Collections Assistant Student (Summer Student 2025)
Position Summary
The City of Kingston is currently undergoing a major collections review which includes a complete inventory and re-cataloguing of the civic collection. The civic collection consists of City-held artifacts, artwork, the collections of The MacLachlan Woodworking Museum, the PumpHouse Museum (PumpHouse), Public Art collection and the collection associated with the City of Kingston's City Hall National Historic Site. The Collection Assistant(s) will work closely with the Civic Collection Technician to complete an inventory of the entire civic collection, (re)catalogue and photograph artifacts and update the collections management database with current information. The Collection Assistant(s) will also help with the environmental and pest monitoring at City Hall National Historic Site as well as the two municipal museums. Hours for the position are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Duties
Inventory and catalogue artifacts and archaeological material held in the City's civic collection using the Proficio database
Photograph artifacts following proper museum standards
Provide general office support, including data entry
Handle, move, transport artifacts, artwork and memorabilia held in the City's civic collection
Inventory, condition report and photograph the City's public art collection. The collection consists of a range of artifacts and artworks located in public parks and outdoor spaces throughout Kingston
Complete yearly assessments and condition reports of the Mayoral portraits located at City Hall
Responsible for the storage and inventorying of artifacts
Assist with minor preventative conservation as directed by the Civic Collection Technician
Research the history and background of artifacts
Answer inquiries and communicate with visitors and members of the public when completing tasks at City Hall and the various sites
Complete environmental monitoring using HOBO dataloggers and HOBO Software
Rotate and analyze pest management traps located at the various sites
Assist with a large storage reorganization of the City's art collection
Collaborate effectively as part of a large team within the Heritage Services department
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications, Competencies
MUST BE ENROLLED IN AND RETURNING TO FULL-TIME POST SECONDARY STUDIES IN FALL OF 2025 - Verification will be required
Ideal candidates will be enrolled in museum studies, archival / library science, history, art history, archaeology or other related fields
Background or experience in one or more of the following areas: museology, archival science, history, public administration, library science, archaeology and/or record and information management
Experience in a museum, gallery or heritage site is an asset
Experience using collections management database software an asset
Must meet eligibility requirements for Young Canada Works summer employment program such as being a permanent resident or citizen of Canada and between the ages of 16 to 30 years old; please read the requirements in full detail prior to applying to ensure you qualify: visit www.pch.gc.ca
Valid Class "G" driver's licence and access to transportation is a significant asset
Must demonstrate corporate values of Belonging, Collaboration, Accountability, and Innovation.
Skills, Abilities, Work Demands
Strong attention to detail
Appreciation for the care, treatment and preservation of artifacts
Proficient with the use of detailed digital photography
Intermediate skills in MS Office
Ability to complete tasks with minimum supervision
Proven customer service skills
Must be able to obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check, including Vulnerable Sector, at candidate's own expense