Guide-interpreter

Every year, the Supreme Court of Canada hires a team of students in the legal field as guide-interpreters to deliver in-person and remote tours to visitors to the Court building.

As a guide-interpreter at the Supreme Court of Canada, you will:

• develop your public speaking skills and give presentations in both official languages
• deepen your understanding of the Court’s operations and gain unique experience working in a judicial environment
• acquire professional experience in the federal public service
• work alongside other students with whom you will form lasting friendships

General information

What you will do

As a guide-interpreter at the Supreme Court of Canada, you will:

• greet visitors from Canada and around the world
• deliver information fluently in both official languages, English and French
• lead guided tours and educational activities for diverse audiences, including children, school groups, members of the general public and VIPs
• occasionally participate in special events hosted by the Supreme Court of Canada

You will work on-site at the Supreme Court of Canada building in the heart of Ottawa. Your tasks will require you to work indoors and outdoors and to interact frequently with the public.

In 2026, the Court will move to 344 Wellington Street, to occupy the West Memorial Building, while the Supreme Court building at 301 Wellington Street will close for an extensive multi-year restoration.

Who can apply?

To be eligible to apply, you must meet the following criteria:

• at the time of your application, you are registered as a full-time student in one of the following programs:
  • a J.D. or LL.L. or J.D./LL.L. program (Civil Law or Common Law), or
  • an undergraduate BA in Law or graduate MA in Law
• you will return to full-time studies in the next academic term (fall 2026)
• you are able to work full-time (37.5 hours/week) during the summer and part-time (approximately 13 hours/week) during the academic year
• you meet the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) eligibility criteria

How to apply?

Visit the FSWEP Ongoing Student Recruitment page, click on the “Apply now” icon and follow the instructions to login or create a new account. The application deadline is January 18, 2026.

Selection criteria

We are looking for applicants who:

• have excellent oral communication skills in both official languages (advanced level required)
• are prepared to work on weekends, statutory holidays and occasional evenings
• are prepared to work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions
• can perform certain physical tasks, for example standing for prolonged periods of time, using stairs and lifting objects up to 10 kg
• are prepared to wear and maintain the provided uniform
• can obtain and maintain a Reliability Status security clearance

Selection process

Eligible candidates will be selected from the ongoing student inventory generated through FSWEP. If your profile is selected for the job opportunity, you will receive a confirmation by email.

If you are selected, you will be invited to participate in interviews to evaluate your skills and personal suitability. The ability to communicate in both official languages will be assessed during this process.

All information collected during the selection process, including behaviour and communication, from the time of application to the end of the process, may be used to assess candidates and make hiring decisions.

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents over non-Canadian students who are eligible to work in Canada.

A diverse and inclusive workplace

The Office of the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce that reflects Canadian society. We promote employment equity and, while voluntary, we encourage you to indicate on your application if you belong to an employment equity group.

If you are contacted in relation to this job opportunity, you should identify any accommodations you may require using the contact information on this advertisement or in communication you receive. Information received about accommodation measures will be managed confidentially.

Contact us

For questions about this opportunity, contact the Court by email at guide@scc-csc.ca.