Palaeontology Interpretation Specialist

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Visitor Engagement Supervisor, the Palaeontologic Interpretation Specialist supports a team of seasonal interpreters and collaborates with the Visitor Services team in the development, planning and delivery of programs for the public, including guided paleontological excavations for the public.

Experience with paleontological field work, leading 1-8 km guided ½ day-hikes, and working in remote outdoor and extreme heat locations is ideal. Background and education with paleontology, badland/desert/river ecosystems and public speaking/presentations are strong assets. Passion for nature, teaching people of all ages, and working in a dynamic environment are important for an enjoyable summer.

Interpreters, including the Paleontology Interpretation Specialist, lead visitors on a variety of programs about the natural, geologic, and human history of the park. They lead 24-passanger bus tours, guide 1-4 hour hikes through the badlands, and deliver both public and school group programming. Some positions will be encouraged to help deliver amphitheater programs for outdoor evening shows.

Primary Duties:
•    Development, delivery, and evaluation of high quality interpretive, outreach and/or educational public programming
•    Including organization, delivery, and leadership of a guided paleontological excavation program
•    Train/ mentor seasonal interpreters in paleontology and support ongoing professional development.
•    Assist supervisory and land and resource management teams in facilitating landscape and fossil resource protection.
•    Conduct research on various subjects and provide expertise in paleontology

To be successful, you should also have experience with:
•    Working in remote outdoor and extreme heat settings 
•    Program development and program planning. 

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.
 

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.
 

•    Building Collaborative Environments – to lead and contribute to the conditions and environment that allow people to work collaboratively and productively to achieve outcomes.

•    Agility – to understand the need to incorporate change into work and be open to new ideas while accepting change as part of how work processes need to evolve in order to be effective.

•    Creative Problem Solving – to assess options and implications in new ways in order to achieve outcomes and solutions.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
•    University graduation in a related field such as, Palaeontology, Biology, Geology, Natural Resource Management, with no experience.

Equivalency: one year education for one year experience, or one year of experience for one year of education will be considered.

Additional Requirements Prior to Employment:
•    WHIMS 2015 Certificate
•    Standard First Aid & CPR Level C
•    Valid Class 4 Driver’s License 
•    5-year Driver’s Abstract issued within 30 days of your application submission; with no more than 8 demerits (4 demerits for a GDL)

Assets: 
•    Previous experience with palaeontological field work and excavation strongly preferred.
•    Previous experience in interpretation and program planning
•    Previous experience in leadership and/or mentorship
•    Previous experience working at Dinosaur Provincial Park
•    Knowledge of park facilities and services; natural and cultural/palaeontological history
•    Proficient computer skills using the internet and MS Office Word and Excel

To be successful in this role, you will also need to demonstrate excellent customer service, communication, organizational, time management and teamwork skills.

Please attach your cover letter. 

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

About Your Work Environment:
•    Seasonal terms between May 2025 until September 2025, with possible extension depending on operational needs
•    Positions are based out of Dinosaur Provincial Park
•    There are shared onsite accommodations available for rent; no pets
•    This position is required to work shift work which includes weekends, evenings and holidays.
•    Shifts are 7.25 hours per day, up to a 36.25 hour work week
•    Criminal Record Check will be required for the successful candidate

Please attach your cover letter. 

In your resume please indicate the month, year and date ranges of your education and experience, and if the experience was contract, part time, or full time.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.