Collections Assistant, Special Projects

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia invites applications for a Collections Assistant, Special Projects at the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver. This temporary, full-time position supports a collections storage upgrade, focusing on the visible storage gallery and working under the Conservator.

Responsibilities include deinstalling collections, tracking objects, documenting activities, and maintaining PPE and clean workspaces.

Qualifications

• High school graduation plus two years of related experience or equivalent.
• Demonstrates commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Experience with museum collections management is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deinstalling collections from exhibit cases and maintaining records of object placement and mounts.
• Performing precise object tracking across MOA collections spaces.
• Follow established cleaning procedures for materials and spaces.
• Documenting actions including cleaning, mounting or rehousing.
• Update project database and report data inconsistencies to senior staff.
• Assist with sample collection and preparation for analysis as required.

Skills

Record keeping

Communication skills

PPE safety

Education

High school graduation

Job description

Staff - Union Job Category CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 2 Job Title Collections Assistant, Special Projects Department Collections Care and Case Contamination Project | Museum of Anthropology | Faculty of Arts Compensation Range $28.90 - $31.63 CAD Hourly Posting End Date September 25, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date November 30, 2027 There are 4 vacancies for this position.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

Collections Assistant, Special Project is a temporary, full-time position within the Collections Care, Management and Access Department at the Museum of Anthropology (MOA), working under the direction of the Conservator. Working as part of a team, the position will assist with a collections storage upgrade project, focusing on MOA’s visible storage gallery.

Responsibilities

• implementing established cleaning protocols
• conducting object tracking
• completing condition documentation including activity photography
• maintaining personal protective equipment

Organizational Status

This position reports to the Conservator and works closely with the Collections Care Management and Access Department staff.

Work Performed

This position carries out a variety tasks related to the Collections special project including:

• Deinstalling collections from exhibit cases in MOA’s multiversity galleries, including maintaining accurate records of object placement, case hardware, exhibit labels and mounts.
• Performing consistent and precise object tracking between MOA collections spaces.
• Assessing all collections and materials types and following the appropriate and established cleaning procedures.
• Documenting all actions, including cleaning, mounting or rehousing.
• Cleaning exhibit casework following established procedures.
• Updating project database.
• Identifying and reporting data inconsistencies or gaps to senior staff for review.
• Performing sample collection and preparation for analysis as required.
• Maintaining clean, organized workspaces and equipment, including restocking supplies, managing laboratory laundry, and notifying supervisors of inventory requirements.
• Following all MOA safe work procedures and UBC Health and Safety guidelines.
• Fabricating handling supports.
• Liaise with collections and conservation staff for collections locations in preparation for case deinstallation.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The Museum is a public trustee of rare and valuable collections; the Collections and Conservation Assistant is responsible for the safe keeping of both public and private collections, and for ensuring that the records associated with these collections are maintained. Errors could have financial, legal, ethical and other consequences for lenders and for the University.

Supervision Received

The position reports to the Conservator. Performance is judged by results (see Consequences of Error above) and in accordance with established procedures but exercising judgement in establishing priorities and carrying tasks is expected.

Minimum Qualifications

High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• - Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• - Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Education / Experience Practical training in collections management processes, or equivalent practical experience. Awareness and sensitivity to issues concerning collections originating from First Nations and other communities is required, as well as experience in working with the public and the university community.

Skills / Knowledge

A demonstrated competency making housing systems for museum collections or demonstrated hand skills. Awareness and sensitivity to issues concerning collections originating from First Nations and other originating communities. Knowledge of MOA's collections is preferred. Experience entering data in a collections management system. Basic knowledge of professional conservation ethics and material culture is desirable.

Physical ability to perform the duties of the job.

• (e.g., lifting, standing, working at heights).
• Ability to accurately create and maintain records.
• Ability to efficiently and effectively coordinate tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise sound judgement while handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Some knowledge of workplace health and safety practices and experience working safely while using personal protective equipment PPE.

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world. Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together? Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [e-mail].