Museum Assistant (Up To 22 Months)

Opening Statement

We acknowledge that the City of Kingston is situated on traditional Anishinabek (Ah- nish-in-ah-bay), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat) territory and is the home of many Indigenous peoples. We are grateful to reside and work on this land.

Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government. Kingstonians enjoy a high quality of life with access to world-class education and research institutions, advanced healthcare facilities, affordable living and vibrant entertainment and tourism activities.

We take our core values of Trust, Respect, Integrity and Pride seriously and apply these standards to everything we do. We foster a working environment that reflects our community’s diversity and respects people’s dignity, ideas and beliefs. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and encourages people from all backgrounds, including but not limited to women, racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, Persons with Disabilities and persons who identify as members LGBTQ+ communities, to apply.

Position Summary

*Please note this position is temporary, covering full-time hours, for up to 22 months*

The Museum Assistant supports the daily operations of the two City-owned museums: including the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum and the Pump House Steam Museum as well as Kingston City Hall National Historic Site. The primary responsibility of this position is to facilitate the visitor experience through the delivery of excellent customer service, site interpretation, program delivery and special events. The Museum Assistant is also required to support the work of the Curators through research, exhibit development and outreach initiatives as well as to assist the Civic Collections Technician with collections care. This position is also expected to support volunteers and seasonal staff in tandem with the site Curators and the broader Heritage Services Team.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist with the daily operations of the two City-owned museums and Kingston City Hall National Historic Site, including some facility support.

Provide excellent customer service, including greeting the public, site orientation and cash sales.

Facilitate public tours and support program delivery and special events.

Deliver educational programs to school, university, adult and seniors groups as needed.

Support the Curators through research, exhibit development and outreach initiatives and assist with collections care.

Support volunteers and seasonal staff in tandem with the site Curators, including recruitment, training, scheduling and monitoring.

Support marketing programs and initiatives.

Respond to public enquiries as needed.

Perform routine tasks related to office administration and cash handling.

Prepare reports as needed.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Competencies

3 year diploma or degree in Museum Management, Museum Studies, History, Public History or equivalent.

Six (6) months experience in museum, customer service and cash handling.

Technical knowledge of museological practices, including research, exhibit design, collections care, programming and event coordination.

Knowledge of subject areas relevant to the two City-owned museums (MacLachlan Woodworking Museum and/or Pump House Steam Museum) and Kingston City Hall National Historic Site.

Knowledge of the Occupational Health & Safety Act and WHMIS.

Must have own transportation and a valid G Ontario class driver’s license.

Required to obtain and maintain satisfactory criminal record check with vulnerable sector.

Must demonstrate corporate competencies: Customer Focus, Results Orientation, Integrity, and Teamwork.

Skills, Abilities, Work Demands

Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Willingness to work in a dynamic, team oriented environment.

Ability to multi-task, adapt to change, solve problems and be self-directed when needed

Attention to detail and mental/visual alertness.

Comfortable using hand tools and other materials associated with site interpretation and program delivery.

Occasional contact with heat, cold, humidity and the outdoors.

Some evening and weekend work is required.

French or other languages considered an asset.

Closing Statement

Please apply to Career Opportunities at: www.cityofkingston.ca/Careers

Please inform us of any accommodations we need to make to ensure a barrier-free recruitment experience. Accommodations are available in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC)and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) at any stage in the recruitment process. We’re happy to provide more information if you email us at [email protected].

Your resumé must demonstrate how you meet position requirements. Please upload to your profile any educational Degrees, Diplomas and/or Certificates that are relevant and required for the position. We thank all who apply, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Information collected will be handled in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.