Costume Technician

Heritage Park Historical Village; Calgary; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Comprehensive benefits package

Employer-matched pension plan (5%)

Generous paid time off

Free entrance to the Park

Employee discounts on food and retail

Free parking

Job summary

Heritage Park Historical Village is seeking a Costume Technician to maintain and develop historical patterns, create sample garments, and provide sewing instructions under the Costume Manager.

You will measure, cut fabrics, construct mock-ups, and perform fittings to ensure historical accuracy for exhibits and events, while supporting staff and volunteers in a busy park setting.

Qualifications

• Post Secondary Education in clothing design, construction, and tailoring or equivalent experience.
• Experience in industrial sewing, pattern making, and pattern grading.
• Experience in historical or period clothing is an asset.
• Police Information Check required; criminal record will be assessed confidentially per policy.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and grade patterns using industry-standard techniques and historical wardrobe requirements.
• Measure, lay out, and cut fabrics and materials in preparation for garment construction and production.
• Construct and assemble complex mock up garments, and pattern components as required.
• Conduct new build fittings to prepare patterns for advanced tailoring, alterations, and adjustments to ensure proper fit, function, and historical accuracy.
• Research, design, and create patterns for specific programs, exhibits, productions, and special events as assigned.
• Support staff, volunteers, and students with new build construction and sewing projects in collaboration with the Seamstress.
• Assist with fitting, alteration, repair, maintenance of patterns to support daily operations.
• Maintain a safe, organized shop workspace and care for fabrics and equipment.
• Support preservation and stewardship of wardrobe collection through proper handling.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Industrial sewing

Pattern making

Pattern grading

Historical costumes

Education

Post-secondary education in clothing design, construction, and tailoring

Police Information Check required

Job description

• Comprehensive Benefits package includes Extended Health Care, Dental Benefits, Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Employee and Family Assistant Program (EFAP)


• Generous paid time off, including Vacation days, Sick Time


• Working in a beautiful park setting


• Free entrance to the Park, including to our many public special events


• Employee discounts on food and retail items and free parking

Job Title:

Costume Technician

Department:

Costuming

Position Type:

Full-time Permanent

Expected Start Date:

January 2027

What we offer:

• Flexible work arrangements


• Comprehensive Benefits package includes Extended Health Care, Dental Benefits, Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Employee and Family Assistant Program (EFAP)


• Employer-matched Pension Plan at 5%


• Generous paid time off, including Vacation days, Sick Time


• Working in a beautiful park setting


• Free entrance to the Park, including to our many public special events


• Employee discounts on food and retail items and free parking

Who We Are:

Heritage Park is Canada's largest living history museum and offers visitors a chance to experience life in Western Canada from the 1860s to the early 1950s. The park features historical buildings, costumed interpreters, working antiques, and various exhibits that provide insight into the region's past.

Job Overview:

Under the direction of the Costume Manager, the Costume Technician maintains the collection of historical patterns by creating, altering, and grading patterns, as well as producing sample garments and written sewing instructions as appropriate.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, modify, and grade patterns using industry-standard techniques and historical wardrobe requirements.


• Measure, lay out, and cut fabrics and materials in preparation for garment construction and production.


• Construct and assemble complex mock up garments, and pattern components as required.


• Conduct new build fittings to prepare patterns for advanced tailoring, alterations, and adjustments to ensure proper fit, function, and historical accuracy.


• Research, design, and create patterns for specific programs, exhibits, productions, and special events as assigned.


• Support staff, volunteers, and students with new build construction and sewing projects in collaboration with the Seamstress.


• Assist with the fitting, alteration, repair, maintenance of patterns to support daily operations, programming, and special events.


• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient shop workspace, including the proper care and storage of the fabrics, and sewing equipment.


• Support the preservation and stewardship of Heritage Park’s wardrobe collection through appropriate handling and maintenance practices.


• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Organizational Excellence and Wellbeing

• Contribute to inspiring and immersive experiences at the Park by engaging in Heritage Park initiatives that align with our mission and vision, ensuring authenticity in our historical setting and stories.


• Actively support a positive work environment by creating an atmosphere of inclusion, engagement, belonging, and fulfillment for employees and volunteers, in line with Heritage Park values.


• Recognize all contributors to our community as integral to our success, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.


• Demonstrate responsible stewardship of our people, collections, and financial assets by driving growth with innovation, transparency, and financial sustainability, while embracing our historical assets and recognizing all contributors.


• Demonstrate commitment to workplace health and safety by complying with Heritage Park's Health, Safety and Environment Management System (HSEMS), following safe work practices, reporting work-related incidents, injuries, and hazards, participating in employer training, and adhering to policies including the Code of Conduct and the Workplace Violence and Harassment policy.


• Volunteers are a vital part of Heritage Park’s success. Employees are expected to collaborate respectfully with volunteers and contribute to an environment where volunteers feel heard, safe, welcomed, and supported, recognizing the important role they play in delivering exceptional experiences for our community.

Required Qualifications:

• Post Secondary Education in clothing design, construction, and tailoring or equivalent experience


• Experience in industrial sewing, pattern making, and pattern grading are required


• Experience in historical or period clothing an asset


• All successful candidates (over the age of 18) will be required to complete a Police Information Check as a condition of employment. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant; any information disclosed will be assessed confidentially on a case-by-case basis in accordance with Alberta human rights legislation, considering relevance to the role and our commitment to equitable and inclusive hiring practices.

Special Clothing and Equipment:

• Business attire is required when in the office;


• Appropriate costuming and safety equipment will be provided by Heritage Park if applicable; and


• Footwear, as designated by the Heritage Park Costume Department, will be provided by the employee.

Special Working Conditions:

• The position will be exposed to weather extremes and will work both indoors and outdoors; and


• This position is physically demanding, and the incumbent must have the ability to lift heavy items, stand for long periods of time and walk throughout the Park for extended periods during set-up, delivery and take-down.

Hours of Work:

• The standard hours for this position are 35 hours per week;


• The schedule will generally be five consecutive days per week (Monday to Friday); and


• Occasional evening, and weekend work may be required