Curatorial Assistant

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, owned and operated by the Niagara Historical Society, is a team of staff and volunteers that passionately collect, preserve, research, educate and promote the history of Niagara-on-the-Lake and its communities. We inspire an appreciation of local history through engaging programs and exhibitions.

Job Title:Curatorial Assistant

Duration: May 5 – August 22, 2024 (16 weeks)

Wage: $18/hour, 35 hours per week

Language: English

Reporting Duties: Reports to the Managing Director.

Job Purpose: The Curatorial Assistant will assist with the digitization of the Museum’s archival collection and the organization of research materials. The candidate will also develop new exhibits for the Museum’s upper gallery and complete other curatorial duties as identified by the Curator.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Scan archival documents and upload to Past Perfect collections database
• Research and write detailed descriptions for collections to be placed online
• Create social media content based on research and interesting artefacts found
• Assist with answering research requests from the public
• Meet tours in local park on Sunday mornings (greet participants and take payment)
• Research and write text for 3 small exhibitions, working within a strict budget
• Sort and accession backlogged new donations

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Answer the phone at the Museum
• Greet visitors, receive admissions, direct patrons to the Museum, answer questions by visitors
• POS entry of gift shop sales
• Assist with special events at the Museum
• Any other duties as required by the position

Interaction with Patrons and Public:

• Interact with Museum visitors
• Interact with Museum volunteers

Working Conditions and Environment:

• May be required to attend and assist with special events on evenings and weekends
• May be required to work with some chemicals used for cleaning purposes and accessioning

Knowledge and Skills Required:

• Some University/College experience required- Must be enrolled full time and returning full time in the fall
• Experience with the use of database systems is an asset
• Excellent computer skills
• Good communication skills
• Good organizational skills
• Excellent research and writing skills
• Experience assisting with special events is an asset
• Ability to work independently as well as part of team
• Experience working with an historical collection is an asset
• Education in a History, Museum Studies, arts administration or a public history program is an asset
• MUST BE REGISTERED WITH YOUNG CANADA WORKS AND MEET THEIR CRITERIA
• The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum is an equal opportunity employer

Niagara-on-the-Lake:
Niagara-on-the-Lake is in the heart of Niagara's wine, heritage and tourism industry. The town was the first capital of Upper Canada and Fort George was a critical military fortification during the War of 1812. In 1813, the town was captured by American forces, held for 7 months and burned by the occupational army. For information on the community, visit www.notl.org or www.niagaraonthelake.com.

Job Types: Full-time, Seasonal
Contract length: 16 weeks

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Holidays
• Weekends as needed

Application question(s):

• Are you currently a full-time student and will you be returning to school full-time in September 2024.

Education:

• Secondary School (required)

Experience:

• Library, Archives & Museum Occupations: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-03-01
Expected start date: 2024-05-05