Trades Demonstrator Volunteer Role
Bring Heritage Trades to Life for Park Visitors!
Step into the world of historical craftsmanship as a Trades Demonstrator at Heritage Park! Volunteers in this role engage guests in the traditions of Western Canada’s early trades by demonstrating skills, handling tools, and sharing knowledge about industries like blacksmithing, printing, oil extraction, grain milling, and lumber production. Your participation helps visitors connect with the past through hands-on learning and interactive storytelling.
Role Overview
Under the direction of the Exhibit Lead Hands and following the guidance of the paid Site Interpreter or Historic Trades Specialist, Trades Demonstrators assist in interpreting one or more trade sites. These may include the Blacksmith Shop, Strathmore Standard Print Shop, Oil Well, Grain Elevator, and Atlas Lumber and the Windmill.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Greet guests in a friendly and courteous manner as they enter the exhibit(s).
- Answer basic questions about the trade and exhibit history.
- Use interpretive techniques such as storytelling, stationed demonstrations, informal guided tours, or role acting to engage visitors.
- Demonstrate the proper care and handling of artifacts, tools, and equipment.
- Follow all site safety training and procedures while working with tools and machinery.
- Support the Site Interpreter, Site Trainer, or Historic Trades Specialist in facilitating demonstrations.
- 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 a Trades Demonstrator, you should:
- Have a mechanical background or specific skills related to the trade(s) in which you are volunteering.
- Enjoy conducting demonstrations and working with tools and equipment.
- Be friendly, courteous, and comfortable engaging with visitors and exhibit staff.
- Have or be willing to develop knowledge of Western Canada’s early trades and settlement history.
- Appear in period-appropriate costume provided by Heritage Park.
- Learn the Park map, daily activities, and general guest information.
Training and Support
Heritage Park provides volunteers with thorough training to ensure confidence and success in their roles:
- Interpretation Training: Learn about exhibit history, guest engagement techniques, and safety protocols.
- Hands-On Skills Training: Receive specific training on operating machinery, tools, and equipment safely.
- Exhibit Resources: Access site binders, exhibit profiles, and trade-related research materials.
- On-Site Mentorship: Gain guidance and support from experienced Site Trainers and Historic Trades Specialists.
Time Commitment
- Volunteers are asked to commit to one shift per week during the season (May – September). This consistency helps maintain continuity in historical interpretation and reflects the investment in training and costuming.
- Shifts typically last 4 hours, from 9:45 AM – 1:15 PM or 1:15 PM – 5:00 PM.
- Full day is also available from 9:45AM – 5:00PM (with 30 minute lunch break and 15 minute afternoon break)
- Shifts are available daily from May through Labour Day, and on weekends only from Labour Day to Thanksgiving.
Roles Available within Sites:
Blacksmith Shop:
- Can only blacksmith with a paid interpreter present OR has completed competency test, as per the Sr. Historic Trades Specialist.
Strathmore Standard:
- All equipment and tools in the back room are for designated individuals ONLY.
- Volunteer are not permitted to run the Wharfedale Press.
- Volunteers may run the Platen Press when a paid interpreter is present.
Grain Elevator:
- Volunteers may demonstrate the grain belt.
- Operating the Grain Elevator engine is designated to paid interpreters ONLY.
Atlas Lumber:
- Volunteers may demonstrate with SELECT tools at Atlas once they’ve completed a competency test, as per the Sr. Historic Trades Specialist.
Dingman’s Oil Well:
- Volunteers may run the engine.
Windmill:
- Currently, this is an interpretive position only, with no active demonstrations or operations of the windmill available.
Volunteer Benefits
By volunteering as a Trades Demonstrator, you will:
- Gain experience working as part of a team alongside exhibit staff and fellow volunteers.
- Deepen your knowledge of Western Canada’s trade history through training and mentoring.
- Develop or refine trade-related skills, from blacksmithing to printing and more.
- Enhance your public speaking, storytelling, and customer relations skills.
- Engage with diverse guests, including children, families, and seniors.
- Contribute to creating unforgettable experiences that connect visitors with history.
- Enjoy volunteer appreciation initiatives, including free parking and the opportunity to earn a membership pass through accumulated volunteer hours.
Clothing and Equipment
- Costumes: Heritage Park provides period-appropriate costumes to enhance historical accuracy.
- Footwear: Volunteers provide their own footwear as approved by the Costuming Department.
- Blacksmith Shop Safety: Steel-toed boots must be worn in the Blacksmith Shop. A purchase allowance may be provided.
- Personal Items: Volunteers should bring their own food and drinks as needed. A reusable water bottle is recommended.
Identified Risks and Hazards
- Trips, slips, and falls while walking over uneven ground and boardwalks.
- Strains from prolonged standing.
- Exposure to extreme weather conditions.
- Exposure to extreme weather conditions
- Exposure to wood smoke
- Burns from hot metal or flame
- Exposure to sawdust (Atlas)
- Exposure to grain dust (at Grain Elevator and minimally at Windmill)
- Exposure to coal dust (Blacksmith)
- Exposure to lead and solvent (Strathmore Standard)
Ready to Share the Skills of the Past?
Join us as a Trades Demonstrator and help visitors experience the craftsmanship that built Western Canada!
