The deadline has passed to apply to be a Walks Assistant for the 2012 program. We thank those who applied. Please check back in early 2013 to join our next season of walking tours.

Requirements

• A friendly, personable manner, and experience dealing with the public
• Must be fluent in English. The ability to speak another language is an asset.
• Must be physically fit and able to stand and walk for several hours in a variety of weather conditions. (Tours go rain or shine and are only cancelled in the event of severe weather, such as electrical storms.)
• Must be at least 18 years old

For more information on what is involved in being a walk assistant, consult the "Duties of Walk Assistant" description, posted below.

• Successful applicants must be prepared to attend the mandatory training for new walk volunteers on Saturday, March 24 from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
• Walk Assistants must be available to assist on at least four walking tours during the walk season. Tours are generally conducted on Saturdays and Sundays from the end of April until September.
• Suitable applicants will be asked to come to the Heritage Toronto office for a short (15 minute) interview on Tuesday, March 6 (between 4:00 to 6:00 PM) OR Wednesday, March 7 (between 5:00 to 7:00 PM).

If you are interested in applying to be a Walk Assistant, and meet the requirements described above, please complete an online Volunteer Application Form, outlining the experience and education that would make you a suitable candidate. Please also indicate which date(s)/time(s) you would be available to come for an interview.

Deadline for Walk Assistant applications: Wednesday, February 29, 2012.

We thank all applicants for their interest in the position. Only those to be interviewed will be contacted.

DUTIES OF WALK ASSISTANT

PREPARATION
• Attend a "Basic Training for Walk Volunteers" session and any other required meetings
• Sign up well in advance for a minimum of four walks
• Confirm your attendance at the walk during the week prior
• Wear/carry Heritage Toronto gear supplied by our sponsor (shirt, hat, etc) on all walks, so that you are easily identifiable
• Be aware that, unless there is lightning, all walks are a go!
• If designated to do so - Pick up bag containing sound system, pamphlets, surveys and other publicity materials from the Heritage Toronto office the Thursday or Friday before the walk

AT THE WALK - BEFORE THE WALK BEGINS
• Arrive at the start point ½ hour prior to the walk
• Introduce yourself to the walk leader and other volunteers
• As a group, find out which of the walk volunteers have a cell phone, in case there is an emergency during the tour
• Review the walk pamphlet to familiarize yourself with the walk route
• Distribute pamphlets and other materials to participants

DURING THE WALK
• Be positioned at middle and back of group of participants
• Keep group moving together
• Ensure that group follows traffic rules (i.e. - staying off the road and not crossing against red traffic lights)
• Continually liaise with tour leader and other walk assistants (e.g. if participants are lagging, let the leader know to slow the lead pace)
• Keep an eye out for any walkers experiencing difficulty or distress
• Distribute pamphlets to latecomers

DURING LEADER'S COMMENTS AT THE STOP
• Inform leader if participants cannot hear them (e.g. signal to speak louder or more slowly)
• Ensure that group moves off street, leaving road clear for traffic
• If necessary remind participants to stay off private property

AFTER THE WALK
• Assist in collecting completed surveys and donations from participants
• Record attendance and weather information on the form provided
• Make sure that the sound system is turned off before being packed in the speaker bag
• Be prepared to answer general questions about Heritage Toronto or to direct people to sources of information (i.e. Heritage Toronto website, office)
• Be prepared to give directions to nearby transit stops
• If designated to do so - Return the speaker bag, surveys, donations and any leftover pamphlets to the Heritage Toronto office on the Monday or Tuesday following the walk
• E-mail or phone in feedback about the walk to the Program Coordinator