Head of Doon Heritage Village

Head of Doon Heritage Village

Job Number: 3405
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: 10 Huron Rd - Doon - Museum
Job Category: Hospitality/Tourism
Number of Positions: 1
Department: PDLCUL - Ken Seiling WRM
Division: Planning, Development and Legislative Services
Hours of Work: 35
Union: Management/Management Support
Grade: Management/Management Support Grade 05
Salary Range: $83,556.20 - $104,431.60 per year
About Us!

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:

• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity
Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051
Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities and a resilient and future ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community The Role Supervises interpretation programs for Doon Heritage Village (DHV), including ongoing primary and secondary research. Supervises the maintenance and upkeep of the historic site (village buildings and grounds) in collaboration with Facilities Management Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervises a Village Coordinator, Museum Experience Specialists (horticulture, agriculture, domestic/merchandizing), seasonal staff, and students. Monitors the work of volunteers and staff assigned to support public programming.
• Leads teams to develop and guide key themes, interpretive messages, and storylines; ensures integration, including presentation in historic buildings; and that Indigenous/BIPOC knowledge and perspectives are represented in interpretation, programming.
• Seeks out and works in partnership with members of the community to draw on their knowledge and expertise, and foster and create a culture of inclusion and reconciliation in relation to DHV programming and interpretation.
• Works with Collections staff to identify objects to be used in exhibits and programs.
• Oversees the care and maintenance of all historic village buildings, building artifacts, and reproductions, including a focus on physical and cognitive accessibility. Works closely and collaboratively with Collections, Conservation, and Facilities Management (FM) staff.
• Develops and implements goals/objectives and budgets for DHV programs and special events, education, and interpretation.
• Facilitates staff training on program interpretation, content, and delivery.
• Develops and maintains partnerships with community groups for programs, education, and initiatives. Occasionally arranges speakers and entertainers for special events and administers contracts for DHV. Maintains third-party contracts and relationships with organizations that utilize the village for short- and long-term use.
• Nurtures relationships with community groups including those from Black, Indigenous, racialized, and other under-represented communities to develop exhibits, provide opportunities to share space and resources, promote programs, and facilitate partnerships. Identifies opportunities to ensure services are accessible and welcoming.
• Leads the organization and implementation of DHV programming and daily activities, as directed. Works with external contacts and organizations to ensure delivery.
• Ensures compliance with regional and city by-laws related to DHV public rentals and hosting public events (e.g., public health, fire, licensing, permits).

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervises the handling, use, and storage of program and education supplies (e.g., props, reproductions). Provides input into acquiring new artifacts. Assists Collections staff to source, purchase, and maintain reproduction artifact collections, as requested.
• Oversees DHV site maintenance and upkeep with FM, including requesting maintenance/repairs as required, and developing and implementing operational procedures related to village buildings. Monitors the work of contracted village site maintenance with FM including working with the Conservator to arrange pest control and cleaning for the village. Alerts Supervisor, Operations and Supervisor, Collections and Exhibits to any concerns, as applicable.
• Supervises daily open/closing of village buildings, as well as annual/seasonal closing and reopening, including basic cleaning, transport and storage, with training and oversight by the Conservator.
• Assists Manager to establish and monitor annual attendance and revenue targets.
• Administers and monitors operating budgets for livestock, horticulture and domestic programs, village interpretation, and staffing. Oversees capital budget projects, as required.
• Obtains quotes, prepares purchase orders, and places orders for equipment and supplies. Has signing authority and a P-card for expenditures. Negotiates and approves agreements with third-party and external partners, makes purchases and approves purchase orders up to $25,000. Prepares paperwork for payments to external services/vendors.
• Assists Manager to collect data, prepare reports, write and report on grant applications, develop community engagement, and develop procedures and policies, as required.
• Supervises and monitors work and activities at multiple regional and non-regional work locations (i.e. outreach programs).
• Responds to inquiries and complaints from the public.
• Consults with Manager for decisions related to staff performance, safety, and budgets.
• Works a seasonal weekend schedule while the village is open to the public.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skills are normally acquired through a diploma or degree in a related field (including but not limited to museum studies) plus progressively responsible related experience.
• Knowledge and skill in planning, coordinating, and delivering programs in a cultural/living history environment, including history interpretation, exhibits, education, special events, and outreach.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, collective agreements, and legislation (e.g., accessibility, health and safety, building code).
• Knowledge and ability to proactively address accessibility concerns (e.g., alternative interpretation, site amendments, program amendments).
• Knowledge of local history and ability to conduct research to keep current with best practices in public programming and event management.
• Organization, problem solving, and continuous improvement skills to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and standards, and deal with conflicting demands/priorities, peaks, seasonal events, interruptions, and fixed deadlines.
• Leadership skills to supervise, advise, develop, motivate, and support staff, and plan and prioritize work for the team.
• Human relations and communication skills to respond to visitor needs, inquiries, and complaints; conduct presentations, seminars, and workshops for varied audiences; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read and interpret policies, procedures, standards, correspondence, reports, and articles.
• Ability to write clear, concise work schedules, articles, exhibit copy, records, evaluations, grant applications, proposals, plans, and promotional content.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work a seasonal weekend schedule when the village is open to the public to provide on-site supervision and respond to weekend/evening site emergencies.
• Ability to travel within and outside Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

The Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We actively encourage applications from diverse groups, including Black, racialized, First Nations, Métis, Inuit individuals, women, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and are committed to equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in the workplace For an accommodation request, please contact us and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. Alternate formats of this document are available upon request. Please contact the Service First Contact Centre at phone number (519) 575-4400 to request an alternate format, or email [email protected] Please note: candidates will be provided an update on their application. Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular)