Interpretation Coordinator/Officer II

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

Persons who are unable to apply on-line must contact the person listed below prior to the closing date.

Duties

Nestled in the heart of the Beaver Hills of Alberta, Elk Island National Park is an oasis for both people and wildlife in close proximity to the major urban centre of Edmonton. Members of Elk Island’s interpretation team are based out of the Astotin Theatre Interpretive Centre to present a variety of engaging educational programs and experiences on topics from the natural and cultural history of the area, park conservation work, and outdoor skills and safety.

Interpretation Coordinators (PM-02s) plan, adapt, develop, deliver, and evaluate interpretive programs, activities, and events to provide visitors of the park with opportunities to discover, appreciate, learn about, and enjoy the place and its natural and cultural resources and understand their significance to Canada.

Interpretive programs may include: school programs, guided hikes and tours, campfire programs, hands-on and participatory activities, roving interpretation, stargazing programs, and supporting 3rd party programming including working with local Indigenous partners.

Interpretation Coordinators also supervise, train, and provide support and feedback to other interpreters and/or students.

Do you like to facilitate participatory experiences that help visitors discover and explore their connections to Canada’s protected places? Do you like to talk with and listen to people, so you can learn what most excites and inspires them to take action to protect these places? If so, then this job might be for you!

Work environment

The thundering sound of bison hooves resonates among the hills of the knob and kettle landscape. A gentle wind sighs through the aspen leaves, scattering their sweet smell across the forest floor. The distinct calls of waterfowl signal their flight over lush wetlands. Cautious elk pick their way through grassy plains.

Sound like your dream vacation?
Think again. It’s your dream Job.

Elk Island National Park is within Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis. Rolling hills, glassy lakes, star-filled prairie skies and a thousand shades of green all come together in Elk Island National Park – home to Canada’s bison conservation legacy and within the UNESCO designated Beaver Hills Biosphere. Elk Island is the only National Park that is completely fenced and is a highly accessible National Park due to its close proximity to the Edmonton capital region. Elk Island National Park is open year round for enjoyment in every season!

Intent of the process

To create a pool of qualified candidates which may be used to fill future vacancies. The position tenure may vary depending on the position being staffed (i.e. seasonal indeterminate or term) and whose language requirements, linguistic profiles and security requirements could also vary.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 3 references.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

EDUCATION:
A minimum of two (2) years post-secondary education or acceptable combination of education, training and experience.

Note: Acceptable combination of education, training and experience:
• A secondary school diploma or Public Service Commission approved alternatives; AND
• One (1) year post-secondary education; AND
• A minimum of eight (8) months’ experience working in the fields of outreach, communications, interpretation or education.
OR
• Land-based/Indigenous knowledge; AND
• A minimum of eight (8) months’ experience working in the fields of outreach, communications, interpretation or education

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE:
• Recent and significant experience in delivering one or more of the following: natural or cultural interpretation, theatre/performing arts, education, museum education, public speaking, and/or storytelling;
• Recent and significant experience in the development and evaluation of interpretive programs for a wide range of audiences using a variety of presentation techniques.

Note:
Recent experience is defined as experience acquired over the last four (4) years (since 2018).
Significant experience is defined as the depth and breadth of experience generally acquired in performing duties for a minimum of 4 months.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

Various language requirements
• English essential
• Bilingual – Imperative (--B/--B) (Oral proficiency in French)

For detailed information on qualification standards in relation to official languages see: https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/staffing/qualification-standards/relation-official-languages.html#second

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE:
• Knowledge of interpretive theory and techniques, such as storytelling, demonstrations and/or guided walk or tours.

ABILITES:
• Communication through interpretation – Listening to others and communicating articulately to inform, influence, and involve both orally and in writing.

COMPETENCIES:
• Demonstrating integrity and respect
• Thinking things through
• Working effectively with others
• Showing initiative and being action oriented

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Asset Qualifications:
The following qualifications may be applied and/or assessed because they are beneficial in carrying out the duties of the position. They may be used in screening, assessment or determining right fit for this selection process, so please describe how you meet any of the following criteria:

• Experience with the Plains Cree, Michif, Nakoda (Stoney), Woods Cree, or Blackfoot languages; working with or within Indigenous communities; and/or delivering Indigenous cultural programs;
• Knowledge of the natural and cultural history specific to Elk Island National Park;
• Experience in supervision and/or coaching;
• Experience in creative writing and editing related to educational programs (e.g. scripts/outlines for programs, interpretive signage, public presentations, or website content).

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
The position requires the incumbent to have:
• Willingness to work irregular hours, overtime, weekends and/or statutory holidays and provincial holidays, when required.
• Willingness to work and/or travel in varied terrain and weather.
• Willingness to wear a Parks Canada uniform and required protective clothing.
• Be capable of using moderate to medium physical effort to carry out work tasks.
• Has reliable transportation to get to and from the workplace.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Possession of a valid class 5 Driver’s Licence

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

Diversity and inclusion are at the core of our values. Diverse teams bring different perspectives and creative ideas that benefit our clients, the communities we serve and all of us as colleagues. We welcome applications from individuals with diverse abilities and from all backgrounds and identities.

Parks Canada is established as a separate employer in the Federal Public Service under the Financial Administration Act. Persons appointed to the Agency continue to be part of the Public Service. Parks Canada operates under its own human resources framework outside of the Public Service Employment Act and in line with values of fairness, competence and respect, and its operating principles.

In accordance with paragraph 8(2)(a) of the Privacy Act, information or material, whether provided directly by the candidate or otherwise obtained by the selection board, used during the selection process for the purpose of assessing a candidate may be used as part of the selection review and recourse processes. Such relevant information may be provided to third parties, such as other candidates or their representatives, who have a legitimate reason to be aware of that information.

📢 TIPS FOR APPLICANTS:
• Please provide complete and thorough details of your experience.
• Do not assume that the screening board has any previous knowledge of your background, qualifications, or work history. You must be specific and provide concrete examples/details for each Experience element, as applications will be screened only on the information provided.
• Please submit your completed application, including all of the above-mentioned documentation. Failure to do so may result in your application being rejected.

For tips to navigate the application process step by step, refer to the following short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GW7P3g9hhI.

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some (essential or other) qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

Each person is entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Contact information