Ross Farm, with white geese gathered by a pond.

SKILL Program Heritage Interpreter

Position Overview

This position is for 12 weeks and is funded through the Nova Scotia SKILL program. Applicants must comply with specific funding requirements:

  • Be a resident of Nova Scotia for at least six months and legally able to work in Canada.
  • Be entering full-time post-secondary studies in the fall semester immediately following the work term OR continuing full-time post-secondary studies following the work term.

About Ross Farm Museum

Ross Farm Museum depicts the authentic experience of a typical 19th and early 20th-century working upland family farm in Nova Scotia. It represents the experience of the Ross Family and makes connections between those experiences and contemporary life. The museum:

  • Brings over 25,000 visitors to the community each year.
  • Provides local employment and increases business for the community.
  • Tasks all staff with the collective responsibility to educate visitors through demonstration and oral history.
  • Maintains knowledge, skills, and artifacts pertaining to Nova Scotia's agricultural and rural heritage.

Job Responsibilities

The Historical Interpreter will recreate daily life activities and chores of an 18th-century farm family. Duties include:

  • Cooking, sewing, wool processing, spinning, weaving, and gardening.
  • Delivering presentations and hands-on demonstrations to bring life to static displays, such as the one-room schoolhouse and the family cottage.
  • Learning the basic chores of domestic life in a rural agricultural family.
  • Gaining hands-on experience in traditional crafts (spinning, sewing, weaving, quill writing, etc.).
  • Learning and demonstrating gardening, harvesting, and traditional food handling.
  • Working with the farm crew in the repair and maintenance of historical farm facilities.
  • Assisting with special events and activities.

Employment Details

  • Hours: Estimated 40 hours per week.
  • Schedule: Varying work hours including weekends.
  • Wage: $18.00 per hour.

General Qualifications

  • A keen interest in local history, farming, and agriculture.
  • Willingness to learn new things and develop new skills.
  • Experience collaborating with people in a public institution.
  • A proven, strong work ethic.
  • Comfort making oral presentations.
  • Assets: Having lived/worked on a farm or living history museum; having crafting, cooking, sewing, or hobby experience.

Application Requirements

Applications must include:

  1. Student Eligibility Form: Completed via the official Nova Scotia government student summer skills incentive link.
  2. Cover Letter: Describing suitability for the position.
  3. Resume: Outlining work, volunteer, or unpaid experience, including courses, training, workshops, clubs, or groups.

How to Apply

  • Deadline: Friday, May 28th, 2026, by 4:30 pm.
  • Email: Send to [email protected] with "2026 Summer Job SKILL" in the subject line.
  • In-Person: Drop off documents at the Ross Farm Museum Admission Desk.