Curatorial Assistant, Collections Review - Museum

The Corporation of the City of Markham•Markham, ON

2d•CA$0 - CA$21•Onsite

About The Position

The Markham Museum is a 25-acre site with 31 modern and historical built structures, complemented by gardens, orchards, and landscape features that aid in the interpretation of local history. The Museum hosts 50,000 visitors annually, including booked programs, summer camps, special events, and casual groups, as well as private rental events. It also features a 17,000 sq.ft. Collections Building for temporary exhibitions, collections management, and public research. The Curatorial Assistant will be a member of the curatorial team, supporting the planning and design of a major temporary and touring exhibition on the theme of LAND, in cooperation with the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) Museum & Archives. The role also involves participating in large community events, outreach activities, and maintaining existing exhibitions during the work term. This position is a temporary contract supported by Young Canada Works Building Careers in Heritage.

Requirements

Applicants must be a recent graduate with a degree or a diploma in a related field, including but not limited to: Museum Studies, Archives, History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Natural History, Education.
Have an interest in museum work as a possible future career.
Ability to present information in a professional manner both verbally and in writing.
Experience working with volunteers.
Completion of a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening check as determined by the City of Markham.
A natural curiosity and a passionate interest in art, natural history or human history.
Computer skills – standard Microsoft Office Suite and proficiency with managing large amounts of data with care and precision.
Good verbal/written communication skills and sensitivity to interact with a diversity of staff in a courteous and efficient manner.
Excellent organizational skills.
Strong teamwork skills.
Ability to work independently.
Excellent attention to detail.
Candidates must be eligible for hiring in accordance with the requirements of the federal Youth Employment Strategy and enrolled in the student registry of Young Canada Works.

Nice To Haves

Work at Heights, Fire Arms Possession and Acquisition License, High Five PCHD Certification and G Drivers License is an asset.
Knowledge of digital photography and an understanding of collections management software and thesaurus-based cataloguing would be an asset.
Experience working with artifact and archival collections and knowledge of preventive conservation methods is an asset.
An understanding of collections management software and thesaurus-based cataloguing would be considered an asset.
Second language is asset.

Responsibilities

Prepare and update inventory lists of items for each major collection area.
Draft recommendations on what is to be kept, conserved or deaccessioned.
Develop a preliminary list of strengths and gaps in each section of the collection for a new Collecting Strategy.
Identify storage upgrades and plan, budget, and implement priority improvements with support of volunteers and students.
Train and direct volunteers on identified projects.
Propose consolidation strategies for collections to improve space utilization, general care, and management.
Present recommendations to the Collections Committee (and Board).
Implement and recommend improvements to procedures and reporting systems.
Assist with the care and maintenance of existing exhibitions, including administrative tasks, repairs to mounts, and general preparation for dismantling and reinstalling components.
Assist with minor additions to existing shows or pop-ups for festivals, fundraisers, and events.
Participate in regular team meetings, networking opportunities, and social events.
Support colleagues upon request.
Work in a safe and responsible manner, respecting all corporate policies.
Report all incidents promptly and thoroughly to their supervisor.
Other duties as required.