The City of Markham is consistently ranked among Canada’s top municipal employers. In 2026, the City received its sixth consecutive Canada’s Best Employers recognition from Forbes and Statista Inc., placing third among municipalities and 15th overall in Government Services. An award winning municipality, Markham is recognized for its leadership in sustainability, innovative urban planning, and strong fiscal management. Serving a diverse and growing community of more than 370,000 residents, Markham combines rich heritage with a vibrant local economy and offers employees the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, impactful work that helps strengthen the community we serve.
Join us and make a lasting difference!
Applications are now being received for the temporary full-time Museum Program Instructor position in the Economic Development & Culture Services Department - Museum, Development Services Commission. To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter online by June 10, 2026.
Job Summary
Under the direction of the Program Coordinator, the role of a Museum Program Instructor is to present and develop exploration-based, hands-on outdoor education programming, science public tours, programs, and events for multiple audiences - with an emphasis on environment, technology and history. Total number of hours per week will fluctuate depending on the season and peak periods/events and may include day, weekday, and evening and/or weekend hours. We are currently looking for staff to fill daily tour guide shifts 9:30AM - 5:15PM Saturday to Sunday and 11:00am to 5:15pm Monday to Friday. As well, as more flexible public program shifts that are based on bookings and registration. Part-time staff can be scheduled up to 24 hours in one week.
Duties & Responsibilities
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Provides tour guide services to the general public when they visit the site (indoor & outdoor). This includes leading tours of the museum's various exhibitions, assisting with general inquires and customer service.
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Conducts daily building checks to ensure all museum spaces are ready for visitors. This includes opening and closing the main tour buildings used daily.
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Prepares for tours and public programs by collecting teaching collection artefacts for discussion purposes, rehearsing scripts, and compiling activities;
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Presents science and history educational programming for members of the public including site tours of the museum galleries/facilities, introducing children and youth to hands-on interpretation of historical artefacts;
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Assists in the preparation of program and event materials;
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Conducts scheduled group tours and moves visitors through various exhibits and sites, stopping at specific locations to offer information and answer questions using a combination of knowledge gained through research and prepared statements;
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Provides staff support for special events in a variety of roles, ranging from interpretive programming to visitor service;
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Develops new programming relating to outdoor education.
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Leads outdoor education programming with public and camp programs
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Monitors inventory of supplies, reporting to the Program Coordinator any items needing replacement. Ensures the site, equipment and supplies are appropriate to the activity and environment to reduce and minimize risk to other staff and participants;
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Assist with the onboarding and training of new members of the Museum Program Team; and
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Perform all other related duties as assigned
Requirements
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Enrolled or completed a post-secondary education in history, museum studies, education, science, recreation and or another relevant degree.
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Previous experience presenting programming to schools and public audiences; as a historic interpreter or a guide at a historic site or animator at a Science Center, etc.
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Up to date Standard First Aid or Intermediate First Aid with CPR C and AED certification
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HIGH FIVE Healthy Child Development is required
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Must be able to provide a clear Vulnerable Sector Screening
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Excellent verbal, interpersonal and communication skills and above average organizational and follow-up skills required
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Strong time management, multi-tasking and above average organizational and follow-up skills required
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Ability to work flexible hours including weekends
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Proficiency in MS Office, Outlook, database management, etc.
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Must be able to provide informative commentary and answer a range of relevant questions. To do this, they must learn information provided by the Curator, Program Coordinator and Education Instructors supplemented, when appropriate, from their own knowledge.
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Valid Ontario Class G Driver's License is an asset
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Knowledge of Ontario Curriculum is an asset.
Core Behaviours
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Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
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Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
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Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
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Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
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Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
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Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.
All offers of employment for this position will be conditional on satisfactory reference checks and vulnerable sector screening checks as required for the City of Markham.
The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.
We thank all applicants who have applied, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by email.
Please respect our scent free area by not wearing scented products when visiting the office.
AI Disclosure
At the City of Markham, we value transparency and fairness in recruitment. While our system (ADP Workforce Now) includes AI-powered features, we do not use AI to screen, assess, or select applicants. All evaluations are conducted by people.
Vacancy:
Temporary Seasonal Vacancy
