Archivist and Museum Curator
2 months ago
Shawnigan Lake School is a leading independent co-educational boarding school for ages 12-18 (grades 8-12) on Canada’s beautiful west coast. Our world-class facilities situated on a stunning 270-acre campus include ten boarding houses, a theatre, film lab, an observatory, salmon hatchery, rowing crew house on the lake, dance studio, state of the art Learning Commons and Library, recording studio, and robotics lab. Our diverse, inter-disciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
ARCHIVIST AND MUSEUM CURATOR
Since its establishment in 1916, Shawnigan Lake School has developed an extensive history and volume of archival materials and information. There are two main aspects to Shawnigan’s archives and impressive museum. One, the preservation of documents and artifacts for posterity. Two, the education of the institution's history through the interpretive display of those documents and artifacts.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement & Community Engagement, the Archivist and Museum Curator works to preserve the history of Shawnigan Lake School through the management of the School’s archives and museum. The Archivist and Museum Curator acts as an educational resource and provides research services to School departments in order to build connections and engage with the wider School community.
This role is part time (up to 16 hours per week), with potential additional hours required for special projects and events.
The wage offered for this role will be in the range of $30 to $38 per hour. Actual salary offered will be commensurate with education, experience, and internal parity.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Acquire, store, manage, process and disseminate information contained in the archives
Arrange, describe, and preserve textual records, photography and audio-visual records (film, video, sound recordings)
Responsible for artwork exhibited across the School including establishing provenance of work, ensuring artists are credited, insurance coverage, and safety and protection
Maintain archives program following professional best practices and guidelines
Provide research services to School departments
Work with School Librarian, the AP Research class, other classes and student groups, and provide service as an educational resource to staff and students
Work with the Academics office to accurately and appropriately manage, archive and research formal student records
Support the Communications and Advancement & Community Engagement departments in developing written and visual content
Develop on-site displays for special events including Founder’s Day, Board meetings and other community engagement events
Serve as principal resource and point of contact for internal and external archives and research, and museum requests
Develop the museum as an educational resource and ensure appropriate archival materials are displayed
**Develop new museum exhibitions. For example**: History of Indigenous Students at Shawnigan and/or The Pandemic at Shawnigan
General maintenance of museum and exhibits and light cleaning of artifacts
Schedule records for transfer to archives or destruction
Create and maintain record descriptions and inventories in archives and an online database
Maintain digitized records and undertake digitization projects to preserve and provide enhanced access to the collection
Deliver periodic short presentations/education for all staff on the School's archives, what Shawnigan has, possible uses/benefits, where to access it, etc.
Host educational and engaging tours of the School museum to students, staff, and other visitors to the School
Connect with Shawnigan Village Museum and work to develop a community partnership
Participate as a member of the School’s Naming Committee
Liaise with peers at ISABC and CAIS Schools and AABC
**REQUIREMENTS**:
Post-secondary education in Archives or Museum Studies preferred
Employment experience in archives or museum required
Experience with exhibition development required
Experience with digitization technology and programs preferred
Knowledge of and skills in the care, handling and management of archival records and artifacts required
Intermediate to advanced skills in the use of MS Office software (MS Access, Word, PowerPoint and Excel) required
Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge software preferred
Experience working in a boarding school or campus environment an asset
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong research skills and interest in the history of Shawnigan Lake School
Office location requires the ability to frequently use stairs. Ability to lift, carry and move boxes and archival materials weighing up to 50 pounds
NEXT STEPS
We ask you to please provide references at the shortlist stage of the recruitment process.
Shawnigan Lake School is an equal opportunity employer committed to establishing an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. All qualified applicants will r