Exhibition Assistant

Job Title

Exhibition 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

The Exhibition Assistant will be asked to research for upcoming exhibitions, write text for didactic panels, blog and our website, assist with display setup. They will gain experience in research, curating and designing a museum exhibit. The Exhibition Assistant will also work front-of-house to greet visitors to the museum, Fraser Mills Train Station and Caboose, and provide directions to tourism locations.

Responsibilities

The Exhibition Assistant is called upon to complete a variety of tasks including:

• Researching, writing texts for didactic panels and tour scripts for existing and new exhibits using a variety of materials, including primary sources such as oral histories and archival documents (ideally read cursive)

• Proofreading and detail checks

• Choosing images, getting appropriate approvals

• Print and digital layouts for physical panels and website exhibits

• Helping to install exhibits in a variety of spaces (involves cutting, painting)

• Conducting tours of Mackin House, Fraser Mills Train Station, our Caboose

• Running local errands

Qualifications

• Sound understanding of Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook. Knowledge of Adobe Suite or Affinity Design Programs is an asset

• Demonstrates a genuine interest in community, heritage, history, and culture

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Works well in a team and individually

• Can focus on and complete tasks in a timely manner

• Can prioritize and manage time well

• Is curious, learns quickly, and is very comfortable researching and problem solving

• Is flexible and happy to lend a hand wherever it’s needed

• Can lift up to 20 lbs safely

• Driver’s licence and access to a car an asset

• Fluency in French or another language is an asset

• Must pass a criminal record check

• Is able to work Saturdays and some evenings 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

This position is suitable for those considering a career in museum education, education or history. Applicants should have academic experience in Museum Studies, Anthropology, Political Science, History, Education, Communications, 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 per week position that will run for 11 weeks, working Tuesday to Saturday. Position is subject to successful funding. Please send your cover letter and resume in PDF outlining how you meet the requirements to: Markus Fahrner Executive Director / Exhibition Manager mfahrner@coquitlamheritage.ca Subject line: YourName_Exhibition_Assistant_CSJ_Application

Remuneration

$20.85/hr