Curatorial Assistant, Exhibition Coordinator - Museum

The Corporation of the City of Markham•Markham, ON

2d•CA$0 - CA$21•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Markham is seeking an enthusiastic candidate for a temporary contract position as a Curatorial Assistant (YCW Graduate Internship) – Exhibition Coordinator at The Markham Museum. This role is supported by Young Canada Works Building Careers in Heritage. The Markham Museum is a 25-acre site with 31 modern and historical structures, including gardens, orchards, and landscape features, complementing the buildings for local history interpretation. The museum hosts 50,000 visitors annually through booked programs, summer camps, special events, casual groups, and 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 intern will also participate in producing large community events, outreach activities, and maintaining existing exhibitions.

Requirements

Completion of a post-secondary degree/diploma in a related field, including but not limited to: Museum Studies, Archives, History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Natural History, Education or another relevant degree/diploma is required.
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.
Proficiency in MS Office, database management and good keyboarding skills.
Demonstrated research and writing skills.
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.
Values including customer service, innovation, fiscal accountability, inclusiveness, results orientation, teamwork, problem solving, communication and quality focus.
Capacity to perform work requiring some heavy lifting (up to 20 Kgs.), as well as bending, and stooping, overhead reaches while positioning objects, and general maneuverability on a 25 acre site.
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

Knowledge of digital photography is 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.
Work at Heights, Fire Arms Possession and Acquisition License, High Five PCHD Certification and G Driver's License is an asset; Second language is asset.

Responsibilities

Play a central role in documenting the progress in planning and design for an upcoming exhibition, monitoring the project budget and timeline, scheduling meetings and following up with staff and partners to ensure we achieve critical milestones and product standards.
Working with and updating existing project management tools to keep the entire team accountable, and recommend efficiencies.
Draft preliminary tender documents, assemble lists of vendors and assist with managing a competitive bidding process in compliance with regulations found in municipal by-laws and the supporting grant terms.
Responsible for tracking copyright, credits, loan agreements for objects and making any purchases for props/toys/interactive elements.
Responsible for creating touring agreements and the accompanying framework for installation instructions & educational kits, ensuring touring housings work within the resources of the YRDSB courier.
Assist with research and visit with other local organizations, repositories and individuals to gather information in support of the project, documenting all contributions.
Present exhibition schedule updates to the Collections Committee (and Board).
Assist with care and maintenance of existing exhibitions, including administration of tasks, repairs to mounts, and general preparation tasks for dismantling and reinstalling components to professional standards. May also assist with minor additions to existing shows or pop-ups for festivals, fundraisers and events.
Participate in the life of the Museum by participating in regular team meetings, engaging in networking opportunities and social events as appropriate and supporting colleagues upon request.
Work in a safe and responsible manner respecting all corporate policies. Report all incidents promptly and thoroughly to their supervisor using correct forms and processes.
Assist senior curatorial staff with research assignments for upcoming major exhibition project on the theme of compassion, this 6,000 sq. ft. temporary exhibition will appeal to local family audiences.
Maintain existing exhibitions and support the Regional tour of an exhibition to local museums.
Assist with day-to-day curatorial tasks that may include: preventive conservation, pest & environmental monitoring, maintenance of exhibitions, object transfers.
Plan, develop and deliver object-based public programs for youth audiences (4-12 years of age).
Other duties as required.