Collections Assistant Student

Opening Statement

The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek (Ah-nish-nah-beg), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen

• dat). 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.

At the City of Kingston, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a thriving workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.

As staff, you play a pivotal role in enhancing people's lives by delivering exceptional, customer-centered services of the highest quality. Within our highly ethical environment, you'll embrace accountability by consistently going above and beyond, actively listening to our customers, creatively addressing their needs, and maintaining unwavering respect for all individuals you serve. As a result, you'll become an integral part of our qualified and dynamic team, recognized for its compassion, excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability.

Position Summary

The City of Kingston is currently undergoing a major collections review which includes a complete inventory and re-cataloguing of the civic collection. The civic collection consists of City-held artifacts, artwork, the collections of The MacLachlan Woodworking Museum, the PumpHouse Museum (PumpHouse), Public Art collection and the collection associated with the City of Kingston’s City Hall National Historic Site. The Collection Assistant(s) will work closely with the Civic Collection Technician to complete an inventory of the entire civic collection, (re)catalogue and photograph artifacts and update the collections management database with current information. The Collection Assistant(s) will also help with the environmental and pest monitoring at City Hall National Historic Site as well as the two municipal museums. Hours for the position are 8 : 30 am to 4 : 30 pm, Monday to Friday.

Duties

Inventory and catalogue artifacts and archaeological material held in the City’s civic collection using the Proficio database

Photograph artifacts following proper museum standards

Provide general office support, including data entry

Handle, move, transport artifacts, artwork and memorabilia held in the City’s civic collection

Inventory, condition report and photograph the City’s public art collection. The collection consists of a range of artifacts and artworks located in public parks and outdoor spaces throughout Kingston

Complete yearly assessments and condition reports of the Mayoral portraits located at City Hall

Responsible for the storage and inventorying of artifacts

Assist with minor preventative conservation as directed by the Civic Collection Technician

Research the history and background of artifacts

Answer inquiries and communicate with visitors and members of the public when completing tasks at City Hall and the various sites

Complete environmental monitoring using HOBO dataloggers and HOBO Software

Rotate and analyze pest management traps located at the various sites

Assist with a large storage reorganization of the City’s art collection

Collaborate effectively as part of a large team within the Heritage Services department

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications, Competencies

MUST BE ENROLLED IN AND RETURNING TO FULL-TIME POST SECONDARY STUDIES IN FALL OF 2026 - Verification will be required

Ideal candidates will be enrolled in museum studies, archival / library science, history, art history, archaeology or other related fields

Background or experience in one or more of the following areas : museology, archival science, history, public administration, library science, archaeology and / or record and information management

Experience in a museum, gallery or heritage site is an asset

Experience using collections management database software an asset

Must meet eligibility requirements for Young Canada Works summer employment program such as being a permanent resident or citizen of Canada and between the ages of 16 to 30 years old; please read the requirements in full detail prior to applying to ensure you qualify : visit www.pch.gc.ca

Valid Class “G” driver’s licence and access to transportation is a significant asset

Must demonstrate corporate values of Belonging, Collaboration, Accountability, and Innovation.

Skills, Abilities, Work Demands

Strong attention to detail

Appreciation for the care, treatment and preservation of artifacts

Proficient with the use of detailed digital photography

Intermediate skills in MS Office

Ability to complete tasks with minimum supervision

Proven customer service skills

Must be able to obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check, including Vulnerable Sector, at candidate’s own expense