About the Summer Guide Program
Every summer, post-secondary students are invited to work at the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia to deliver tours for the thousands of visitors from all over the world who come to visit the Parliament Buildings.
Our tour guides interpret British Columbia’s political history, its legislative process, and the art and architecture of the Parliament Buildings themselves. Guides deliver tours in English and at least one other language and must be prepared to adapt their tours to meet the needs of all our visitors. In addition to giving tours, guides are expected to welcome and provide general information to our visitors, interact with the Parliamentary Players and assist in the sale of merchandise from our gift shop.
Working as a summer guide offers students a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the history and politics of British Columbia, while improving their public speaking skills and proficiency in their secondary languages. It is also a great way to meet other post-secondary students from British Columbia as well as visitors from all over the world.
Qualifications
- Enrolment in an accredited post-secondary institution within six months prior to application for this position.
- Knowledge of B.C.'s legislative process, parliamentary history and political affairs.
- Experience in public speaking before large audiences and/or school groups.
- Excellent verbal communication skills.
- Ability to speak English and one or more of the following languages: French, Mandarin, German, Spanish, Japanese, Punjabi or Korean. Any additional languages are also an asset. Language requirements may change from summer to summer.
- Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy and an understanding of how to communicate effectively to people from different cultures.
Training
A two week training program is conducted at the beginning of the summer to familiarize new guides with all of the information necessary for delivering tours.
Hours of work
Guides work an average of 35 hours per week, including weekends and statutory
holidays. From Victoria Day to Labour Day, tours of the Parliament Buildings are
available seven days a week, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.
Guides work shifts to cover these hours of operation.
The employment period for summer guides begins in late April and ends on Labour
Day.
Uniform
Guides are provided with a uniform, as well as a monthly dry-cleaning allowance. The uniform must be returned at the end of the summer season.
How to Apply
The Summer 2009 recruitment campaign has ended. Please check back in January for information on the recruitment campaign for Summer 2010.
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