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

As a student guide-interpreter, you will: 

• improve your public-speaking skills in English and French;
• gain work experience within the federal public service;
• work with other students who share similar interests; and
• expand your general knowledge and professional abilities.

Eligibility Criteria, Qualifications and Conditions of Employment

As a student guide-interpreter for the summer 2026 season, you need to:

• be available to work 35 hours per week from early May to early September 2026;
• be enrolled in a full-time university undergraduate program at an accredited academic institution for the winter 2026 academic term;
• plan to return to full-time post-secondary studies in the fall 2026 academic term; and
• meet the FSWEP eligibility criteria.

We are seeking candidates who:

• have excellent public-speaking skills in both English and French *;
• can explain a concept in front of a group and engage a variety of audiences; and
• are service-oriented and flexible team players;
• have an interest in Canadian Parliamentary democracy and history.

*Note: Candidates must be able to offer guided tours and answer complex questions in both official languages. If you fit this description, please ensure that your answer to the question “What is your working ability in Canada’s official languages?” is:  Bilingual – English and French.

The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General (OSGG) is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce with a diversity of experiences, perspectives and backgrounds that represents Canada now and in the future. In order to achieve this goal, we strongly encourage you to indicate in your application if you belong to one of the following designated groups: Indigenous people, people with disabilities, members of visible minorities or women, as preference may be given to candidates 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.

Selected students must pay for their own living arrangements and related costs while in the Ottawa area. Relocation expenses will not be provided or reimbursed.

Accomodation

We strive to be inclusive in our selection processes. Tell us what you need. Examples include accessible environments, different formats, larger fonts, adaptive technology, extra time, individual testing, and more. Contact us at Guide.RideauHall@gg.ca to request accommodation measures during any stage of the process. Any information you provide regarding accommodation will be kept confidential.

For more information, please consult Applying for Government of Canada jobs: Testing and accommodation measures - Canada.ca

Duration

Salary

Starting at $21.60 per hour

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.

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.

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.