About Us

The Museum of Natural History is responsible for the collecting and recording of artifacts of cultural significance to Nova Scotia as well as promoting Nova Scotia's natural landscape. Here at the Museum we house collections on Mammals, Marine life, Archaeology, Culture and more.

About Our Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity for young aspiring museum professionals to gain valuable hands-on experience in museum interpretation, education, research, and visitor service and to enhance their knowledge and understanding of Nova Scotia’s natural and cultural heritage.

As a Programming Assistant, you will develop skills in front-line interpretation including communication, presentation, visitor services, and research. Assisting with interpretive talks, discovery carts, field trips, and interactive conversations with a variety of audiences will be key.  Other valuable and transferrable abilities you will gain include the proper care and handling of both live specimens and natural/cultural collections.

Training, mentoring, and professional development are just a few more benefits you will receive during this opportunity!

Primary Accountabilities

Assist with the care, handling and interpretation of live wildlife exhibits which include amphibians, reptiles, and other invertebrates. 

• Communicating skills enhanced through facilitating topics reflected in our exhibits to visitors of diverse ages, backgrounds, experiences, and learning styles. 
• Responding to natural and cultural history specimen and artifact enquiries.

Suggestions for improvement relating to interpretative programs are always welcome and students are given the opportunity to assist in the creation of interpretive content.

Qualifications and Experience

To be successful in this role you must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution.  Completion of one year of study in the natural sciences, education and/or museum studies will be considered an asset.  

You have a demonstrated interest and knowledge of Nova Scotia’s animals and plants as well as university credits in the natural sciences, education and/or museum studies.  Demonstrated communication and organizational skills are required. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Suite and web search engines is essential. Interpersonal skills, problem solving, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment is key. You must also be self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision.

Strong assets for this position include:

• Previous experience with public program development and presentation skills in a similar setting e.g. heritage, arts, outdoor education, or cultural field.
• Fluency in French or another second language
• Experience with animal care (reptiles and amphibians).

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Inquiries for more information should be made to the attention of:

Mary MacDonald, Curator of Interpretation

Museum of Natural History

1747 Summer St

Halifax, NS., B3H 3A6.

(902) 424-6513

E-mail: mary.macdonald@novascotia.ca

Additional Information

You must be registered in the Young Canada Works (YCW) on-line candidate inventory (www.youngcanadaworks.gc.ca) and meet the eligibility criteria of the program. A student may be eligible for employment if they:

• are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada (non-Canadians holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent resident status are not eligible);
• are legally entitled to work in Canada (have a valid social insurance number);
• are between 16 and 30 years of age inclusively at the start of employment; and
• are a high school, college, CEGEP or university student.

The successful candidate must pass satisfactory criminal record and child abuse registry documentation. The filling of this position is contingent upon receiving funding.

This position has an estimated end date of September 7, 2024.