How to Apply

To apply for this position, please email a copy of your resume and contact information for two references to employment@halifaxcitadel.ca, and specify you are interested in being a Military Interpreter - Piper.

The Halifax Citadel Society recognizes the importance of diversity to our mission, and aspires to ensure our workforce reflects the diversity found in Canada’s population today. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Position Details

Start Date: May 11 or July 2, 2026
End Date: August 31, 2026
Position Type: Term, Full Time (37.5 hours/week)
Wage: $18.25/hour

Position Title: Military Interpreter - Piper
Position Type: Term
Section: Program
Sub-Unit: Pipes & Drums
Reports To: Military Interpreter - Pipe Major

Position Summary

The Military Interpreter - Piper portrays a British army bagpiper in the Pipes & Drums of the 78th Highland Regiment, circa 1869-1871. They participate in drill training scenarios and demonstrations, carry out daily piping duties, perform concerts, deliver guided site tours and other interpretive programs, and participate in a wide variety of on-site and off-site special events. Through musical performances and direct interactions with the public, pipers help us accomplish our mission of connecting our visitors with a part of what it means to be Canadian.

Duties & Responsibilities 

• Performs solo and group musical demonstrations and concerts, including duty calls and piping.

• Participates in daily music and drill training.

• Participates in special events and ceremonial functions both onsite and offsite.

• Performs security functions during historic weapons demonstrations.

• Conducts guided site tours and interpretive programs, and interprets period exhibits and displays.

• Maintains personal uniforms, equipment, and instruments through regular cleaning and shining.

• Participates in the daily fatigue (cleaning) program of operational work areas.

• Performs other duties as required.

Requirements

Education

• Successful completion of Grade 10 (or equivalent).

Experience

• At least one year of competitive experience as a soloist.

• Recent experience in a pipe band playing at the Grade 3/4 level (or above).

• Level III Piping & Drumming Certificate (Piping) or higher.

Skills & Abilities

• The physical and mental ability to perform nineteenth-century British army foot and band drill, and to meet other essential physical demands.

• The ability to learn, memorize, and perform historic music within a limited time frame.

• The ability to work efficiently as a member of a team.

• The ability to learn historical information and present it accurately and efficiently to members of the public.

• The ability to speak and present in public, and to deliver guided site tours and other types of programming and interpretation to diverse groups of visitors.

• Advanced theoretical knowledge and practical music skills on the Great Highland Bagpipe.

Required Competencies

• Achievement Motivation: Is energetic and committed to meeting goals and targets set, even when tasks are repetitive; actively reviews schedules and plans to avoid unnecessary over runs; wants to do things well and consistently delivers to best of own ability; willing to respond to reasonable requests to do tasks that go beyond normal scope of job.

• Client/Customer Service: Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of clients/customers in a manner that provides satisfaction for the client/customer and fosters client/customer loyalty. Is respectful of others, helping or serving them to meet their needs by discovering those needs and figuring out how to best meet them.

• Respectful/Respect/Respectfulness: Effectively promotes a respectful, positive work environment in which each person is accepted and has the opportunity to grow and develop; demonstrates behaviours that include fairness, respect, inclusiveness, empathy, integrity, and ethical conduct; examines own biases and assumptions; displays appreciation for and recognizes the value of different opinions, roles, experiences, cultures and backgrounds participation and involvement; recognizes people's diverse needs and perspectives (e.g. language differences, cultural differences, disabilities and personal family circumstances); monitors the work environment, to identify underlying issues that impact negatively on people, and takes appropriate action, holds self and others accountable for making principled decisions; respects the confidential nature of the work.

• Flexibility: Is open to change and new information; adapts behavior and work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles. Adjusts rapidly to new situations warranting attention and resolution, proactively seeking opportunities to develop new capabilities, skills, and knowledge.

• Teamwork and Cooperation: Works cooperatively, with a positive attitude with others to achieve common goals. Willingly co-operates; is friendly and cooperative. Keeps other team members up to date. Addresses conflicts or issues within the team in a positive and open manner.

Conditions of Employment

• Willingness and ability to wear historic military uniforms and equipment, and to adhere to associated personal appearance standards.

• Willingness to travel between work locations on foot and in small boats, and work in semi-isolated locations with limited infrastructure.

• Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain a Government of Canada Reliability Status security clearance.

Working Conditions

• Wears reproduction British and/or Canadian army uniforms, accoutrements, and equipment.

• Works primarily outdoors on rough surfaces and in all weather conditions, performing physically demanding tasks and standing for long periods of time.

• Also works inside historic fortifications in both period-accurate and modern spaces.

• Works a variable work schedule including weekends, holidays, evenings, and/or overtime as required.