About Us

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS) is the largest art museum in Atlantic Canada. Since 1908, the Gallery has been a gateway for the visual arts in Atlantic Canada by engaging people with art. The AGNS is responsible for acquiring, preserving and exhibiting works of art, and for providing education in the visual arts. At its core, the Gallery is an inclusive public gathering place that connects people with art to inspire new ways of thinking. It is committed to this mission as an agency of the Province of Nova Scotia and one of the premier arts institutions in Canada.

Please note, due to legislative changes, as of January 1, 2023, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS) employees are no longer Civil Servants and are instead direct employees of the AGNS.

About Our Opportunity

As a Visitor Experience Associate, you play a vital role in shaping the visitor journey at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. As the first point of contact, you provide a warm welcome, share information, and ensure an engaging experience for all visitors, while aligning with the Gallery’s mission and brand.

Working between the Welcome Desk and Gallery Shop, you will process admissions, promote memberships, assist with program registration, and support retail operations – all while upholding the Gallery’s commitment to excellence. You will also support special events and facility rentals, ensuring seamless visitor experiences during programs and private functions.

You will help maintain a welcoming environment by ensuring public spaces are well presented and responding to visitor inquiries about exhibitions, programs, featured artists, and local cultural attractions.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working with the public, has strong communication skills, and thrives in a dynamic cultural environment.

Primary Accountabilities

• Deliver excellent customer service by greeting visitors, providing information, maps, and promotional materials, and ensuring a welcoming experience for both tourists and locals.
• Respond to emails, phone calls, and in-person inquiries at the Welcome Desk and Gallery Shop.
• Process admissions, memberships, programs, and retail sales using the Point of Sale (POS) system.
• Supports the Visitor Experience Coordinator with special events, facility rentals, and group bookings to ensure smooth operations.
• Assist with group visits by providing tailored information for tour groups, schools, and other organizations.
• Maintain knowledge of exhibitions, artists, and Gallery Shop products to provide engaging insights for visitors.
• Ensure Gallery Shop products are stocked, displayed correctly, and accurately priced.
• Process, pack, and ship online and wholesale orders.
• Supports the Gallery Shop Coordinator with inventory management, product sourcing, and retail best practices to ensure smooth operations.
• Ensure visitor safety by understanding emergency procedures and responding appropriately when needed.

Qualifications and Experience

To succeed in this role, you must have:

• High school completion and at least three (3) years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience, such as training/certification in tourism, hospitality, museum/gallery studies, or a retail environment.
• A dependable and customer-focused approach, consistently delivering high standards of service.
• A team player with the ability to adapt quickly to changes in priorities and information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and Point of Sale and/or customer relationship management systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Assets considered for this role include: 

• Knowledge and interest in the visual arts.
• A sound understanding of local culture, and heritage.
• Proficiency in a second language.
• First aid certification.

We will assess these qualifications and competencies through one or more of the following: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interviews, and reference checks.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

This a 34-week opportunity with anticipated start date for May 13, 2025, until January 3, 2026.

Two (2) part-time (21 hours/week) positions are available.

Interviews will be held on April 3-4, 2025.

This opportunity requires individuals who can work shifts over a seven-day week including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

This opportunity requires individuals who can stand, sit, and walk for long periods of time.

This opportunity requires individuals who can navigate noise, interruptions, and crowds while maintaining focus and actively listening.

What We Offer

• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.
• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.