Collections Assistant

Job Title

Collections Assistant

Organization

Mackin House Museum

Deadline

Apr. 5, 2026

Organization Description

Mackin House Museum is centered around one of the oldest houses in Coquitlam - Mackin House, having been built in 1909 for the Sales Manager of Fraser Mills, Henry Mackin. Having stood for over a century, the Museum is a remnant of the historic French community of Maillardville, the largest French settlement in Western Canada, and of the influx of early immigration by Fraser Mills laborers. Today, Mackin House Museum hosts exhibits, events, and tours dedicated to showcasing the multifaceted history and culture of the city of Coquitlam. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Edwardian-era building and the history of the associated Fraser Mills community, learn about underrepresented histories of early Chinese, Japanese, and South Asians in the area, and discover the subtle but compounding ways the city has changed so much of the course of just 100 years.

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.

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. 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. Coquitlam Heritage is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from underrepresented groups, including new immigrant youth/refugees, Indigenous youth, youth with disabilities and visible minorities.

How to Apply

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

$20.85/hr