Cultural Interpreter, Guide, Interpreter, Museum Interpreter, Program Leader, Recreation Guide
Interest in speaking with people to answer inquiries and provide information
Interest in copying information when collecting tour tickets and fees; and in conducting successive tours
Interest in conducting tours of museums, galleries and historical, heritage and other sites
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Duties and responsibilities may vary considerably from one position to another but, in general, heritage interpreters:
To make information interesting and meaningful to visitors, heritage interpreters may act the part of a real or fictional character, or provide hands-on learning opportunities.
Heritage interpreters may work indoors in museums or galleries, or outdoors at historical or heritage sites. They may spend much of their time on their feet. A costume or uniform often is required. As part of role-playing, they may be required to lift and carry objects or perform physical activities (for example, chopping wood or weaving).
Hours of work may be part time or full time, and often include evenings and weekends.
Heritage interpreters need to possess:
They should enjoy talking with people, synthesizing information to develop innovative programs, and conducting tours.
Heritage interpreters need a combination of related post-secondary education and experience. This is a multidisciplinary field that draws from a wide range of academic disciplines including education, recreation and leisure studies, science, communication arts and other liberal arts disciplines. For example, a background in anthropology, history, native studies, fine arts, crafts, performing arts, psychology or sociology may be helpful. An ability to speak 2 or more languages and familiarity with audio, video and computer technologies are definite assets.
When choosing a post-secondary program, prospective heritage interpreters should discuss their career plans with people currently employed in this field.
Associations such as Interpretation Canada, Alberta Museums Association, the Canadian Museums Association and the Interpretive Guides Association also offer professional development opportunities.
Employers prefer to hire individuals who have a:
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
However, Tourism HR Canada (formerly the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council or CTHRC) offers voluntary Heritage Interpreter training. Recognized across Canada, this program leads to a Tourism Certified Manager (TCM) designation. Certification training is accessible from the emerit website.
Interpreters may be employed full time, part time or on a contract basis by:
Many positions are seasonal. These temporary positions can provide excellent experience for students or supplementary income for retired or semi-retired persons. Competition for permanent positions is keen so related work experience (as an employee or volunteer) is essential.
Experienced interpreters may:
In some organizations, advancement to supervisory and management positions requires a graduate degree and years of related experience.
Heritage interpreters are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5212: Technical occupations related to museums and art galleries. In Alberta, 84% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook (PDF) in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $12.00 | $35.06 | $20.88 | $18.30 |
| Overall | $12.50 | $46.04 | $22.84 | $19.82 |
| Top | $12.50 | $46.04 | $24.51 | $20.00 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Alberta Museums Association website: www.museums.ab.ca
American Alliance of Museums website: aam-us.org
Canadian Museums Association website: www.museums.ca
emerit website: www.emerit.ca
International Council of Museums (ICOM) website: icom.museum
Interpretation Canada website: www.interpcan.ca
Interpretive Guides Association (IGA) website: interpretiveguides.org
National Association for Interpretation [United States] website: www.interpnet.com
The Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums website: www.alhfam.org
Tourism HR Canada website: tourismhr.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 29, 2017. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.