Interpretation Officer (Guide Supervisor)

Company Description

The Library of Parliament is a non-partisan organization that provides a unique and stimulating work environment. We are led by our guiding principles of agility, collaboration, excellence, impartiality, and inclusion. For more information about the Library and what we offer, visit Employment opportunities at the Library of Parliament.

Job Description

The Interpretation Officers (Guide Supervisors) work in a dynamic, team-based environment and serve as the public face of Parliament. They are responsible for supervising Parliamentary Guides and overseeing daily tour operations to ensure the delivery of high-quality interpretation and visitor services.

The incumbent performs the following duties:

• Supervise, mentor, and support Parliamentary Guides, including coaching, performance feedback, and day-to-day guidance.
• Coordinate daily tour operations across four locations to ensure effective scheduling and smooth service delivery.
• Support recruitment activities and deliver training to ensure guides are prepared to meet operational and service standards.
• Respond to visitor inquiries and manage reservation requests to support a positive and inclusive visitor experience.
• Deliver guided tours and program services to diverse audiences, ensuring accurate, engaging, and professional interpretation of parliamentary activities.

Qualifications

Education:

• Successful completion of post-secondary education in a field related to the duties of the position, OR an acceptable combination of relevant education, training and experience.

Experience:

• Experience in supervising staff, including training, mentoring, and providing feedback.
• Experience working in a client-facing role, preferably in a heritage, tourism, or hospitality setting.
• Experience managing multiple and competing time-sensitive priorities.
• Experience resolving conflicts and communicating effectively in high-pressure situations.
• Experience delivering historical or cultural interpretive programs.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of best practices in customer and visitor services.
• Knowledge of supervisory practices for student programs or large teams of part-time staff.
• Knowledge of the theories, methods and techniques of heritage interpretation and their practical application.
• Knowledge of the Canadian Parliament, including its history, legislative process, and the art and architecture of the Parliamentary buildings.
• Knowledge of methods, techniques and practices of developing and delivering training sessions.
• Knowledge of accessibility and inclusion practices in public program delivery.

Competencies:

• Adaptability
• Client Focus
• Embracing Diversity
• Exemplifying Integrity
• Managing People
• Decision-Making
• Achievement Orientation
• Technical and Functional Capability
• Communication
• Organizational Awareness

Asset Criteria:

• Experience delivering training to new employees.
• Experience using ticketing or booking systems and managing reservation requests.
• Experience developing work schedules for part-time staff.

Operational Requirements:

• Able to work frequent weekend shifts and occasional evening shifts to ensure continuous operations.
• Able to occasionally work up to 7 consecutive days.
• Able to work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Able to deliver tours and facilitate programming across multiple service sites.
• Able to interact with multiple visitors in crowded spaces with loud volumes of noise.
• This position requires daily on-site presence and is not eligible for telework.

Conditions of employment:

• A second-language evaluation (Bilingual staffing – imperative: CBC/CBC).
• A successful pre-employment security screening.

Second language self-assessment test:

• To help you decide if you should apply to a bilingual position, an optional self‑assessment of your written expression and reading comprehension in your second official language is available for you to take before completing your application.
• Try out the self-assessment tests for written expression and reading comprehension.
• For more information on language requirements, see the language requirements for candidates.

Additional Information

Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed and assessments will take place on an ongoing basis throughout the posting period.

Please include a cover letter with your application describing how you meet the education and experience requirements of the position. Applications without a cover letter may not be considered. Please combine your cover letter and CV into a single document or upload your cover letter on the second page of the application form.

The Library of Parliament welcomes all candidates to apply and encourages applications from Indigenous persons, racialized persons, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons and persons with disabilities for this position.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace by providing a barrier-free staffing process. If you have an accommodation request or require material in an accessible format, please contact us at [email protected].

Education and experience requirements will be used to determine which candidates will be asked to participate in the next stage of the selection process.

This selection process may include a second-language evaluation, a written exam, and an interview. The interview will consist of behavioural, situational and knowledge-based questions. Candidates will be required to pass each stage in order to move to the next stage of the selection process.

Qualified candidates from this selection process may be considered for determinate or indeterminate positions at the Library of Parliament that require similar knowledge and/or competencies.

Satisfactory references and proof of education are essential conditions of appointment.

Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the candidates.

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