Land-Based Heritage Intern

Job title: Land-Based Heritage Intern

Reports to: Gaelic Program Coordinator and L’nu Program Coordinator under Culture & Language team

Job location: 4119 Highway 223 Iona, NS, B2C 1A3 (Victoria County Cape Breton)

Wage: $18.00 / hour

Hours: 35 hours per week (9-week internship)

Start Date: Expected June 25, 2026

Number of Positions: 2

Employment Hiring 

Clean is committed to Employment Equity and our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative at all job levels. The Clean Leadership Program welcomes applications from qualified self-identifying First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, Racialized Youth, Persons with Disabilities, Newcomers, and 2SLGBTQIA+ applicants. If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on our registration form. 

About the Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program 

The Clean Leadership Summer Internship program helps grow the clean economy by matching interns (age 15-30) with employers for 9- and 15-week summer work placements. Participating interns will receive paid hands-on experience, mentorship opportunities, take part in a professional development conference and training, while supporting local environmental projects.

Program Requirements 

• Must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, person who has been granted refugee status in Canada or legally entitled to work in Canada;  
• Must be between the ages of 15 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the start of internship; 
• From and/or will be residing in Nova Scotia for the duration of the internship; 
• Must not be an immediate family member of host employer.

About the host employer 

Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village is an outdoor living history museum and Gaelic folklife centre that illustrates the story, culture and identity of Nova Scotia Gaels. The Village is located on a stunning 43-acre property overlooking the majestic Bras d’Or Lake in Iona, Nova Scotia. The community is located in the centre of Cape Breton Island, almost completely surrounded by the Bras d’Or Lake – a UNESCO Biosphere Region and Canada’s Only Inland Sea.

The Highland Village visitor experience begins in the newly constructed, 7,700 sq ft, state of the art Visitor Centre. The Visitor Centre houses exhibits, administrative offices and boardroom, an archives and research centre, a gift shop, and a performance/meeting area. In addition to the Visitor Centre, the Highland Village houses twelve period buildings in total. Each of these historic buildings represents a period in time interpreted by costumed animators that celebrate the language, craft and culture of Nova Scotia Gaels through time.

The Vision of the Highland Village Museum is to be the leading Gaelic folklife centre, recognized in Nova Scotia, nationally and internationally as an essential institution for continuing development and representation of a vital and sustainable Gaelic community. Our mission is to grow as a Gaelic folklife centre that bilingually nurtures, communicates and celebrates the heritage and cultural identity of Nova Scotia’s Gaelic community. Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village is a part of the Nova Scotia Museum, the family of provincial museums, and is operated locally by Comunn Baile nan Gàidheal (The Nova Scotia Highland Village Society), a registered charity.

Summary of position  

The host employer for this Summer Internship position through the Clean Leadership program will be Highland Village Museum. In this position, you will be mainly responsible for programming focused on heritage gardens, traditional agriculture, biodiversity, and environmental education. A typical day includes working outdoors in garden and farm spaces, assisting with public programming, supporting research and partnership initiatives, and engaging visitors in hands-on learning experiences. The successful candidate needs to have interest in environmental sustainability, cultural heritage, and working with the public.

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Assist with planning, planting, maintenance, and harvesting in heritage gardens
• Assist with the general care of farm animals as required
• Support farm program activities and land-based demonstrations
• Assist with biodiversity and pollinator initiatives in partnership with the Bras d’Or Lake Institute
• Support reduced mowing and land stewardship practices and help interpret these for visitors
• Assist with delivery of public programming, workshops, and demonstrations
• Support food security initiatives including community garden activities and food preservation workshops
• Engage visitors through hands-on interpretation and educational activities
• Prepare materials and maintain outdoor programming spaces
• Assist with documentation and evaluation of programming
• Support festivals, events, and school group programming
• Complete additional duties as assigned

Requirements/Qualifications 

• Have an aptitude for safe work practices and the ability to multi-task in a busy work environment; 
• Be able to work productively as part of a team while responding to feedback; 
• Demonstrated interest in future employment in the environmental or clean sector is considered an asset; 
• Willingness to learn and engage in hands-on work  
• Interest in working with the public  
• Experience with gardening, agriculture, or environmental studies is considered an asset 

Working Conditions 

This position involves working outdoors in varying weather conditions, interacting with the public, and participating in physically active tasks within a dynamic museum environment.

Physical Requirements  

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry materials (up to approximately 25 lbs)
• Ability to work in outdoor environments, including uneven terrain