The Markham Museum, a division of the Economic Growth, Culture & Entrepreneurship Department of the City of Markham, is seeking an enthusiastic candidate for the temporary contract position of Curatorial Assistant (YCW Graduate Internship). To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume online at www.markham.ca/careers/ by July 26, 2024.
Note: This position is supported by Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage. Applicants should review the website to confirm their eligibility: https://young-canada-works.canada.ca
Markham Museum offers unique family and educational experience, on 25 acres of parkland, featuring over 20 historic buildings. Markham Museum connects the history of Markham to today’s new ‘settlers’ by examining our environment and the tools we use to adapt to our changing world. The 25-acre Museum site offers year-round: exhibitions, school programs, public programs and events, private event venues and research facilities. This community museum’s collection consists of approximately 80,000 artifacts, specimens and archival documents. We offer research services to members of the public, scholars and to the staff of other departments within the City of Markham.
Anticipated Start Date: September 3, 2024
Period: 23 weeks, 35 hours per week
Join us and make a lasting difference!
JOB SUMMARY
The Curatorial Assistant will work as a member of the curatorial team and will be responsible for the systematic review, inspection and analysis of collections at the Markham Museum in order to improve the general storage, care and management of the collection. This project will refine the collections and draft a Collecting Strategy that will direct the future development of the museum’s collection to better support our research, exhibitions and programming today and in the future.
The intern will also participate in the installation of a major exhibition (6,000 sq. ft) as well as the transfer of our touring exhibition during the work term. They will also assist with the production of two large community events.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare and update inventory lists of items for each major collection area. Draft recommendations on what is to be kept, conserved or deaccessioned.
- Develop a preliminary list of strengths and gaps in each section of the collection that will be incorporated into a new Collecting Strategy based on the exhibition, research and public program goals outlined in our new strategic plan.
- When required, identify storage upgrades. Plan, budget and implement priority improvements with support of volunteers and students. Train and direct volunteers on identified projects.
- Propose consolidation strategies for collections, where appropriate, to improve use of space, general care and management.
- Present recommendations to Collections Committee (and Board).
- Implement and recommend improvements to procedures and reporting systems.
- Assist during the installation of two exhibitions (one local and the other touring) as a preparator.
- Participate in the life of the Museum by participating in regular team meetings 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.
- Other duties as required
REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
- Applicants must be a recent graduate with a degree or a diploma in a related field, including but not limited to: Museum Studies, Archives, Public History, History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Natural History, Education and have an interest in museum work as a possible future career;
- Experience working with volunteers;
- Ability to present information in a professional manner both verbally and in writing;
- Standard Microsoft Office Suite and proficiency with managing large amounts of data with care and precision. Knowledge of digital photography and an understanding of collections management software and thesaurus-based cataloguing would be an asset.
- Willingness to gain experience working with artifact and archival collections and increase their knowledge of preventive conservation methods
- 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 manoeuvrability on a 25-acre site
- All offers of employment for this position will be conditional on satisfactory reference checks and vulnerable sector screening checks as required by the City of Markham.
- Work at Heights, Fire Arms Possession and Acquisition License and High Five PCHD Certification are considered assets;
- G Drivers License is an asset;
- Second language is an asset.
CORE BEHAVIOURS
- Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when following procedures and also when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
- Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
- Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
- Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
- Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
- Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.
The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.
We thank all applicants who have applied, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by email.
Salary Range: $19.74 To 19.74 Hourly
