Curator

Organization:

Chilliwack Museum & Archives

Deadline:

Until Filled

Job Description:

The Curator is responsible for overseeing the Chilliwack Museum & Archives object collection and for the development of exhibitions in accordance with best practices and guidelines. The Curator is a highly collaborative professional, working in consort with a dynamic team of colleagues. The Curator serves as an important representative of the Chilliwack Museum and Archives, acting as a liaison with the public on matters pertaining to Chilliwack’s history and material culture.

Responsibilities:

1. Manage the cycle of exhibition development including planning, establishing an exhibition framework, research, community outreach and liaising with relevant partners and stakeholders, interpretation and textual drafting, identification of archival materials and artifacts for display; graphic design and creation of marketing materials, floorplan design, mount making, artefact packing and transportation, liaising with contractors, and installation;

2. Monitor digital and physical exhibition installations; including alterations and repairs when required;

3. Develop and maintain an exhibition schedule that features multiple exhibits per year; coordinate loan agreements and schedules for travelling exhibitions;

4. Collaborate with members of the staff on exhibit opening reception events and provide input for exhibition-related programming, in collaboration with the Education & Engagement Coordinator;

5. Provide guidance and direction to the Collections Coordinator for the maintenance of the Museum’s Object Collections, including the acquisition, documentation, storage, preventative conservation, appraisals, research and recommendation of objects for deaccessioning in accordance with policy and best practice;

6. Collaborate with the Education & Engagement Coordinator in the development of the Education Collection and participate in curatorial outreach activities; Build partnerships and collaborations with other institutions and the community;

7. Train and supervise specialized volunteers or other staff, including managing Summer Students, in Curatorial tasks;

8. Prepare written reports or articles for the Society's publications and the public, or for internal reporting purposes; Participate in emergency and disaster response planning and implementation;

9. Collaborate and participate in museum wide initiatives that support the success of the organization (ie. Fundraisers, annual events, outreach events, community presentations, etc.);

10. Continue the organizations work on decolonization and reconciliation, building relationships with Indigenous communities and collaborating in identifying and implementing opportunities to decolonize the Museum's programs, exhibits and events;

11. Other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications:

1. University degree, preferably at the graduate level, in Museum Studies, History, Art History, Anthropology, Fine Art, or another related discipline; An appropriate combination of education and experience may be considered;
2. Experience developing an exhibition from start to finish, including proposals, community engagement, research, design, and installation;
3. Current knowledge of best practices, standards, and guidelines for Collections Management;
4. Knowledge of the Truth & Reconciliation (TRC) Commission Calls to Action and the standards outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP);
5. Experience with Collection Management database software, PastPerfect Museum Software preferable;
6. Experience with graphic design software including Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign;
7. Experience in a supervisory roll and project management preferable;
8. Firearms License Possession and acquisition, or willingness to attain, is an asset.
9. 3-4 years’ experience in a museum or other heritage organization.
10. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills marked by professionalism, teamwork, and courtesy;
11. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues at the museum, with the community, and with other museum professionals;
12. Able to work with minimal supervision; works well independently and as a team; flexible;
13. Capable of lifting 35lb. from floor to table height and 20lb from table to head height;
14. A clear criminal record check with vulnerable persons clearance is required;
15. A Class 5 Driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle is required.

How to Apply:

The Chilliwack Museum and Archives is an equal-opportunity employer. We seek to foster a workplace that reflects the full breadth of the communities we serve and welcome applications from women, racialized persons/BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, and people with disabilities.

All qualified applicants are invited to apply by submitting their cover letter and resume to:

Shawna Dwyer
Executive Director, Chilliwack Museum & Archives
shawna@chilliwackmuseum.ca

We look forward to reviewing all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Remuneration:

Salary Range - 60,000 - $65,000

Contact Name: Shawna Dwyer
Contact Email: shawna@chilliwackmuseum.ca
Contact Phone: (604) 795-5210