Heritage Specialist Jobs in Canada 2025 – Apply Now

The City of Ottawa is seeking dynamic individuals for the position of Heritage Specialist. This part-time role is your opportunity to contribute to Ottawa’s cultural landscape while developing your career in a field dedicated to the preservation of history, heritage sites, and museums.

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About the Position:

As a Heritage Specialist, you will be responsible for supporting the City’s heritage initiatives, including the development of educational programs and the preservation of Ottawa’s historic sites. You’ll work closely with local communities, organizations, and volunteers to ensure the city’s cultural heritage is accurately represented and promoted.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design Educational Programs: Develop and deliver public programs, exhibitions, and tours focused on Ottawa’s history, heritage, and culture. Engage visitors with compelling narratives about local historical sites.
• Conduct Historical Research: Support ongoing historical projects, such as the Oral History project, and contribute to archival research to enhance educational materials.
• Volunteer & Staff Coordination: Oversee and train volunteers and seasonal staff, ensuring they can assist effectively in programming and heritage site operations.
• Community Outreach & Engagement: Foster relationships with local communities, schools, and organizations to promote heritage initiatives and increase public participation in cultural programs.
• Public Event Planning: Organize public events such as historical lectures, special exhibitions, and heritage-related celebrations to raise awareness and appreciation of Ottawa’s cultural heritage.
• Promote Heritage Sites: Assist with marketing and promotional efforts to highlight Ottawa’s cultural landmarks and historical sites. Help develop content for social media, websites, and print materials.

Qualifications:

To apply for the Heritage Specialist position, you must meet the following requirements:

• Education: Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program in History, Museum Studies, Social Sciences, Education, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • At least 2 years of interpretive experience in a museum, cultural institution, or related setting.
  • Experience in historical research and public outreach.
  • Experience in event planning or volunteer management is a plus.
• Skills:
  • Excellent communication, public speaking, and writing skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with volunteers, staff, and the public.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) is an asset.
• Health and Safety Certification: Completion of mandatory health and safety training (as required by the City of Ottawa).
• Knowledge: A strong understanding of Ottawa’s historical heritage and commitment to preserving and sharing local culture.

Why Apply?

The Heritage Specialist role offers numerous personal and professional benefits. In addition to working on exciting projects, you’ll gain valuable experience that will help you grow in the cultural sector. Here’s what makes this position an excellent opportunity:

• Cultural Impact: Play a pivotal role in preserving Ottawa’s rich history for future generations, ensuring that local heritage is celebrated and preserved.
• Diverse Work Environment: Work across various historical sites, museums, and community venues, with no two days being the same.
• Professional Growth: Access professional development opportunities, including workshops, specialized training, and the possibility to specialize in fields like conservation, archaeology, or urban heritage management.
• Community Engagement: Work closely with Ottawa residents and cultural organizations, fostering community collaboration and cultural awareness.
• Job Satisfaction: There’s a unique satisfaction in knowing your work helps promote and protect the cultural identity of the city, enriching the community’s understanding of its history.
• Economic Development: By preserving Ottawa’s historical landmarks and creating engaging programming, you contribute to the local economy, particularly through tourism and heritage-related initiatives.

Work Environment and Setting:

As a Heritage Specialist, you’ll enjoy a dynamic and engaging work environment that involves both fieldwork and administrative tasks. You’ll be stationed at various heritage sites and museums throughout Ottawa, providing you with opportunities to interact with the public and help manage site operations. This position also involves occasional travel for events and outreach initiatives.

Typical Duties Include:

• Guiding Tours & Interpreting History: Provide insightful and engaging tours to visitors, using storytelling to bring Ottawa’s history to life.
• Event & Program Coordination: Collaborate with teams to coordinate events and public programs, ensuring everything runs smoothly and aligns with the city’s heritage goals.
• Volunteer Management: Oversee seasonal staff and volunteers, ensuring they are well-trained and equipped to support events and programming.

How to Apply?

To be considered for the Heritage Specialist role, please follow these steps:

1. Visit the City of Ottawa Careers Portal: Go to the official career page and locate the job listing for Heritage Specialist.
2. Submit Your Application: Complete the application form, including your resume and any relevant documentation.
3. Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, familiarize yourself with Ottawa’s heritage, the City’s cultural initiatives, and relevant historical facts. Be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of the heritage sector and how your skills align with the position.
4. Selection Process: After the interview, the top candidates will be chosen based on their experience, passion for heritage preservation, and fit for the role. Successful applicants will receive a formal offer and begin the onboarding process.

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