Interpretation Officer II (Hiking Guide)

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

We will only accept online applications received via the GC Jobs website.

Individuals who qualified on selection process(es) 2020-PKS-LLYK-OC-RM-061 and/or 2021-PKS-LLYK-OC-RM-106 need not apply again.

Applicants must provide 3 professional references and 3 additional references to support hiking ability.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate in the questionnaire how they meet the Education and Experience criteria.

Failure to clearly demonstrate in the questionnaire how you meet the Education and Experience factors found on the Statement of Qualifications (see below), may result in the rejection of your application.

Normally, applicants will not be solicited for incomplete or possible missing information.

Additional information may be requested after closing date for screening and/or assessment purposes.

Duties

Plans, adapts, develops and leads guided hikes within the field unit. The hikes include the Burgess Shale, one of the most significant fossil finds on Earth, and/or Conservation hikes where the focus could be Species at Risk, or impact of fire on the landscape. You provide visitors with opportunities to discover, appreciate and learn about the Park and its natural and/or cultural resources and understand their significance to Canada.

Work environment

Like to hike in our spectacular mountain parks?

Excited by the exquisitely preserved fossils, evolutionary significance and new discoveries of the Burgess Shale?

Are you in great physical shape and excited to lead up to three full-day hikes each week?

Are you keen to share resource conservation efforts and key Parks messages?

As a Guide, you ensure visitors have a safe and memorable experience by facilitating interactive, fun and safe hikes that are challenging full day hikes of up to 22 km with 800m elevation gain on steep, rocky trails.

As a guide, you may lead trips to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Burgess Shale Fossils. Other days, you could be inspiring visitors on Conservation hikes where you share engaging information and activities about 5 Needle Pines or the importance of fire on the landscape.

Intent of the process

The results of this process will be used to fill anticipated vacancies for 2023 and may be used in the future to fill permanent or temporary vacancies that may arise at the Interpretation Officer II, PM 02, in various locations, with full or part-time hours, for various tenures, such as: Seasonal Indeterminate, Term, Acting Assignment or Assignment at level, depending on status of the selected candidate.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

Contact information for 6 references.

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

EDUCATION
A minimum of 2 years of post-secondary education or an acceptable* combination of education, training, experience or traditional knowledge relevant to position.

*Acceptable combination of education, training and experience is defined as:
• A secondary school diploma or PSC approved alternatives; AND
• Successful completion of a minimum of three (3) courses relevant to the duties of the position (e.g., courses taken through continuing education facilities, colleges, universities, professional or governmental organizations or employers including training provided by Indigenous elders or group that may include but are not limited to courses in heritage interpretation, communications, public speaking, performing arts); AND
• A minimum of 12 months’ experience working in the fields of education, interpretation, and/or outreach-communications.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE
• Experience in the development of interpretive programs for a wide range of audiences that use a variety of presentation techniques;
• Experience in the delivery of cultural and/or natural heritage programs;
• Significant* backcountry hiking within the past two years.

*Significant refers to a minimum of six (6) full day hikes and one (1) multi-day hike in the backcountry per year. Please include three references to support hiking ability.

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

English essential

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE
• Knowledge of interpretive theory and techniques such as storytelling, demonstrations, evening programs or guided walks;
• Knowledge of natural and cultural heritage specific to Banff, Yoho & Kootenay National Parks.

ABILITIES
• Initiative - Dealing with situations and issues proactively and persistently, seizing opportunities that arise;
• Client Focus - Providing service excellence to internal and/or external clients;
• Teamwork - Working collaboratively with others to achieve organizational goals;
• Communication through Interpretation - Listening to others and communicating articulately to inform, influence and involve;
• Ability* to do 8-11 hour hikes up steep trails for 3 consecutive days in a variety of weather conditions.

*Please provide 3 references to support hiking ability.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY
• Personally connects with others;
• Sound judgement;
• Communicates effectively orally and in writing.

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

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
• Experience leading guided hikes in mountain environments.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE
• Knowledge of the Burgess Shale.
• Knowledge of the Lake Louise, Yoho & Kootenay Field Unit Resource Conservation efforts.

ADDITIONAL ABILITIES
• Ability to facilitate interpretive activities that are holistic, participatory, dialogic and/or visitor-centred.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
The position requires the incumbent to:
• Work shift-work, and/or weekends, and/or statutory holidays and provincial/territorial holidays;
• Wear a Parks Canada uniform as per the uniform policy and/or dress in period costume as per Parks Canada requirements;
• Work and/or travel in varied terrains, weather conditions, isolated locations and by various means of transportation;
• Stand/walk/hike for prolonged periods;
• Carry up to 25 kg (55lb) backpacks and/or heavy audio-visual equipment or props;
• Work from various work locations.

Conditions of employment

• Security Screening: Obtain and maintain Reliability Status;
• Possession and maintenance of a valid Class 5 Driver’s License (Class L, N or other graduated license will not be accepted);
• Possession and maintenance of valid 40-hour Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification prior to start date;
• Possession and maintenance of a valid Group Management course certificate (i.e. Interpretive Guides Association, ACMG Hiking Guide), prior to start date;
• Ability to do 8-11 hour hikes up steep trails for 3 consecutive days in a variety of weather conditions.

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

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.

Persons who have received pay in lieu of unfulfilled surplus period, a Transition Support Measure (TSM) or an Educational Allowance and are re-appointed to the Parks Canada Agency are required to reimburse an amount corresponding to the period from the effective date of such reappointment or hiring, to the end of the original period for which the TSM and education allowance was paid. Please contact LLYK Human Resources (LLYK.HR@pc.gc.ca), if you are one of these individuals to find out how this applies to your particular situation.

Persons who are in receipt of a Canadian Government Public Service pension and are considering this employment opportunity with the Parks Canada Agency, should contact the PWGSC Public Service Pension Centre (1-800-561-7930) in order to determine the impact of an appointment on their pension benefit entitlements.

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

Contact information