Museum and Archival Collections Management Assistant
About The Position
The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to: Taking only what we need, Leaving some for others, Keeping the dish clean. This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity. Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities and a resilient and future ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community. The Role Assists with and completes artifact, archival, and/or archaeological collections management projects at Region of Waterloo Museums and Archives. Focus of the role: The Region of Waterloo Archives has moved from its current descriptive database to Access to Memory (AtoM). In preparing for the change, staff have found inconsistencies in the existing archival data and descriptive standards. The Museum and Archival Collections Management Assistant will assist with re-appraising entire fonds, ensuring there is consistency in the data entered, flagging records that have privacy concerns, and confirming information against existing finding aids. They will prepare new RAD (Rules for Archival Description) compliant finding aids and will enter descriptions into AtoM following established procedures. As this position is partially funded by Young Canada Works, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for this program. Please refer to the following webpage for the eligibility criteria.
Requirements
- Knowledge of collections management procedures, including museum or archives registration methods and basic artifact care and handling, acquired through a college diploma in museum or archival studies or related field, plus 6 months of related museum collections experience.
- Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, and related legislation.
- Knowledge of collections management or archival databases (e.g., PastPerfect, AtoM).
- Ability to identify objects/archival records, material composition, and research methods to verify collections information.
- Communications skills to exchange information with peers, and participate as an effective team member.
- Ability to read and understand collection database records.
- Ability to write, edit, and correct database entries and records descriptions using appropriate language, syntax, and spelling.
- Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously and balance priority and time demands.
- Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office and a collection management database.
- Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.
- Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.
Responsibilities
- Performs data entry, data verification, and clerical tasks related to the collections or archival database.
- Assists with collections management tasks (e.g., deaccessioning, relocation/rehousing of artifacts/archival records, inventory, cataloguing, basic artifact cleaning).
- Identifies and researches artifacts/archival records including object composition, material history, historical context, provenance, and other issues to clarify collections or archival database information as required.
- Verifies and updates storage locations of artifacts/archival records within databases.
- Scans and adds artifact or archival images to records in collections database.
- Handles and documents artifacts and archival records according to best practices and established procedures.
- Assists with packing/unpacking artifacts/archival records as required.
- Completes condition reports on artifacts/archival records as required.
- Consults with technical/professional museums and archives staff regarding artifact/archival care, handling, and tasks.
- Contacts ITS to troubleshoot catalogue technical issues.
- Consults with supervisor regarding substantive database errors, further research required, and database technical issues.
- Performs related duties, as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
