programs, and develop special activities for tours and bookings.

The Museum Program Assistant works with all staff for the daily opening, operating, and closing procedures associated with Museum operations. They also help with the operation of the gift shop, admissions, concession, and Destination BC Visitor Centre, including sales, inventory, restocking, statistics, etc. Planning and scheduling group visits, tours, and special events as well as routine maintenance, including painting and cleaning may also be necessary as time permits.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

 

• Deliver public programming in the form of children's day camps, public tours, and various events as needed

• Liaise with other local community groups for special presentations/tours during camps and special events, in particular with our Indigenous partners and local artisans

• Assist in conducting a counselor-in-training program for local high school students

• Assist in the development and promotion of new senior programming in partnership with the Rossland Seniors Association

• Attending regular Rossland Community Farmers’ Market for special family-friendly activities and visitor information

• Assisting in coordinating community Celebrate Canada events, BC Day, Nights at the Museum, CBT Culture Tour, and more

• Assist in redevelopment opportunities for property and downtown walking tours

• Assist other staff in conducting tours when needed

• Assist with the daily opening, operating, and closing procedures associated with Museum operation

• Respond to visitor queries and provide information on other attractions in the community, on the surrounding area and other services

• Assist in the operation of the gift shop and concession, including sales, inventory, restocking, etc.

• Plan and schedule visits, group tours, private bookings, summer camps, and special events

• Assist with maintaining the museum website (Squarespace) and various social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) with other staff.

• Assist in developing systems and facility environmental sustainability initiatives

• Assist in the set-up/take-down of museum events and programming

• Assist in data entry/collection from program surveys for museum records and future planning

• Assist in contributing ideas and concepts for the Upper-Level redevelopment plan and outdoor learning space

• Routine maintenance, painting, cleaning, and light grounds keeping for the property

Qualifications

The following are essential qualifications for the job: 

• Current student

• Experience working/volunteering with families and children of all ages

• Experience and interest in organizing educational crafts, games, experiments, and kids' activities

• An interest in Rossland’s history and everything the area has to offer locals and visitors alike

• Excellent organizational skills, planning experience, and a passion for education and history

• Experience in group management and leadership

• Public speaking experience; Excellent English verbal and written communication skills

• Experience in conflict resolution and problem-solving

• RCMP Security Clearance (obtainable prior to start)

The following are desired assets to the job: 

• Post-secondary: Education, General Sciences, Museum Studies, History, Geology, or Drama.

• Customer service experience; experience with cash registers, POS machines, computers, etc.

• Excellent computer skills (incl. use of Microsoft Office, Excel, Dropbox, etc.)

• Experience working in the tourism and/or cultural sector

• Current First Aid certificate (can be obtained on the job)

Working Conditions

Some programs are outside for the majority of time, including regular hikes and trips off-site with a few trips to the local sites as well as other regular physical activity with the children. This position may require weekend work, shift work, and evening work for special events/programs.

Role Requirements

This position requires occasional physically demanding work in terms of set-up and takedown of programming and events and assisting other staff in their projects as well as the various maintenance and housekeeping tasks.