19 Jan
City of Hamilton
Beasley
Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason
- Job ID #30696: Collections Conservation Assistant
- Union: CUPE Local 5167
- Job Description ID #: 7583
- Close date:
Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on January 22, 2025.
- Duration: 12 Months
- Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
Reporting to the Curator, Collections, assists in the records management and preventive conservation of heritage collections at multiple museum sites in the Heritage Resource Management Section of the Tourism & Culture Division. Conducts registration, data entry, artifact handling, condition reporting, packing and unpacking of artifacts, research, exhibit work, social media, document scanning and digital photography, cleaning, and minor/basic conservation treatment of museum artifacts. Works with museum staff and conservation staff to ensure all aspects of artifact handling, conservation, packing, rehousing and documentation are up to date.
GENERAL DUTIES
Conducts the hands-on processes of museum collections management: compiles information about heritage artifacts, completes relevant research, assesses existing documentation, creates accurate descriptions of artifacts, photo-documents artifacts, assigns and embosses accession numbers, stores artifacts according to professional museum standards.
Enters artifact collections data into the Re:discovery Proficio collections information management database as required by Division operations and defined in the Section procedural and workflow manuals.
Handles and moves artifacts according to professional care and handling standards; maintains location listings by updating catalogue files.
Rehouses artifacts when needed by creating new custom storage containers and mounts.
Performs minor/basic conservation treatments on artifacts such as pest eradication/control, cleaning and stabilization.
Documents (including photo-documentation) artefacts and artefact treatments in accordance with the Canadian Association for the Conservation of Cultural Property Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
Conducts research of artifacts using on-line resources, primary and secondary documentary material to provide context and historical significance to the artifact collection.
Assists with inspections of sites for the purposes of identifying pest management concerns, deterioration of artifacts and reports damage and loss to Curator and Conservator.
Photo-documents artifacts using DSLR cameras, professional lighting and photography software and equipment for the purposes of photo editing and video.
Assists with exhibit preparation for Heritage Resource Management section including, creation of reports, locating artifacts for exhibits,
research, exhibit text writing, relocation of artifacts including packing and unpacking and assisting with display of artifacts.
Assists with the packing and unpacking of artifacts for travel and storage according to professional museum standards.
Assists with the coordination of summer student, volunteers and interns.
Creates photo and video content specifically for social media and website purposes.
Ensures the security of the building and collection. Reports deficiencies in safety/security systems and apparent damage or loss.
Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable health and safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to occupational health and safety
Performs other duties as assigned which are related to the major responsibilities of the job.
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Must have museum experience specifically related to duties listed above normally acquired by obtaining a post-secondary degree or diploma in Museum Studies or Conservation or a combination of education and related work experience.
2. Demonstrated proven commitment to the professional standards outlined in the ‘Code of Ethics and Guidance of Practice’ established by the Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property and the Canadian Association of Professional Conservators.
3. Must have experience handling and recording artifacts in computer based cataloguing system, computer knowledge and familiarity with digital photography, photography software, scanning, packing and unpacking artifacts using museum professional standards.
4. Experience handling,
relocating and rehousing artifacts with special focus on experience with creating custom storage containers and supports.
5. Strong working intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel and Outlook) and previous experience working with computerized museum database software programs.
6. Good research and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing at all organizational levels and with the general public. Preference to candidates with demonstrative knowledge of 19th century material culture.
7. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
8. Must be able to lift up to 30lbs.
Disclaimer:
Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy.
Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.
Terms:
The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.
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