Programming Assistant

Job Title

Programming 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 Programming Assistant will work front-of-house to greet visitors to the museum, Fraser Mills Train Station and our Caboose, offer heritage house tours, and provide directions to tourism locations. This person will take a leading role at community events in which the society partakes, such as Canada Day at Town Centre Park and local festivals during the summer, as well as get an opportunity to plan their own small programs. The Assistant will be asked to assist in the planning, implementation, setup and delivery of weekly children’s programs, special events, workshops, and activities. Through this they will gain experience in developing and running events, educational programming, working with kids, working with heritage buildings, and community development.

Responsibilities

The Programming Assistant is called upon to complete a variety of tasks, both at Mackin House and in the Coquitlam community, including:

• Conducting tours of Mackin House, Fraser Mills Train Station, our Caboose, Maillardville, and other areas of Coquitlam

• Caring for Mackin House, including light cleaning, gardening, and tidying the rooms and grounds

• Helping visitors with directions and tourism-related questions

• Working with children, adults, and seniors at events, festivals, and during workshops

• Preparing for and running events, workshops, festival tents, including crafts, baking, and setting up rooms

• Running summer programs for kids

• Assisting in museum research

• Running local errands

Qualifications

• Sound understanding of Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, Publisher, PowerPoint and Outlook

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

• Displays a helpful, outgoing personality, comfortable working with kids and chatting with the public

• Works well in a team and individually

• Can focus on and complete tasks in a timely manner

• Can prioritize and manage time well

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

• 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, tourism, early childcare, event planning, or history. Applicants should have academic experience in Museum Studies, Education, Theatre, Broadcasting, History, Tourism, 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 12 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: Emily Zhang Programs Manager ezhang@coquitlamheritage.ca Subject line: YourName_Programming_Assistant_CSJ_Application

Remuneration

$20.85/hr