Historical Trades Interpreter (Blacksmith & Shoemaker)

COMPETITION No: 2022-SLPC-954

CLASSIFICATION: Artisan 1

COMPENSATION GROUP: OPSEU – Technical

SALARY RANGE: $21.95 to $24.30 per hour

PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT: May to September

Group 3 seasonal recurring

HOURS OF WORK: 36.25 hours per week

DIVISION: Upper Canada Village

LOCATION: Upper Canada Village, 11 km east of Morrisburg

POSTING DATE: March 25, 2022

CLOSING DATE: April 15, 2022

AREA OF SEARCH: OPEN

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO DO IN THIS ROLE?

You will:

• interpret the trade and lifestyle of a Blacksmith and Shoemaker working in the 1860’s including tasks such as forge-welding, tempering, horseshoe making, metal shaping, shoeing and trimming horses and oxen, and constructing parts of wagons and simple vehicles
• interpret the work and lifestyle of a tradesman in the 1860’s, demonstrating and assisting in other historical trade shops and homes with the production of reproduction items such as bread, furniture, shoes, tinware, ironware, brooms, etc.
• produce and promote saleable products manufactured in the historical trades unit
• prepare material and equipment required for interpretive and heritage programs, demonstrations, presentations, and workshops
• interpret village life and features by participating and explaining to visitors a variety of community re-enactments and events, providing visitors with basic information about structures, setting and activities throughout the site
• support Upper Canada Village programming by assisting with the instruction and evaluation of youth program participants, providing support for on-site events and programs (e.g. tent set-up), and assisting occasionally with evening and off-site programs such as workshops, special events, etc.
• support customer service initiatives by treating all staff and visitors with high level of respect and ensuring the resolution of visitor concerns and questions
• ensure the safety of the visitors and staff and protect the resources of the site by reporting immediately any potential hazards or needed repairs, and following all established health and safety procedures
• embody the SLPC’s equity, diversity and inclusion principles while interacting with staff and guests

HOW DO I QUALIFY?

MANDATORY:

• Conditional upon successful candidate being granted required security clearance for this position (Vulnerable Sector check).

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• You have knowledge of the lifestyle, interpretation, and trades of the 1860’s to act as a historical trades interpreter in Upper Canada Village, and to apply various skills required in the historical trades of the 1860’s.
• You have an understanding of the immediate historical context of all activities, objects, tools, and implements of the Blacksmith, Shoemaker and other historical trades.
• You have knowledge of the place of historical trades within the community as well as the social, economic, and political environment to a level typical of a skilled tradesman in the 1860’s.
• You have knowledge of the interpretive standards to interpret and accurately represent an assigned trade.
• You have the ability to operate and care for unique historical tools and equipment that are used to perform the full range of specialized skills required.
• You have fine motor skills and concentration to perform trades work by hand.
• You have knowledge of the use, care and maintenance of various artefacts and items to assist in the preparation, cleaning and manufacturing of items for the Village Store; the operation, care, and maintenance of various and unique historical equipment, machines, supplies, and tools and the conservation of artefacts.

CUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

• You have excellent oral communication skills to engage guests, deliver information in an entertaining manner with enthusiasm and high energy, and respond effectively to customer questions and concerns.
• You have the ability to “read” the customer, understand when he/she is not connecting, and the flexibility in approach and content to serve visitor needs.
• You have the ability to learn both historical and technical subject matter in order to present it well to visitors.

WHY WORK FOR THE ST. LAWRENCE PARKS COMMISSION?

• Belong to one of the largest employers in Ontario, the Ontario Public Service, and open the door to a diverse range of career opportunities throughout the province
• Supportive team environment
• Staff discounts
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Option to join an excellent pension plan
• Paid benefits
• Percentage paid in lieu of vacation and statutory holidays

HOW TO APPLY:
1. Please apply online, https://www.parks.on.ca/about/careers/.

2. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages.

3. Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed above. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job.

4. OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.

5. Every external candidate must identify their prior employment in the Ontario Public Service including positions, dates of employment and any re-employment restrictions.

REMEMBER: THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS 11:59 PM ON FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2022.

WE THANK ALL CANDIDATES FOR APPLYING, BUT ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR FURTHER SCREENING OR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

St. Lawrence Parks Commission is committed to employment equity. We welcome applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions. The St. Lawrence Parks Commission is also committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process. We will make appropriate accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process for applicants with disabilities. To obtain a copy of this posting in an alternative format or to request any accommodation please contact us directly through Human Resources at 1-800-437-2233, ext. 2440. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be addressed confidentially.