Exhibition Assistant (Canada Summer Jobs)

Organization:

Coquitlam Heritage Society

Deadline:

Apr. 15, 2025

Organization Description:

Located in the heart of historic Maillardville, Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House is your go-to neighbourhood museum for all things history and heritage in Coquitlam. As a non-profit organization, Coquitlam Heritage preserves, honours, and promotes the heritage of Coquitlam by collecting stories and objects that hold historical significance and represent those who have lived in Coquitlam and those who choose to live here today. We celebrate our community members’ traditions, experiences, and festivities through family days celebrations, while holding space to remember and honour their tragedies and challenges.

This historical museum and 1909 heritage house welcomes guests five days a week to see exhibits about local history, and participate in our many events, workshops and programmes that explore heritage through music, art, cooking, literature and more. Theses initiatives provide the diverse community with the opportunity to not only learn about the heritage of their neighbours in a meaningful and in-depth way, but to also share and celebrate their own. Offering over 60 events a year, and over 10 exhibits at the museum and out in the community, Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House has something for everyone!

Website:

http://www.coquitlamheritage.ca/

Job Description:

Coquitlam Heritage operates Mackin House and Fraser Mills Train Station. We offer a variety of programming throughout the year and provide tours of the restored Edwardian-era historic house. We preserve, honour, and promote the diverse history of Coquitlam through tours, and events at our location and at various venues around Coquitlam.

The Exhibition Assistant will be asked to research for upcoming exhibitions, write text for didactic panels, blog and our website, assist with display setup. They will gain experience in research, curating and designing a museum exhibit. The Exhibition Assistant will also work front-of-house to greet visitors to the museum, Fraser Mills Train Station and Caboose, and provide directions to tourism locations.

Coquitlam Heritage is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from underrepresented groups, including new immigrant youth/refugees, Indigenous youth, youth with disabilities and visible minorities.

This is a 30-hour per week position that will run for 11 weeks, working Tuesday to Saturday. Compensation: $20.85. Position is subject to successful funding.

Responsibilities:

The Exhibition Assistant is called upon to complete a variety of tasks including:

• Researching, writing texts for didactic panels and tour scripts for existing and new exhibits using a variety of materials, including primary sources such as oral histories and archival documents (ideally read cursive)
• Proofreading and detail checks
• Choosing images, getting appropriate approvals
• Print and digital layouts for physical panels and website exhibits
• Helping to install exhibits in a variety of spaces (involves cutting, painting)
• Conducting tours of Mackin House, Fraser Mills Train Station, our Caboose
• Running local errands

Qualifications:

• Sound understanding of Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook. Knowledge of Adobe Suite or Affinity Design Programs is an asset
• Demonstrates a genuine interest in community, heritage, history, and culture
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Works well in a team and individually
• Can focus on and complete tasks in a timely manner
• Can prioritize and manage time well
• Is curious, learns quickly, and is very comfortable researching and problem solving
• Is flexible and happy to lend a hand wherever it’s needed
• Can lift up to 20 lbs safely
• Driver’s licence and access to a car an asset
• Applicants must be fluent in English, but fluency in French or another language is an asset
• Must pass a criminal record check
• Is able to work Saturdays and some evenings

Eligible participants must:
· be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment;
· be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and,
· be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations

This position is suitable for those considering a career in museum education, education or history. Applicants should have academic experience in Museum Studies, Anthropology, Political Science, History, Education, Communications, or a related field.

How to Apply:

Please send your cover letter and resume in PDF outlining how you meet the requirements to:

Markus Fahrner
Exhibition Manager
mfahrner@coquitlamheritage.ca
Subject line: YourName_Exhibition_Assistant_CSJ_Application

Remuneration:

$20.85/hr

Contact Name: Markus Fahrner
Contact Email: mfahrner@coquitlamheritage.ca
Contact Phone: (604) 516-6151