Becoming a guide

Please note that the application period for summer 2024 ends on January 22, 2024.

Rideau Hall has been the official residence and workplace of Canada’s governors general since 1867.

As a student guide-interpreter, you will have the opportunity to:

  • develop your public speaking skills in both official languages;
  • gain recognized work experience within the federal public service;
  • work alongside other students with whom you will form lasting friendships; and
  • develop your general knowledge and professional abilities.

Eligibility Criteria, Qualifications and Conditions of Employment

To be eligible for a summer 2024 student guide-interpreter position, you must

  • be available to work full-time from early May to late August 2024;
  • be registered in a full-time post-secondary program at a recognized institution for the winter 2024 academic session;
  • return to full-time post-secondary studies in the fall 2024 academic session;
  • be at least the age of majority in Ontario (18 years old); and
  • meet the FSWEP eligibility criteria.

We are seeking candidates who:

  • have excellent oral communication skills in both official languages (English and French) *
  • have solid presentation skills for various types of visitors (adults, children, etc.)
  • are service oriented and team players

*Note: Candidates must be able to offer guided tours and answer complex questions in both official languages. Please indicate "Bilingual – English and French" in your application if you meet this criterion.

The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General (OSGG) is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce that represents the Canadian population we serve. We encourage you to self-identify if you belong to an Employment Equity group as preference may be given to employees in these groups.

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Candidates must be prepared to:

  • wear and maintain a uniform;
  • work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions;
  • obtain and maintain a Reliability Status security clearance;
  • respect the Code of Conduct of the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General; and
  • work a variable schedule that includes weekends, statutory holidays and occasional evenings.

Please note that no relocation expenses will be reimbursed if you move as a result of this process. You must ay for your own living arrangements and other expenses while in the Ottawa area.

Duration

Full-time from early May to late August. There is a possibility of re-employment during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Salary

$18.17 - $23.85

Contact information

guide.rideauhall@gg.ca

Join our wonderful, dynamic team! How to Apply.

Apply now

An amazing experience awaits!
My job as a guide-interpreter at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle has been an enriching work experience, one that is related to both my field of study and my interest in Canadian heritage. Because every tour is different, I have become more adaptable and have had the opportunity to develop my communication skills in both official languages.

Jessika Poirier

Rideau Hall is an ideal workplace to meet people from around the world and to share our knowledge and passion for Canada’s history. What makes this job so unique and exciting is that we never stop learning. My work experience as a guide-interpreter allowed me to acquire in-depth knowledge of Canada’s political system and history. It has been wonderful showing the reception rooms in this historic site to visitors from around the world! It has also been an enriching experience to work in a bilingual environment, which has helped me to become more eloquent and versatile.

Enya Bouchard

Being a guide-interpreter at the Residence of the Governor General is a great way to improve your public speaking skills and learn more about everything from Canadian history to heraldry. It is also a wonderful opportunity to meet people from around the world. Each visit is unique and exciting because visitors ask the kinds of questions that help us to grow and be the best that we can be.

— Camille Desaulniers-Tremblay