Exhibits Researcher/Curatorial Assistant

Program stream:: Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage
Job title:: Exhibits Researcher/Curatorial Assistant
Organization name:: Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum
Job location:: Kitchener, Ontario
Length of assignment:: 2019-09-16 to 2020-02-28 (23.57 weeks)
Hourly wage:: $31.35

Are you a person who loves to research and engage with local history? The Region of Waterloo Museums is looking for a creative individual to join its team as Exhibits Researcher/Curatorial Assistant intern. This position is responsible for undertaking historical and material culture research that will result in 1) a temporary exhibit and 2) a series of banner style interpretive panels at McDougall Cottage Historic Site (Cambridge, ON). This role will also involve collection activities related to this project and other day-to-day tasks, where there is the chance to acquire skills in exhibit curation, as well as participating in a museum infrastructure expansion project at the Curatorial Centre. S/he must be able to work with minimal supervision and be available for regular weekday work, with occasional after hours meetings.

The Region of Waterloo owns and operates the Region of Waterloo Museums, including: the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum (KSWRM) and Doon Heritage Village; Schneider Haus National Historic Site; and McDougall Cottage Heritage Site. Curatorial staff work out of the Curatorial Centre, an operations hub located at the rear of the KSWRM site. Learn more about our museums by visiting our website: http://www.waterlooregionmuseum.ca/en/index.aspx.

Annually, the Waterloo Region Museum undertakes capital projects alongside its regular operational activities. One such project involves the expansion of the Curatorial Centre where the museum’s main artifact collection is housed.

Key Responsibilities:

Exhibit
The intern will curate a temporary exhibit for display in the McDougall Cottage gallery. S/he will undertake the following tasks:
• Develop exhibit concept proposal, addressing project scope (resource availability)
• Consider visitor experience – identify target audience, communication methods
• Undertake content research – archival, collections, interviews, and local subject matter experts
• Review collection holdings; select artifacts; negotiate loan(s)
• Conceptualization –thematic organization (“bubble” diagrams); develop narrative
• Work with external designer to determine exhibit design and layout
• Prepare text - write, edit, proof panel copy and labels (approx. 1,000 words)
• Work with Marketing to develop promotional materials (exhibit website page, magazine ads, rack card, social media, etc.); drive interest in the exhibit through social media channels
• Liaise with staff re external production/fabrication of graphics
• Liaise with Conservation and Installation staff re artifact mounts, signage
• Assist with installation
• Prepare for opening event with McDougall Cottage staff; deliver curatorial remarks

Collections Assistance on Museum Infrastructure Project
The intern will meet with the Manager/Curator and other project staff to gain a fulsome understanding of the capital project:
• Review project plan and processes; Council decisions; interaction with Canadian Heritage
• Review project financing (contribution agreement); budget and cash flow statements; cost estimates
• Review collections management logistical considerations re artifact storage, handling and packing, moving
• Become familiar with collections storage solutions: e.g., fixed and movable storage systems
• Prepare a description of the project for the KSWRM website (requires senior management approval prior to posting)

In addition to the new knowledge the intern will acquire by curating an exhibit and participating in a capital project, s/he will gain confidence working in a team environment with Regional staff and developing contacts within the museum sector.

Required Qualifications:
• a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities, History, Anthropology, Museum Studies, or a related subject area
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Computer proficiency (MS Office Suite)
• Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential
• Organizational ability, motivation, enthusiasm, teamwork

Desired Qualifications:
• Knowledge and/or experience working with southern Ontario 19th and 20th century social history and material culture
• Familiarity with research facilities and/or research experience in Waterloo Region (arts, culture, heritage)
• Familiarity with Waterloo Region’s heritage sites is desirable

The Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. The Region of Waterloo welcomes diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from all qualified Canadian students, including Indigenous peoples and members of visible minorities.

Applicants wishing to be considered for this job must be registered in the YCW at Building Careers in Heritage’s candidate inventory databank. Interns will create a YCW account and complete a Candidate Eligibility Form prior to hiring, and the eligibility criteria will be verified during the interview. YCW criteria state that candidates must be between the ages of 16 and 30 years; must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or have refugee status in Canada; and be legally entitled to work in Canada. For the full list of criteria see https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/young-canada-works/students-graduates/careers-heritage-graduates.html.

Applicants must also apply online directly to the Department of Human Resources, Region of Waterloo to be considered for this position.

Employment Conditions:

This is a full-time temporary position, beginning September 16, 2019 and reporting to the Supervisor, Collections and Exhibits. The Region of Waterloo Museums provide orientation training and professional development opportunities. Interviews will be conducted in August. Applicants wishing to be considered for this job must be registered in the YCW at Building Careers in Heritage’s candidate inventory databank. YCW criteria state that candidates must be between the ages of 16 and 30 years; must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or have refugee status in Canada; and be legally entitled to work in Canada. For a full list of the eligibility criteria, see https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/young-canada-works/students-graduates/careers-heritage-graduates.html.

The Region of Waterloo Museums welcomes diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from all qualified Canadian students, including Indigenous peoples and members of visible minorities.

Applicants must also apply online to:

The Regional Municipality of Waterloo
Human Resources Department
150 Frederick Street, 3rd Floor
Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3

Visit our website at: http://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/regionalgovernment/careers.asp?_mid_=17493.