Blackfoot Cultural Guide

Government of Alberta•Fort Macleod, AB

10d•CA$61,763 - CA$80,383•Onsite

About The Position

The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. We make a difference in the lives of Albertans through rewarding and diverse career opportunities. The Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Tourism and Sport is responsible for the continued growth of Alberta’s tourism and sport sectors to help make Alberta the best place to live, play and visit. To learn more about Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, visit www.headsmashedin.ca. To learn more about the Ministry of Tourism and Sport and what it has to offer, follow this link: https://www.alberta.ca/tourism-and-sport. Reporting to the Head of Education and Interpretation Services, the Blackfoot Cultural Guide plays a key role in delivering engaging, culturally grounded interpretive and educational programming for school groups, visitors, and community audiences. Through storytelling, guided experiences, presentations, and educational outreach, this position fosters understanding of Blackfoot culture, history, and heritage while supporting the Site's commitment to cross-cultural learning, reconciliation, and exceptional visitor experiences.

Requirements

Two-year diploma in an area of study related to the field; no experience required; or equivalent as described.
Experience delivering tours, educational programs, or interpretive experiences to diverse audiences.
Strong communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to engage visitors of various ages, backgrounds, and learning styles.
Demonstrated knowledge of, and ability to share, Blackfoot culture, language, history, traditions, and perspectives in a respectful and authentic manner.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with visitors, community members, colleagues, and stakeholders.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft 365 Suite, Apple devices, and touchscreen technology, with the ability to troubleshoot technical issues and facilitate presentations, virtual engagement, and program delivery.
Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver programming to suit varying fitness and experience levels, while effectively managing groups and maintaining the highest standards of guest safety and care.
Perform physically demanding outdoor work, including heavy lifting, transporting equipment, raising tipis, and hiking uneven terrain for extended periods (up to four hours) in varying weather conditions.
Ability to work a schedule that includes weekend work, with days off during the week. Daily shifts are from 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Experience supporting and mentoring junior team members
Ability to maintain a Class 5 drivers license (or equivalent) and maintain a clean driver’s abstract.
Ability to obtain and maintain a satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 1) as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Post secondary education in a related area of study
Experience working in a museum, interpretive centre, cultural institution, heritage site, tourism, or educational environment.
Knowledge of the significance of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Experience developing educational, interpretive, or public programming.
Experience supporting distance-learning, virtual programming, social media, or other digital engagement initiatives.
Experience collaborating with school groups, youth programs, or community organizations.
Experience evaluating programs and using feedback to support continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Delivering engaging interpretive and educational programs for school groups, community organizations, and the general public both on-site and off-site.
Creating meaningful visitor experiences through guided tours, presentations, demonstrations, storytelling, and interactive learning opportunities rooted in Blackfoot knowledge and perspectives.
Supporting the development, delivery, scheduling, and evaluation of interpretive, educational, and visitor programming to ensure high-quality learning experiences.
Contributing to digital and distance-learning initiatives, including online programming, virtual engagement, and social media content.
Promoting awareness and understanding of Blackfoot culture, history, and the significance of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Building welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environments that encourage cross-cultural learning, reconciliation, and public education.
Collaborating with colleagues to enhance program quality, support operational needs, and continuously improve visitor and educational experiences.
Ensuring consistent, professional, and culturally authentic program delivery that strengthens the Site's reputation as a premier cultural and heritage destination.