Cathedral Tour Guide
Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica
Halifax, NS
Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth

(offer of summer employment are contingent on government funding approval)

Job Description:

Accountability: The Cathedral Tour Guide directly reports to the Reverend, Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica

Summary:

Through a government student grant program, the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth is looking to hire a Cathedral Assistant & Guide with us for a placement starting July until the end of August. The Cathedral Assistant & Guide will lead several guided tours daily, pointing out architectural features, historic and artistic features, elements which reflect tenets of faith, and the ways that Saint. Mary's Cathedral Basilica has played a role in the development of Halifax and of Canada.

In keeping with the government grant, applicants must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or have refugee status in Canada, legally entitled to work in Canada and must be between the ages of 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the work assignment. The successful candidate must be able to commit to the full duration of the work assignment (summer through the end of August) and have been a full-time student in the past semester and planning to return to full time studies in the fall.

Main duties and Responsibilities:

(main functions but not limited to the following)

• Student will spend a significant portion of the day staffing the Cathedral Information Booth, which is located at the entrance to the building. They will be available here for tourists who visit the historic site. When not engaged with the visitors, they will ensure the booth is fully stocked with pamphlets.
• Student will be the primary contact with workers and other professionals who come to work on the building during the restoration process. Safety equipment and training will be provided if ever necessary
• Student will learn how to assist with the building's various public services and ceremonies during the week. They will be taught how to prepare, conduct and clean up for each event. They will be supported and supervised by staff to ensure quality community access.
• Student will be provided with the necessary tools to coordinate and offer a guided building tour. They will learn the building's history and approved tour script but be confident enough to communicate the information to the visitors.
• Student is responsible for opening and locking the Cathedral. They will be guided on how to properly and safely open and close/secure the Cathedral building daily for public access

Qualifications:

• Must meet the requirements of grant application details
• Background in the theory and practice of tourism and hospitality
• Comfortable speaking about their relationship with Christ
• Adaptability, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written)
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills
• Experience working effectively as part of a team
• Strong background and skills in coordination and planning, is results-driven
• Experience working in a parish would be considered an asset
• Knowledge or education in history of the Cathedral and Archdiocese would be considered an asset
• Experience working with the public and/or speaking in front of groups of people would be considered a strong asset.
  

Note:

Offer of employment is contingent on Canada Summer jobs funding approval and on upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of references and credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer.

Responsible Ministry:

The person who fills this position is required to consent to a Police Record Check and to sign an agreement to abide by the Responsible Ministry protocols of the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth.

Apply:

Please email a cover letter and résumé outlining your qualifications and experience and why this position appeals to you to aantonio@halifaxyarmouth.org with Cathedral Tour guide in the subject line. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.