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

ProSidian Consulting

21d • 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
• Understanding and proficiency with business tools and technology, including Microsoft Office. The ideal candidate is advanced with Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word; proficient with Adobe Acrobat, data analytics tools, and Visio; and able to quickly learn other tools as needed.
• Establish, manage, pursue, and achieve annual goals and objectives with Documented Goals for each of the firm's Eight ProSidian Global Competencies
• Support all business development and other efforts on behalf of ProSidian.

Nice To Haves

• Master's in Arts student, an 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 is a plus, but not required — we're as interested in care and rigor as formal credentials
• Exhibit an inquisitive nature and the ability to question the status quo within a community they enjoy and among teams that work well together.
• Grace in success and failure while doing meaningful work where skills have an impact and make a difference.
• Willingness to constantly learn, share, and grow, and to view the world as their classroom.

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 and any supplies needed (tags, labels) will be reimbursed or provided.
• Competitive Compensation: The pay range is competitive and includes health benefits, pre-tax employee benefits, and incentives.
• The company contributes a fixed dollar amount each month to the selected medical and dental plans, with the contributions deducted pre-tax.
• Group Medical / Dental / Vision Health Insurance Benefits
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan: The 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan allows eligible employees to save for retirement through various investment options and access to a financial planner. It operates as a pre-tax Safe Harbor plan with a company match.
• Vacation and Paid Time Off (PTO) Benefits: Eligible employees may use PTO for vacations, doctor's appointments, or personal events. These benefits include 2 weeks of vacation, three sick days, 10 ProSidian holidays, and government holidays.
• Pre-Tax Payment Programs: Pre-Tax Payment Programs are premium-only plans (POPs) that provide eligible employees with a comprehensive Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan and associated tax benefits.
• Purchasing Discounts & Savings Plans: We aim to support your financial success with a Purchasing Discounts and Savings Plan through the Corporate Perks Benefit Program, offering eligible employees discounts on everyday products and services.
• Security Clearance: Due to the nature of our consulting engagements, a security clearance is necessary for engagement teams managing sensitive work in the Federal Marketplace. Security clearance is a valuable asset in your professional portfolio, enhancing your credentials.
• ProSidian Employee & Contractor Referral Bonus Program: ProSidian can offer up to $5,000 in bonuses for referrals who remain employed for 90 days, based on candidates submitted through our Referral Program.
• Performance Incentives: Due to the nature of our consulting work, performance incentives are tied to each new client that employees assist in pursuing and supporting.
• Flexible Spending Account: FSAs let you cover eligible healthcare and daycare costs on a pre-tax basis. You estimate your annual expenses and allocate part of each paycheck to your FSA.
• Supplemental Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed