Museum Interpreter

Staff - Union

Job Category
CUPE 116

Job Profile
CUPE 116 Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title
Museum Interpreter

Department
Administrative Support | Interpretation | Beaty Biodiversity Museum | Faculty of Science

Compensation Range

Posting End Date
April 2, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

This is an hourly position with an expected average of 4 to 7.5 hours scheduled weekly, primarily on weekends, but may include occasional weekdays and evenings

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

JOB SUMMARY

The Beaty Biodiversity Museum, part of UBC's Beaty Biodiversity Centre, houses over 2.1 million natural history specimens, presents educational programs and exhibits and includes a teaching lab, auditorium, and a museum store. The Beaty Biodiversity Museum is divided into several major collections - Spencer Entomological Collection, Cowan Tetrapod Collection, Fossil Collection, Fish Collection, Marine Invertebrate Collection and the Herbarium which has several collections within itself.

Through Teaching & Learning, the Beaty Biodiversity Museum delivers high-quality undergraduate and graduate experiences to prepare students in course-based sciences, while providing a dynamic avenue for engaging the greater UBC community, schools, and the general public.

Museum Interpreters are  responsible for delivering engaging and effective interpretive programs. These programs highlight local and worldwide biodiversity, UBC biodiversity research, and issues of biodiversity conservation and supports the museum vision of a world where biodiversity is better understood, valued, and protected. Must be able to commit to a workweek within Tuesday to Sunday; available to work occasional Mondays, holidays and evenings

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

This role reports to the Teaching & Learning Coordinator. Works directly with staff, students, volunteers, and the public.

WORK PERFORMED

The Museum Interpreter is  responsible for delivering engaging and effective interpretive programs for the UBC community, schools, and the general public  These programs highlight local and worldwide biodiversity, UBC biodiversity research, and issues of biodiversity conservation and supports the museum vision of a world where biodiversity is better understood, valued, and protected. Specific Duties include:

• Delivering  a variety of engaging and interactive interpretive activities for the UBC community, schools, and the general public .
• Providing exceptional customer service when interacting with visitors and answering general inquiries.
• Utilizing and ensuring the safeguard of real museum specimens in interpretive programs and activities
• Assisting with, and preparing activities for special events and promotions; e.g. Spring Break, Nature Club, Way Cool, and Nocturnal.
• Assisting with initial and ongoing training of volunteers, students, and work experience students, as needed
• Maintaining and growing a working knowledge of museum collection and biodiversity information, issues, and research to ensure the accuracy and quality of museum programming.
• Assisting during facility rentals and outreach events both on and off site.
• Other related duties.

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR

This position is the public face of the Museum. It requires significant knowledge of natural history, interpersonal and interpretive skills. Poor performance will jeopardize the Museum's standing in the community, decrease visitation and negatively impact its reputation.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports to and works under the general direction of the Teaching & Learning Coordinator. Works within well-defined guidelines and procedures, but exercises judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion; new or unusual problems are referred to supervisor.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

Distributes routine tasks to museum volunteers, and ensures the day-to-day operation of the volunteer and interpretive tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

High School graduation. Minimum 2 years of biology, natural sciences, education, environmental education or related field of studies, or an acceptable combination of education, training and experience. Minimum of 2 years related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Several seasons of interpretive or teaching experience working with the public and children.
 

Experience supervising volunteers an asset. Able to communicate effectively with audiences of all ages and learning abilities. Strong organization and time management skills and able to work independently as and as an effective member of the team. Excellent customer service, interpersonal and relationship building skills. Able to learn and adapt in a changing environment. Comfortable with Microsoft Office and willing to learn new software, such as Better Impact, for day-to-day organization.

Must be willing to obtain a criminal record check and to completing a First aid certificate (CPR-A), fire warden, and UBC safety courses, upon starting the position.