Research Assistant

Program stream:: Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
Job title:: Research Assistant
Organization name:: Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre
Job location:: Rossland, British Columbia
Length of assignment:: 2018-05-01 to 2018-09-01 (17.57 weeks)
Hourly wage:: $14.00

The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre’s mission is to preserve and dynamically present the heritage of Rossland and area. We do this with comprehensive indoor and outdoor displays on the industrial and social history of Rossland with a particular emphasis on the mining and skiing histories of the area. We are located directly on the “Mining in the Kootenays” historic site – on top of the historic Black Bear Mine. Additionally, we have an extensive community archives, a provincial visitor information centre, numerous educational programs in-house and through outreach activities, downtown heritage walking tours, and various special events throughout the summer.
*This position is subject to funding approval and only available to full-time students that meet all YCW eligibility requirements.

Job Description:
The Research Assistant will work with the Collections Manager, Archives Assistant, and archives volunteers to focus on some of the key research projects that must be completed for upcoming displays, exhibitions, and events, including:
-Continue research and partnership development for the indigenous history of our region, including a petroform display, a Sinixt history rotating display, and a programming outreach kit
-New outdoor interpretive panels on various topics, such as mining accidents, Centre Star Mine, railroad track maintenance equipment, and more
-Skiing history projects for displays during the 2018-2019 winter season at Red Mountain Ski Resort; this may include blog/social media posts, character research, ephemera/photograph reproductions, and more
The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre recently completed a major renovation that included creating/updating many exhibits in the main hall and new entrance gallery as well as a brand new archives and public research room. The Research Assistant will work with the Archives Assistant and archives-trained volunteers on the following tasks:
-Setting up the public research room with appropriate resources, including ensuring existing heritage building and graveyard information is in a more accessible format
-Working through the photograph collection to determine years/locations/names/etc.
• Liaising with the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History to ensure data is correct in both of our databases
• Organizing/accessioning recent photographic donations
• Assisting the Collections Assistant in selecting reference material for oral history interviews (photo/map prompts for the participants)
Along with these specific research topics, the student will also manage public research requests, incoming archival donations, and further internal research requests for our programming, promotions, and publications.
Qualifications:
Please provide your resume and cover letter clearly demonstrating how you meet both the essential and desired qualifications.
The ideal candidate for this position will be currently attending post-secondary in archival, library, or museum studies and familiar with the Rules for Archival Description. They will have excellent research/sourcing skills and the ability to multi-task while maintaining accuracy under pressure. They will possess the ability to work cooperatively as part of a dynamic team.

The following is a list of additional essential qualifications necessary to this position:
-Excellent English verbal and written communication skills
-Excellent public speaking abilities; articulate, polite, and friendly
-Should be very well organized, detail-oriented, and able to problem solve
-Excellent computer skills (incl. Microsoft Office/Google Docs, Wordpress, Dropbox)
-A passion for history and education

The following desired qualifications may be considered an asset for this position:
-Creativity and enthusiasm
-Experience working as or directly with a project manager
-Experience working in or with the tourism and/or cultural sector
-Knowledge of Rossland’s or West Kootenay history
-Current First Aid certificate

Application deadline is April 2nd, 2018.
For more information about this position, please contact Joelle Hodgins, Museum Director of the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre at (250) 362-7722

Please apply with your resume, cover letter, and references by e-mail only to: museumdirector@rosslandmuseum.ca.

Rossland, BC has a population of about 3500 people, but the surrounding Kootenay Boundary area has approximately 30,000. The town is very close to two USA border crossings and major US cities, which bring in a lot of tourists and economic benefit to the region. The cultural industry is particularly strong with numerous gallery and performance spaces and a very strong connection to its heritage.

For information on RMDC, visit www.rosslandmuseum.ca
For more information on Rossland, visit www.tourismrossland.com

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