Museum and Archival Collections Management Assistant

Job Number:  4535
Job Type:  Temporary Full-Time
Vacancy Reason:  Temporary
Temp Contract Length:  Contract is expected to end on March 26, 2027

Location:

20 Weber St W, with an occasional travel to 10 Huron Rd, Kitchener.
Job Category:  Arts
Number of Positions:  1
Department:  Archives and Collections
Division:  Planning, Development and Legislative Services
Hours of Work:  35

Work Schedule:

Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, on-site
Union:  CUPE 1883
Grade:  CUPE 1883 Grade 004
Salary Range:  $27.53 per hour

Assists with and completes artifact, archival, and/or archaeological collections management projects at Region of Waterloo Museums and Archives.

The Role
Focus of the role:
The Region of Waterloo Archives has moved from its current descriptive database to Access to Memory (AtoM). In preparing for the change, staff have found inconsistencies in the existing archival data and descriptive standards. The Museum and Archival Collections Management Assistant will assist with re-appraising entire fonds, ensuring there is consistency in the data entered, flagging records that have privacy concerns, and confirming information against existing finding aids.

They will prepare new RAD (Rules for Archival Description) compliant finding aids and will enter descriptions into AtoM following established procedures.

Duties/Responsibilities

Performs data entry, data verification, and clerical tasks related to the collections or archival database.

Assists with collections management tasks (e.g., deaccessioning, relocation/rehousing of artifacts/archival records, inventory, cataloguing, basic artifact cleaning).

Identifies and researches artifacts/archival records including object composition, material history, historical context, provenance, and other issues to clarify collections or archival database information as required.

Verifies and updates storage locations of artifacts/archival records within databases.

Scans and adds artifact or archival images to records in collections database.

Handles and documents artifacts and archival records according to best practices and established procedures.

Assists with packing/unpacking artifacts/archival records as required.

Completes condition reports on artifacts/archival records as required.

Consults with technical/professional museums and archives staff regarding artifact/archival care, handling, and tasks. Contacts ITS to troubleshoot catalogue technical issues.

Consults with supervisor regarding substantive database errors, further research required, and database technical issues.

Performs related duties, as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of collections management procedures, including museum or archives registration methods and basic artifact care and handling, acquired through a college diploma in museum or archival studies or related field, plus 6 months of related museum collections experience.

Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, and related legislation.

Knowledge of collections management or archival databases (e.g., Past Perfect, AtoM).

Ability to identify objects/archival records, material composition, and research methods to verify collections information.

Communications skills to exchange information with peers, and participate as an effective team member.

Ability to read and understand collection database records. Ability to write, edit, and correct database entries and records descriptions using appropriate language, syntax, and spelling.

Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously and balance priority and time demands.

Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office and a collection management database.

Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.

Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

Diversity and Equity
We invite all interested individuals to apply and actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including, but not limited to:

First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples;

members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin;

persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities;

persons who identify as women; and persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions

For questions or to request accommodations during your recruitment, onboarding or employment, please contact talentma, or by calling our Service First Contact Centre at phone number .

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