Freelance Collections Documentation Specialist (Short-Term Contract) — Private Collection, Vancouver

ProSidian Consulting, LLC • Vancouver, BC

3h • CA$30 - CA$35 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a detail-oriented independent contractor — ideally a Master's in Arts student, an early-career cataloger, archivist, or museum studies professional — to document and catalog a private collection of ethnographic and historical artifacts in Vancouver, BC, ahead of its relocation to the United States. This is freelance, project-based work with a clearly defined 3–5 day scope — a good fit alongside coursework, a current gallery or museum position, or other freelance commitments, with no expectation of ongoing availability beyond the contract. The collection, collector, and location are real and specific: you'll be working hands-on with a named private collection at a residence in Vancouver, not a speculative or crowdsourced listing. This is a short-term, intensive, on-site engagement working directly and collaboratively with the collector, an individual with deep personal and historical knowledge of each piece. The work is collaborative and interview-driven: your role is to listen, ask good questions, photograph carefully, and translate what you learn into a clear, structured, and accurate written record. Each item will be assigned a unique catalog number generated directly within an Excel spreadsheet (with a unique catalog item number) as it is logged, and tagged on-site with a corresponding rubber band tag bearing that same number — keeping the physical item and its written record linked at every stage, through to final packing.

Requirements

• Strong written communication skills — you'll be turning conversation into clear, well-organized documentation in real time
• Comfort and confidence working independently, with good judgment and attention to detail
• Basic photography skills (a good camera or smartphone is fine; we'll provide guidance on archival photo standards)
• Comfortable spending extended time in a private home, working closely and respectfully with an older individual sharing personal items and stories
• Based in or able to work in Vancouver, BC for the duration of the contract
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word)
• Ability to quickly learn other business tools as needed

Nice To Haves

• Master's in Arts student
• Early-career cataloger, archivist, or museum studies professional
• Some background or coursework in museum studies, archival work, anthropology, art history, journalism, or a related field
• Proficient with Adobe Acrobat, data analytics tools, and Visio
• An inquisitive nature and the ability to question the status quo

Responsibilities

• Conduct structured, in-person interviews with the collector to capture provenance, acquisition history, cultural context, and any biographical detail tied to each piece
• Take clear, well-lit reference photographs of each item (archival-quality preferred but not required — equipment can be discussed)
• Build and maintain a structured Excel spreadsheet (with unique catalog item number) inventory, assigning each item a unique, sequentially generated catalog number and logging: item description, dimensions/materials, condition notes, provenance, cultural/historical context, and photo references
• Attach a rubber band tag to each corresponding item, marked with the same unique catalog item number generated in the spreadsheet, so each physical piece stays clearly linked to its written record
• Flag any items where condition, fragility, or uncertain provenance may need special handling or further research
• Deliver a complete, organized package at contract end: Excel spreadsheet (with unique catalog Item number), photo files named with unique catalog item number generated in the spreadsheet, and any supplementary notes

Benefits

• Mileage/parking reimbursement
• Supplies reimbursement
• Competitive Compensation
• Health benefits
• Pre-tax employee benefits
• Incentives
• Group Medical / Dental / Vision Health Insurance Benefits
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match
• Vacation and Paid Time Off (PTO) Benefits
• Pre-Tax Payment Programs (FSA)
• Purchasing Discounts & Savings Plans
• Security Clearance (valuable asset)
• Employee & Contractor Referral Bonus Program
• Performance Incentives
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Supplemental Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level