Indigenous Programming Specialist

Department: Programming & Experience - Interpretation 

Position Type: Full-Time – Permanent

Expected Start Date: August 25, 2025

Application Deadline: July 23, 2025

What we offer:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Comprehensive Benefits package includes Extended Health Care, Dental Benefits, Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Employee and Family Assistant Program (EFAP)
• Employer-matched Pension Plan at 5%
• Generous paid time off, including Vacation days, Sick Time
• Working in a beautiful park setting.
• Free entrance to the Park, including to our many public special events.
• Employee discounts on food and retail items and free parking.

Who We Are:

Heritage Park is Canada's largest living history museum and offers visitors a chance to experience life in Western Canada from the 1860s to the early 1950s. The Park features historical buildings, costumed interpreters, working antiques, and various exhibits that provide insight into the region's past.

Job Overview:

Under the direction of the Interpretation Manager, this position is part of a team that assists in the day-to-day coordination of interpretive programming. At Heritage Park we acknowledge that we are located on the Treaty 7 territory where we respect the deep, historical connection to this land by the Blackfoot, Tsuut’ina, Îyârhe Nakoda, and Métis peoples. This position will focus on developing Indigenous land-based programming that represents First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples and will collaborate with other staff to research and implement initiatives both new and established. 

Responsibilities:

Operational Support 

• Coordinates Indigenous interpretive programming, including organization and delegation of work assignments, collaborating and obtaining input from the team 
• Shares expertise and conducts research to support the development and implementation of Indigenous interpretive programs and new initiatives; 
• Contributes to team goals through observation and assessment of programs, then collaborates to propose recommendations and implement approved changes in Indigenous programming  
• Assists and provide expertise in the coordination of tours with Indigenous components as required, including suggesting appropriate programming and assigning employees  
• Prepares materials and venues for programs including coordinating logistics with other Park departments; 
• Participates in the recruitment, training, scheduling, supervision, mentoring and evaluation of seasonal staff and volunteers including seasonal Lead Hands 
• Provides day-to-day feedback and takes forward performance concerns to manager
• Provide systems options for ways of knowing, being and doing for all interpretive staff with care of artifacts/items in Indigenous programming. 
• Acknowledging and fostering relationships with Elders, knowledge keepers, and Tipi holders (not just Yellow Otter design) as safe ethical space includes practices, sensitivity, values as well as being open to both learning and engaging. 
• Collaborates with other departments specifically for Indigenous initiatives as required 

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated or Lived experience in being part of, or working with, a First Nations, Metis, Inuit or other Indigenous community is required;  
  
• Post-secondary education and/or equivalent knowledge/training in related areas (Indigenous history, Cultural teachings, museum studies, historical interpretation, tourism); 
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in the delivery OR development of interpretation programs; 
• Minimum 6 months prior experience supervising and mentoring staff including delegating duties and providing feedback; experience with supervision of a large team is preferred 
• Up to one year experience in education or teaching children, youth or adults is considered an asset; 
• A keen interest in and knowledge of the history and cultures of Indigenous peoples of this land (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Îyârhe-Nakoda and Tsuut’ina) and Métis of Southern Alberta. 
• Excellent verbal communication and experience with written communication. 
• Proven public relations skills; comfortable working with audiences of all ages; 
• Organized, flexible, adaptable, and capable of independent study, exhibit mature judgement, and have a proven ability to work well with others; and 
• Basic computer skills to use programs like Outlook, Word, and Excel and conduct research using traditional methods and online. 
• All successful candidates will be required to go through an enhanced security check (Vulnerable Sector Screening if working with minors) as a condition of employment.

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