Curatorial Assistant, Collection Access Specialist - Museum

at  City of Markham

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 5th consecutive year as one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2025, the City of Markham is ranked 2nd among municipalities in Canada and 12th overall for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 366,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.
Applications are now being received for the above position in Markham Museum in the Economic Growth, Culture & Entrepreneurship Department Development Services Commission. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter online by March 23, 2025
Start Date: Full-time for 15 to 16 weeks starting May 5, 2025.
Note: This position is supported by Young Canada Works for Building Careers in Heritage. Applicants should review the website to confirm their eligibility: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/young-canada-works.html

JOB SUMMARY

The role of the Curatorial Assistant – Collection Access Specialist within the Markham Museum is to assist with the day to day curatorial tasks. The curatorial function develops, manages and documents collections, and conceptualizes and develops exhibitions.
The Markham Museum is a 25 acre site with 31 modern and historical built structures. Our gardens, orchards and landscape features complement the buildings and aid our interpretation of local history. The Museum is host to 50,000 visitors annually, including booked programs, summer camps, special events and casual groups. We also host private rental events for weddings and corporate functions.

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Enrolled in or completion of a post-secondary degree/diploma in Museum studies, public history, archives, anthropology, archaeology, natural sciences, library sciences or another relevant degree is required.
• 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 team work skills
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent attention to detail
• Candidate must have the capacity to perform work requiring heavy lifting (up to 20 kg), as well as bending, and stooping, overhead reaches while positioning objects, and general manoeuvrability on a 25-acre site.
• Due to the nature of the site, the candidates will be required to work outdoors from time to time and in unconditioned storage buildings where they may be exposed to weather fluctuations, pollens, molds, dust, insects and other small wild animals.
• Previous experience working with archival and /or artifact collections, knowledge of digital photography is an asset
• An understanding of collections management software and thesaurus-based cataloguing would be considered an asset.
• Drivers License is an asset
• Graphic arts or design skills is an asset

• Register objects and documentary materials into the collection. This task includes condition reporting, photography, storage mount design and physical arrangement.
• Coordinating the disposal of deaccessioned materials and reorganization of storage areas.
• Assisting with research services for colleagues and members of the public
• Assist with day-to-day collections care tasks that may include: preventive conservation, pest & environmental monitoring, maintenance of static displays, object transfers, and accurate documentation of collections;
• Plan, develop and deliver eight object-based public programs for youth audiences (4-7 years of age);
• Plan and create a cooperative art installation with youth program participants. Duties will include: project research, exhibit planning and design, preparation of components, fabrication of mounts, scanning, digital photography and installation;
• Other duties as required.