Artifact Care and Maintenance:
- Cleaning and maintaining artifacts on display according to established schedules.
- Ensuring the cleanliness and safety of heritage buildings to create a welcoming environment.
- Assisting with minor repairs and upkeep of Heritage Village buildings under supervision to support preservation efforts.
- Reporting concerns related to the condition or safety of artifacts and exhibit areas.
Artifact Documentation and Management:
- Accurately documenting and cataloguing artifacts within the museum’s permanent collection.
- Following established museum guidelines and best practices for preservation and data entry.
- Using the PastPerfect software system for digital recordkeeping and artifact tracking.
- Supporting inventory reviews and assisting with artifact movement between storage and display areas.
Supporting Curatorial Activities:
- Assisting the curator with artifact handling, deaccessioning, and exhibit rotation.
- Helping to set up, clean, and dismantle exhibits as required.
- Ensuring all collections work adheres to museum standards of care and documentation.
Storage Area Duties:
- Transferring artifacts between storage spaces responsibly and efficiently.
- Maintaining the organization and condition of collection storage areas.
- Identifying and reporting any environmental or storage issues that may impact preservation.
Education-Based Programs and Environmental Initiatives:
- Assisting with the preparation of artifacts for education-based displays, public programming, and research projects.
- Conducting artifact-related research to support interpretive panels and educational materials.
- Supporting the Forest Festival educational stations by preparing, researching, and presenting artifact-based content that highlights environmental awareness, conservation practices, and the historical relationship between people and nature.
Responsibilities:
Artifact Care and Maintenance:
- Ensuring artifacts and exhibit spaces are maintained in clean and safe condition.
- Following handling and cleaning protocols to preserve historical integrity.
- Supporting minor maintenance and repairs under supervision to contribute to building preservation.
Artifact Documentation and Management:
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date digital records for artifacts in the collection.
- Assisting with cataloguing, numbering, photographing, and condition reporting using PastPerfect.
- Following proper archival and preservation procedures in all collection-related tasks.
Supporting Curatorial Activities:
- Working with the curator to ensure exhibit and storage transitions are conducted safely.
- Providing assistance during exhibit installations and rotations.
- Collaborating with staff to uphold museum standards of documentation and artifact care.
Storage Area Duties:
- Maintaining the order, cleanliness, and environmental stability of storage spaces.
- Assisting with artifact placement and labeling as directed.
- Identifying areas where improvements to storage conditions are needed.
Education-Based Programs and Environmental Initiatives:
- Assisting with the development and presentation of educational materials related to museum collections.
- Contributing to the Forest Festival by preparing historical displays that emphasize conservation, sustainable practices, and traditional trades connected to the environment.
- Conducting research and creating interpretive materials that help visitors understand the environmental and historical context of artifacts.
Other Skills:
- Physical and Manual Dexterity, Research Skill, Care of Museum Collections, Organizational Skill
This position is 8 weeks from June-August
Become an integral part of the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village! Join us as a Collections Assistant and contribute to the preservation of our diverse collection of over 100 vehicles and historical buildings from the 19th century. Your pivotal role will involve overseeing artifact transfers, cataloging, database management, and maintaining exhibit standards.
Main Focus: As a Collections Assistant, you will play a crucial role in our newly completed storage area. You’ll be responsible for transferring artifacts between storage spaces, receiving comprehensive training in PastPerfect for documentation and preservation efforts. Your contributions will directly impact our cataloging standards and management protocols.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure the cleanliness and safety of heritage buildings by diligently monitoring and cleaning artefacts on exhibition according to set schedules, creating a clean and enjoyable environment for staff, volunteers, and visitors.
- Accurately accession, catalogue, condition report, digitize, and safely store artefacts in the permanent collection and storage areas, adhering to museum standards and safe handling practices, and diligently updating the museum’s collection management database.
- Provide support to the curator by assisting with artefact loans to other museums, handling the movement of large artefacts in storage or on exhibit, exhibit setup and take-down, and artefact cleaning.
- Work in challenging conditions such as dusty environments and heritage buildings without air conditioning, requiring prolonged mental concentration, keen attention to detail, bending, lifting, working in confined spaces, and using ladders.
- May involve travel and contact with the public, interested organizations, and individuals.
- Perform other collections/exhibition related duties as time permits.
Requirements:
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage visitors while diligently working on tasks.
- Demonstrate a strong vocabulary and writing skills. Exhibit patience, meticulous attention to detail, and willingness to be hands-on.
- Familiarity with cameras and related software is an asset, as well as good hand-eye coordination.
- Previous experience working with artefacts, particularly in a museum or historic site, is an asset. Ability to problem-solve and possess high organizational skills and motivation.
Must be able to meet all the criteria of Young Canada Works:
- Are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident or have refugee status in Canada (non-Canadians holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent resident status are not eligible).
- Are legally entitled to work in Canada (have a valid social insurance number).
- Are between 16 and 30 years of age inclusively at the start of employment; and
- Are a high school, college, CEGEP, or university student.
This position is 12 weeks from May-August
Digitization & Digital Records
- Scan and digitize Deeds of Gift, car files, and other archival documents using on-site equipment.
- Ensure scanned documents are complete, legible, and saved in the correct file formats (PDF, TIFF, JPEG as required).
- Rename and organize digital files using the museum’s numbering and folder structure.
- Add basic metadata and follow agreed tagging/filing procedures to make archives searchable.
- Upload digitized records to the museum’s Google Drive storage and create secure backups.
Digital Quality Control & File Management
- Review scans for quality; re-scan or adjust scanner settings when necessary.
- Verify that digital copies match physical originals and flag missing, damaged, or incomplete files.
- Maintain an orderly digital workflow and document progress (logs or simple spreadsheets).
Sustainability & Records Efficiency
- Reduce future paper usage by supporting the transition from paper records to a digital archive.
- Avoid unnecessary duplication by checking existing files before scanning new items.
- Follow practices that support long-term digital preservation (consistent formats, backups).
Physical Records Handling & Preservation Support
- Handle paper records and archival materials carefully, following handling best practices.
- Re-file and organize physical documents after scanning to maintain the integrity of the paper archive.
- Identify fragile or deteriorating documents and report them to the curator.
- Cut, assemble, and create custom archival-safe envelopes, folders, and housing for documents or photos being catalogued, ensuring proper long-term preservation.
PastPerfect Cataloguing
- Catalogue photos, archival artifacts in PastPerfect.
- Enter metadata, attach digital files, and ensure catalogue entries follow museum standards.
- Update or correct existing PastPerfect records as needed.
Event & Public-Facing Support
- Assist with event duties when needed (e.g., set-up help, distributing informational materials, on-site support).
- Support the gift shop during busy periods by assisting with sales transactions and customer service using the point-of-sale system.
- Help prepare archival materials or images for use in displays, presentations, or educational tables during events.
Site Preservation Assistance
- Under supervision, assist with minor repairs or upkeep tasks to preserve heritage buildings.
Responsibilities
Digital Preservation & Accuracy
- Ensure all digitized records are accurate, complete, and searchable.
- Maintain consistent file naming, metadata entry, and secure backup procedures.
Confidentiality & Record Security
- Handle donor and artifact information responsibly, maintaining privacy and data security at all times.
Quality Control & Reporting
- Report scanning issues, missing documents, or preservation concerns to the curator.
- Keep a clear log of completed work and progress on backlog items.
Physical Care & Organization
- Maintain a clean, organized workspace appropriate for archival work.
- Re-file and preserve physical documents after digitization according to museum protocols.
Supportive Museum Duties
- Provide reliable assistance during events and in the gift shop when needed, representing the museum professionally.
- Carry out minor supervised repairs/upkeep tasks responsibly and only under staff direction, adhering to preservation standards.
Other Responsibilities
- Suggest small workflow or naming improvements when appropriate to increase efficiency and long-term accessibility.
- Participate in briefings/training on archival standards, digital tools, and museum procedures as provided.
Other Skills:
- Physical and Manual Dexterity, Research Skill, Care of Museum Collections, Organizational Skill
This position is 8 weeks from May-June
Social Media Management
- Manage and update the museum’s social media accounts by creating engaging posts, stories, and educational content to promote upcoming events and programs.
- Develop fun posts showcasing the museum’s collections, historical facts, and general museum information.
- Create pre-planned posts using Meta Business Suite for consistent scheduling.
- Create a short promotional social media series leading up to the Forest Festival, highlighting nature education, outdoor activities, and environmental awareness connected to the event.
- Create a short promotional social media series leading up to the Reenactment, highlighting historic education, historic activities, and information connected to the event.
Event Poster Design & Distribution
- Design visually appealing posters for museum events and programs and distribute posters to community partners, local businesses, and public venues.
Off-Site Event Representation
- Attend off-site events to represent the museum, distribute promotional materials. Act as a spokesperson for upcoming events, exhibits, and museum initiatives.
- Assist in designing parade floats (e.g., Canada Day).
Website Updates
- Regularly update the museum’s website with new event information, news, and educational content.
Free Event Listings
- Post museum events on local event listing websites to increase visibility and community engagement.
Video & Photography Creation
- Capture photos and videos of the village, events, exhibits, and activities for promotional use.
- Edit videos and create engaging content for social media and the website.
- Produce short behind-the-scenes clips and Reels to showcase museum activities.
Educational Tutorials
- Create engaging educational tutorials suitable for all ages, artifact-based or craft-based, to support hands-on learning and historical understanding.
Site Preservation & Event Support
- Assist with minor repairs and upkeep of Heritage Village buildings under supervision to ensure spaces are safe and functional for events and content making.
- Support setup and preparation of the village for photography and video content, ensuring areas are visually appropriate and in good condition.
- Work with staff to maintain the site during events, assisting with any minor adjustments or repairs.
Responsibilities
Museum Representation & Promotion
- Represent the museum at community events, sharing information.
- Promote museum events through posters, digital content, and social media.
- Help with front desk, gift shop operations, and using the point-of-sale system.
Content Creation & Visual Design
- Create and curate digital content (photos, videos, graphics) to promote museum events and initiatives.
- Ensure all visual materials follow museum branding and messaging.
Educational Social Media Engagement
- Share engaging posts about collections, history, and museum programs.
- Create one promotional content series leading up to the Forest Festival, focusing on nature-related educational activities featured at the event.
Community Engagement
- Build positive relationships with community partners, organizations, and local businesses to increase awareness of museum events.
Website & Event Management
- Ensure all event information is accurate and consistent.
- Regularly update online platforms to keep the public informed.
Creative Contributions
- Contribute fresh ideas for marketing campaigns, seasonal promotions, and community engagement strategies.
- Bring creative concepts forward for event promotions and museum storytelling.
Video Content Creation
- Produce creative video content for social media and the website.
- Capture and edit highlight videos of events, exhibits, and activities.
- Create short video stories that increase interest and community engagement.
Site Preservation & Event Support
- Assist with minor repairs and upkeep of Heritage Village buildings under supervision to ensure readiness for photography, video, and public events.
- Help maintain the site during events, making minor adjustments as needed while adhering to preservation standards.
This position is 8 weeks from July-August