BVT Specialist

Have you ever imagined stepping into the shoes of those who shaped our history? As the Bourgeois, Voyageur, and Tour Guide (BVT) Specialist at Fort William Historical Park, you'll have the chance to craft historical narratives and shape an immersive journey that transports today's audience into the world of the past.
As the BVT Specialist, you'll play an important part in supporting a creative team that embodies the spirit of a unique time and place in Canada's history. Help lead historical dramatizations, pageants, festivals, and educational programs, all while dressed in period costume. This remarkable experience unfolds against the backdrop of one of North America's largest living history sites.
This summer, the past and present converge at Fort William Historical Park's Great Rendezvous reenactment and Anishinaabe Keeshigun. These cultural events welcome visitors from across North America to experience dramatic reenactments, music, and cultural expositions. This exceptional opportunity will have you interacting with tourists from around the world to create educational experiences that promote cross-cultural understanding across generations. Come join the team and help bring life to history!
This position requires the availability to work evenings and weekends and the flexibility to work extra hours as required.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:
1. Play a role in developing and executing BVT activities and Living History programs, which involves overseeing historical interpretations, dramas, tours, educational programs, and special events
2. Conduct research and reference assignments, preparing summaries and reports for internal resource files and visitor inquiries
3. Bring history to life by participating in historical dramatizations, pageants, festivals, and education programs in period costume attire
4. Act as a resource to all operational areas, collaborating with partners and stakeholders to enhance our Living History activities
5. Preserve historical buildings through regular maintenance and inventory management
6. Contribute to a safe environment for visitors and staff
7. Attend orientation courses, seminars, and training workshops to enhance interpretive skills and abilities
8. Contribute to the dynamic nature of our operation, which includes possible overnight functions, travel, holidays and weekend work

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

- a valid class G Ontario Drivers License
- Standard First Aid Certification

Communication Skills:

• You can demonstrate oral communication skills for interacting with program areas, and visitors, and delivering historical dramatizations
• You can demonstrate written communication skills for developing resource materials and program outlines, weaving history into compelling narratives
• You are knowledgeable in dramatic scriptwriting principles, using them to craft engaging performances that enhance and grow the living history program of Fort William
• You have the ability to train staff in role-play techniques and conduct public performances

Historical Interpretation and Program Development Skills:

• You can demonstrate analytical skills for interpreting Living History related to life in the early 1800s
• You can demonstrate skills in drama development to craft culturally relevant and compelling interpretive public programs
• You can apply research skills for documenting historical themes, ensuring accuracy and cultural sensitivity in program depictions
• You can apply knowledge of the influence of the North American fur trade on Canada's development, particularly at Fort William
• You have knowledge of museum docent principles and applications for educational Living History

Organizational and Leadership Abilities:

• You demonstrate planning and organizational skills for independent and teamwork, program implementation, and evaluation
• You have the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• You demonstrate group leadership skills for directing and coordinating staff activities as an Alternate Team Leader

Problem-Solving Skills and Flexibility:

• You can develop appropriate historical and culturally relevant program content
• You can demonstrate problem-solving skills for addressing student issues during supervisor absences
• You have the flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extra hours as needed