Collection Assistant
- Program stream:
- Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
- Job title:
- Collection Assistant
- Organization name:
- Cape Breton Miners Museum
- Job location:
- Glace Bay, Nova Scotia
- Length of assignment:
- 2026-06-07 to 2026-09-05 (13 weeks)
- Hourly wage:
- $22.00
Our museum welcomes close to 14,000 visitors annually and prides itself on offering a world-class, unique experience to each of them. We are rated as a top tourist attraction on Cape Breton Island by every digital tourism platform. We achieve this through the efforts of all staff and volunteers to act as a team with the primary goal being to be welcoming to visitors and great neighbours to our community.
Please visit our website, Facebook or Instagram page to learn more about us.
Position Details
Term: June 4th, 2026 – September 3rd, 2026
Hours: 35 hours per week (with a 1-hour unpaid break daily)
Wage: $22.00 per hour
Location: On-site, Glace Bay, Nova Scotia
Funding: This position is funded through the Young Canada Works program
Position Overview
The Collections Assistant will play a key role in updating and enhancing the museum’s collections database. Working with staff, the successful candidate will help ensure that artifact records are accurate, complete, and accessible through the NovaMuse (Open Collection) platform.
Key Responsibilities
· Review and compare internal collections records with existing database entries
· Update and upload artifact information, including descriptions, locations, accession numbers, and condition reports
· Create new records for recently acquired artifacts
· Remove outdated or inactive entries
· Ensure consistency in cataloguing standards and metadata
· Photograph artifacts as needed to support digital records
· Assist in verifying artifact locations within storage areas
· Support improved public and researcher access to collections
· Document workflows and provide recommendations for ongoing collections management
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
· Be 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)
· Be legally entitled to work in Canada (have a valid social insurance number)
· Be between 16 and 30 years of age inclusively at the start of employment
· Be a high school, college, CEGEP or university student
· Have completed or are currently completing a post-secondary degree in a history-related field or similar.
· Be registered in the Young Canada Works candidate inventory
· Have reliable transportation to and from the work site
Preferred Qualifications
· Background or education in history, museum studies, archival studies, or a related field
· Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
· Experience with Microsoft Office (especially Excel)
· Interest in heritage, archives, or cultural preservation
· Strong written and verbal communication skills
· Ability to work independently and as part of a team
What You’ll Gain
· Hands-on experience in collections management and digital cataloguing
· Training in museum standards, metadata, and database systems (NovaMuse)
· Mentorship from experienced museum and heritage professionals
· Networking opportunities within the heritage sector
· A meaningful role in preserving and sharing Cape Breton’s mining history
Equity and Inclusion
The Cape Breton Miners Museum is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, African Nova Scotians, members of visible minority communities, persons with disabilities, and members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted through the Young Canada Works online portal or contact info@minersmuseum.com by May 1.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.