Collections Assistant (Canada Summer Jobs)

Organization:

Coquitlam Heritage Society

Deadline:

May. 20, 2024

Organization Description:

Coquitlam Heritage operates Mackin House and Fraser Mills Train Station. We preserve, honour, and promote the diverse history of Coquitlam through the collection, research, and display of museum objects in exhibitions.

Website:

https://www.coquitlamheritage.ca/

Job Description:

Every year Coquitlam Heritage accepts hundreds of items into its collection. We need a dynamic, goal-oriented problem solver to assist with a complex database enhancement project. The successful candidate will assist with accessioning, cataloging, cleaning, object storage, and research. The Collections Assistant will have the opportunity to develop their skills working with museum collections through the reconciliation of objects in the museums collection database while assisting in the cataloguing process.

Coquitlam Heritage is seeking a Collections Assistant to work with our collection.

This is a 30 hour a week position schedule to be determined upon hiring. May include weekends.

Responsibilities:

• Inventory of artifacts
• Curatorial cleaning artifacts (training will be provided)
• Reconciliation of available object information with object records
• Enhance object records in museum database
• Artifact research
• Cataloguing artifacts according to museum best practices
• Organization of collections storage areas according to best practice
• Re-house Museum collections into proper storage containers
• Conducting tours of Mackin House, Maillardville, and other areas of Coquitlam
• Caring for Mackin House, including light cleaning, gardening, tidying the rooms and grounds
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Sound understanding of Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Displays a helpful, outgoing personality, works well as part of a team or individually
• Demonstrates a genuine interest in community, heritage, history, and culture
• Ability to working independently or part of a team
• Ability to focus and complete tasks in a timely manner
• Is organized and can prioritize
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Is curious, learns quickly, excels in research and problem solving
• Ability to pass a Criminal Information Check
• Preference will be given to candidates with volunteer or work experience in a museum
• Experience with museum database systems is an asset (e.g. Argus or Past Perfect)

Eligible participants must:
• Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment.
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and,
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations

The successful candidate will receive guidance on best practices for collections management. They will develop their skills in the following areas: problem solving, critical thinking, communication, team building, research, cataloguing, artifact handling, mount making, and curatorial cleaning.

This position is suitable for those considering a career in research, archival studies, museology, curation, or collections management. Applicants should be working towards a degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Museum Studies, Art History, History, Cultural Studies, Heritage Management, or a related field.

How to Apply:

Please send your cover letter and resume in PDF outlining how you meet the requirements to:

Chantelle Huard
Heritage Manager, Collections
chuard@coquitlamheritage.ca
Subject line: YourName_CollectionsAssistant_CSJ_Application

Remuneration:

$20.00/hr

Contact Name: Chantelle Huard
Contact Email: chuard@coquitlamheritage.ca
Contact Phone: (604) 516-6151