Collections Assistant

Sharon Museum & Gardens (formerly the Sharon Temple National Historic Site & Museum) is an open-air museum with eight heritage buildings and two interpretive buildings located on-site. The Museum is located in the heart of East Gwillimbury on four acres and features three heritage gardens in addition to the collection of heritage buildings on-site.

**Primary Job Functions**:

- Curate a small exhibit from concept through development to implementation based on an individual research project to be displayed offsite in a community partner’s display case in August and September. This will consist of researching an object or theme in the collection, writing panels and labels, choosing artifacts, and installing the exhibit.
- Complete training on PastPerfect collections management software for accession, cataloguing, and database management.
- Accession, catalogue, and digitize archival material, photographs, and artifacts from the collection into the Museum’s PastPerfect, including photographing or scanning material.
- Conduct basic preventative conservation and maintenance under the supervision of the Programming & Collections Manager, and handle artifacts and other historical material to rehouse them into new storage solutions.
- Support the creation of an updated furnishing plan for select historical buildings and the selection of a new variety of artifacts to be displayed in several of the heritage buildings onsite, including the Cookhouse, Log Cabin, and different rooms in Doan House.
- Provide daily site tours as required for individual visitors and groups based on their specific interests through the Museum’s eight heritage buildings.
- Assist with the planning, preparation, and implementation of signature events throughout the summer.
- Assist with the planning and implementation of educational and public programs.
- Assist in front of house services, which include welcoming visitors, answering phone calls, processing admissions, and completing gift shop sales where necessary in the Museum’s Giftshop.
- Support summer camp staff with the implementation of historical educational programming for a variety of ages.

**General Duties**:

- Provide interpretation to the public through tours, educational programming, outreach opportunities, and special events.
- Assist staff with daily attendance tracking, gift shop inventory, and cash balancing.
- Conduct daily and weekly preventative maintenance checks on heritage buildings.
- Provide support for on-site events, weddings, and rental preparation.
- Provide support as needed to other staff members.
- Other tasks as required.

**Qualifications**:

- Currently enrolled and returning to full-time post-secondary studies in Museum Studies, Conservation, History, Art History, Anthropology, Canadian Studies, Archaeology, or a related field.
- Have an interest in the career fields of Museums, History, Data Management, Conservation, and/or Library and Information Studies.
- Previous experience working with the public in a structured setting, in a paid and/or volunteer capacity.
- Strong research and analytical skills and written and oral communication with a high level of attention to detail.
- The ability to work well independently on specific tasks and collaborate with colleagues.
- Computer proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Knowledge of PastPerfect or other collections management software is an asset.
- Licensed G2 or G Class driver with daily access to their own vehicle.
- Certificate in Standard First Aid and CPR is an asset.
- Must possess or be willing to obtain a successful Vulnerable Sector screening.
- Be prepared to work a variety of shifts, including weekends and evenings.

Interns must meet eligibility criteria for Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage Organizations. Individuals may be eligible if they:

- Are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or have refugee status in Canada (non-Canadians holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent status are not eligible);
- Are legally entitled to work in Canada;
- Are between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment;
- Are currently enrolled and returning to post-secondary studies;
- Are willing to commit to the full duration of the work assignment;
- Will not have another full-time job (over 30 hours a week) while employed with the program;
- Are unemployed or underemployed;
- Are not receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits while employed with the program; and
- Have not previously participated in or been paid under this or any other Career Focus internship program funded under the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy.

**Physical Requirements**:
This position is dependent on receiving funding through Young Canada Works. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. This position is a full-time temporary contract, 35 hours per week, and the contract is for