Collections Assistant

Program stream:: Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
Job title:: Collections Assistant
Organization name:: Carleton University Art Gallery
Job location:: Ottawa, Ontario
Length of assignment:: 2026-05-26 to 2026-08-14 (11.43 weeks)
Hourly wage:: $21.50

Since 2008, CUAG has been engaged in a large-scale multi-year collection reorganization project. Under the direction of CUAG's Collections and Exhibitions Assistant, the YCW Collections Assistant (35 hour work week) will play an important role in this collection reorganization project. The YCW Collections Assistant will gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of collection management duties including cataloguing, storage, and database management. Specifically, the YCW Collections Assistant will: a) assist in reorganizing works on paper in the gallery’s storage and optimizing artwork storage; b) Fabricate custom boxes and folders to ensure works on paper are stored in the most efficient and accessible way possible; c) Review entries in CUAG’s new collection database, checking for accuracy and completeness; d) Assist in photo documentation of artworks; e) Assist with the yearly maintenance of storage rooms and cleaning of the shelving units and Solander boxes in the vaults.

Furthermore, the YCW Collections Assistant will assist CUAG’s Collections and Exhibitions Assistant in providing practical and technical support to artists. Specifically, they will support two spring/summer Artists-in-Residence at CUAG and one artist preparing for a Fall 2026 exhibition at CUAG.

Field of study: The candidate will preferably possess a minimum of two years of technical training in a museum studies program, such as the one offered by Algonquin College in Ottawa. Alternate practical experience will be considered. Interest in and experience working with visual art is an important asset.

Computer skills: The candidate should possess excellent computer skills. Some experience with database software is an asset, but not required.

*While English is the working language at Carleton University and CUAG, this position would benefit a Francophone as CUAG’s Collections and Exhibitions Assistant is Franco-Ontarian and fluently bilingual.

Carleton University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our University including, but not limited to: women; visible minorities; First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expressions.

Young Canada Works (YCW) eligibility:
To qualify for this position, you:
-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.
Note: Priority will be given to students who have not previously participated in the YCWHO employment program.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications accepted until end of day Monday, April 6, 2026.

Applications (a cover letter and a resume) should be sent by email to:
Victoria McGlinchey, CUAG Administrator
victoria.mcglinchey@carleton.ca
Carleton University Art Gallery
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6
cuag.ca

Description of Carleton University Art Gallery:
Founded in 1992, Carleton University Art Gallery (CUAG) is located in a region rich in cultural institutions. CUAG offers dynamic exhibitions in an environment predisposed to dialogue and the free exchange of ideas. It is distinguished by its diverse and professional program of contemporary art, vibrant public programs, and ambitious publications. It attracts a broad and diverse audience that draws on the campus community and the Ottawa-Gatineau region, Canada’s fourth largest metropolitan area.

Characteristics of City/Region:
Carleton University is situated on unceded Algonquin territory beside the historic Rideau Canal, an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was founded by the community in 1942 to meet the needs of veterans returning from the Second World War. Today, Carleton University has almost 30,000 students, 1900 faculty and staff, and strives for innovation in research, teaching and learning.

A high-tech centre of the country, Ottawa is also a city of park-like greenery and interconnecting rivers and canals. In the shadow of Canada's majestic Parliament Buildings, the bustling Byward Market, trendy restaurants, elegant shops, quaint outdoor cafes, and artisans' stalls flourish in a dynamic downtown centre.

Ottawa is a bilingual city of modern and historic architecture, and boasts some of the finest cultural facilities in the country. The National Gallery of Canada enjoys an international reputation, drawing visitors from around the world. The National Arts Centre is a leader in the presentation of classical and contemporary music, theatre, and dance. The region is also home to the Canada Science and Technology Museum, Canadian Museum of History, Museum of Nature, a network of municipal art galleries, the Ottawa Art Gallery, artist-run centres, and Carleton University Art Gallery.

Ottawa is a city of festivals. The Canadian Tulip Festival celebrates the colours of spring with dazzling garden displays throughout the city. Just outside the city and minutes from downtown Ottawa, you'll discover Gatineau Park. The park is 365 square miles of pristine lakes, rolling hills, and panoramic views of the Ottawa Valley. The park is famous for excellent hiking, swimming, canoeing, and bird-watching.

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