So who should apply to be a treasure hunt designer? A person in Canada who has already created and implemented a treasure hunt with this kind of scale. But this is unikely.

Individuals can bring something to the table - but not all things. There are the geographical considerations. Somebody has to do French. Various puzzly things, including treasure hunts. Experience with escape rooms and video game puzzles is good (both outside my experience). Doing - either designing or solving - the classic word puzzles. Being a writer, doing fiction (mystery?), nonfiction or even poetry, might be useful. Some people are knowledgeable, able and willing boots on the ground, travellers. Knowing about ciphers is preferable to not knowing about ciphers. Having a different approach to the treasure hunt may be useful. Being or having an artist is good. Knowing about Canadiana, really all kinds of interests and perspectives, can be useful. Even just being motivated and serious by itself can be good. Creativity is certainly important. Maturity is valued - just think of all the things involved in making a published physical treasure hunt.
 
 

Q: I'm pretty useless, certainly on paper, nothing to point at. Should I apply?

A: If you think you might have something to offer, then I think you might have something to offer.