Heritage Park Historical Village

Ambassador Volunteer Role

As a Volunteer Ambassador, you’ll help create unforgettable experiences by welcoming visitors, answering questions, and guiding them through their day. Whether roaming the Park’s historic streets or stationed at the Midnapore Information Booth or Plaza, you’ll be a key part of making each guest feel at home.

Role Overview

Volunteer Ambassadors provide orientation, assistance, and a friendly greeting to Park visitors. Ambassadors are often the first point of contact for guests, setting the tone for their visit by offering helpful information and ensuring they get the most out of their Heritage Park experience.

Duties and Responsibilities

If stationed as a Plaza Ambassador:

• Roam the front Plaza from the unloading zone to the front gate, greeting and welcoming guests in a friendly and courteous manner.
• Required to be on your feet, circulating and taking the initiative in approaching visitors.
• Answer questions and offer helpful information to all visitors, tailoring information as required to each group’s needs
• Provide a short 5-15 minute orientation to bus tour groups who have not booked a tour (“Meet & Greets”).
• Work with the Front gate staff to assist and direct school groups
• Direct visitors in long lineups, special event days and on very busy days to the right place for Park entry (pass holders, tour groups, special day passes) or to use the Gasoline Alley admissions line instead.
• Must be able to deal positively with difficult guests and show sensitivity to guests’ needs.

If stationed at the Midnapore Information Booth:

• Stationed inside or next to the booth, greeting and welcoming guests in a friendly and courteous manner.
• Required to be on your feet often and taking the initiative to greet approaching visitors.
• Answer questions and offer helpful information to all visitors, tailoring information as required to each group’s needs
• Responsible for updating train departure time on the chalkboard and communicating with Conductors in the event of train delays by use of radio
• Direct visitors to places in the park, pointing out special interests, programs or events
• Must be able to deal positively with guest complaints/concerns and show sensitivity to guests’ needs.

If stationed as a Roving Village Ambassador:

• Roam the 1910 historical village main streets, (Prince Street, Main Street, Front Street) greeting and directing guests in a friendly and courteous manner.
• Required to be on your feet, circulating and taking the initiative in approaching visitors. You may sit occasionally to rest.
• Answer questions and offer helpful information to all visitors, tailoring information as required to each group’s needs
• Be knowledgeable about daily program offerings and locations and assist in directing guests to special programmed events
• Work with volunteer Townsfolk in determining areas that need coverage so little to no overlap occurs
• Must be able to deal positively with guest concerns/complaints and show sensitivity to guests’ needs.

For all roles:

• Sign in and out on My Impact and check in/out at the Prep Room.
• Attend the morning meeting (for morning shifts) led by Public Programming Specialists for daily updates.
• Notify the Lead Hands in advance if unable to attend a scheduled shift.

Expectations

To succeed as an Ambassador, you should:

• Love interacting with people and be proactive in approaching guests.
• Maintain a friendly, positive attitude, even during busy times.
• Be knowledgeable about Heritage Park’s layout, programs, and events (training provided!).
• Be comfortable standing and walking for extended periods.
• Show patience and sensitivity when helping guests with unique needs.
• Knowledge of Heritage Park, Calgary, or Southern Alberta is an asset, as is the White Hat Academy Ultimate Host Certificate.

Training and Support

Heritage Park provides comprehensive training to prepare you for the Ambassador role, including:

• Ambassador Training Sessions: Learn customer service techniques, Park history, and guest engagement strategies.
• Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced volunteers and staff.

Time Commitment:

• Volunteers are asked to commit to 50 hrs during the season (May – October). This commitment helps maintain continuity in historical interpretation and reflects the care put into training and outfitting volunteers in accurate, high-quality period costumes.
• Shifts vary depending on exhibit needs, but typically are set up as:
• Plaza Ambassadors
• Full Day: 9:00AM – 3:00PM (with 30 minute lunch break and 15 minute afternoon break)
• Half Day: 9:00AM – 12:00PM OR 12:00PM – 3:00PM
• Midnapore Booth Ambassadors
• Full Day: 9:45AM – 4:15PM (with 30 minute lunch break and 15 minute afternoon break)
• Half Day: 9:45AM – 1:00PM OR 1:00PM – 4:15PM
• Roving Village Ambassadors
• Full Day: 9:45AM – 5:00PM (with 30 minute lunch break and 15 minute afternoon break)
• Half Day: 9:45AM – 1:15PM OR 1:15PM – 4:15PM
• Shifts are available daily from May through Labour Day, and on weekends only from Labour Day to Thanksgiving.

Clothing and Equipment

• Costumes: Heritage Park provides period-appropriate costumes.
• Footwear: Volunteers supply their own footwear as approved by the Costuming Department.
• Equipment: Ambassadors check out a two-way radio and keys from Security, if needed.

Identified Risks and Hazards

• Trips, slips, and falls on uneven ground or boardwalks.
• Strains from prolonged standing or walking.
• Exposure to extreme weather conditions.

Volunteers are trained in safety protocols to help mitigate these risks and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.

Why Volunteer as an Ambassador?

As an Ambassador, you’ll be part of a vibrant volunteer community, develop valuable communication and customer service skills, and help visitors create cherished memories. Plus, you’ll enjoy benefits like free parking, access to historical training materials, and the opportunity to earn a membership pass through accumulated volunteer hours.

Ready to make a difference? Join us as a Volunteer Ambassador and help every Heritage Park guest start their historical adventure with a smile!