Curator

Powell River Educational Services Society; Powell River; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational services organization located in Powell River is seeking a Curator to manage collections and develop interpretive programs. Responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, coordinating outreach, and ensuring collections care. The ideal candidate should have formal post-secondary education in museum studies and two to five years of relevant experience. The position offers a full-time permanent role with a salary range of $52,000 to $62,000 plus benefits.

Benefits

Professional development support

Benefits package

Qualifications

• Two to five years of experience in the heritage sector, particularly in collections and interpretive programs.
• Ability to self-motivate and work with minimal direction.
• Knowledge of standard practices and ethics in museums.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate collections management and interpretive programs development.
• Develop and administer outreach programs, including educational resources.
• Assist with daily operations including grants and facilities maintenance.

Skills

Collections management

Program development

Supervisory skills

Communication skills

Time management

Computer proficiency

Adaptability

Education

Formal Post Secondary Education in Museum and/or Archival studies or related field

Tools

Word

Excel

Past Perfect collections management software

Job description

Location: Powell River/qathet Regional District

Salary Or Wage: $52,000 to $62,000 per year

Start Date: Apr 1, 2026

Job Type: Full Time

List of Requirements

Qualifications

• Formal Post Secondary Education in Museum and/or Archival studies or related field.
• Two to five years of experience in the heritage sector in the areas of collections and/or interpretive programs.
• Previous experience in collections management and exhibit development.
• Previous experience in the delivery, development, and coordination of interpretive programs.
• Previous supervisory experience; with the skills to support, coach, and mentor a small and evolving team of volunteers, students, and part-time/temporary/seasonal staff.
• Confident and articulate with outstanding written and oral communication and analytical skills.
• Effective time management and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to self-motivate and work with minimal direction and/or supervision.
• Proficiency in Word and Excel; knowledge of computer security and data back-ups; familiarity with Past Perfect collections management software.
• Adaptability, flexibility, and ability to work as a part of a dynamic and collaborative work environment where key responsibilities are shared amongst a small team of permanent staff and regular/ongoing volunteers.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Some previous experience with museum administration functions such as recruitment, funding grants & budgets, reporting, and project management is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of standard practices, ethics, EDAI (Equality, Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion), and decolonization of museums and archives.

List of Duties

Position Description:

The qMAS Curator will contribute to and/or coordinate collections management and interpretive programs development. Reporting to the Museum Manager / Lead Curator the incumbent Curator’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Interpretive Programs

• A. Develop, promote, and implement a range of programs including enhanced drop-in & pre-registered programs for various specific audiences, curriculum-based school programs, and special events.
• B. Develop and administer museum outreach programs including outreach kits, educational resources for teachers, online/virtual programs, and collaborative programs with community partners.
• C. Monitor and manage programs budgets and expenditures.

Collections Care & Management

• B. Assist with and oversee day-to-day collections care & management duties, including donations, acquisitions, deaccessioning, artifact storage, conservation & environmental monitoring, collections records and database maintenance.

Curation / Exhibits

• A. Contribute to the collective development & implementation of a multi-year exhibits plan.
• B. Assist with the curation of on site, off site, and travelling exhibits; including curatorial tasks such as supporting research, writing/editing interpretative content and artifact labels, exhibit design, fabrication, and installation.

Visitor Services & Museum Operations

• A. Fill in at visitor reception, assist with research request, and respond to other visitor queries as operationally required.
• B. Assist with recruitment, supervision and training of staff, volunteers, and interns reporting to this position.
• C. Assist with day-to-day operations & administration including grants, budgets, OH&S, reporting, facilities maintenance, organizational policies, and project management.
• D. Support a respectful and collaborative work environment, and the health and safety of museum staff, volunteers, and visitors.
• Job Type: Permanent, full-time (8:30am to 4:00pm, 5 days per week, year-round).
• The successful candidate will be required to work some evenings and weekends.
• Location: Powell River, B.C. Canada
• Application Deadline: Sunday, February 22, 2026; 11:59PM PST
• Anticipated Interview Dates: Tuesday, March 3 – Thursday, March 5, 2026
• Anticipated Start Date: April 1st, 2026
• Salary Range: $52,000 to $62,000 plus benefits.
• Benefits: the qathet Museum & Archives offers a benefit package and professional development support.

qathet Museum & Archives:

The Museum & Archives are located on the traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation in the City of Powell River on the northern Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada. The qathet Museum & Archives Curator will work collaboratively with other staff and volunteers and organizational partners including the Tla’amin Nation, the qathet Regional District, the City of Powell River, and community stakeholders to preserve, provide access to, and promote the region’s cultural heritage.

The Museum houses 260m2 of displays, including exhibits of the Tla’amin Nation culture (Coast Salish), the Powell River Company paper mill, and community life over the ages. Artifact collections include about 8,000 objects and the archives house 175,000 historical images, 95 metres of fonds, and about 2,000 maps and blueprints. The qathet Museum & Archives Society also administers the nearby Forestry Museum that highlights forestry operations from early hand logging through to the era of chainsaws. Exhibits include several 2-person chain saws that are among the largest ever made.

How To Apply:

• The qathet Museum & Archives is an equal opportunity employer.
• To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter indicating how your experience meets the qualifications for the position, and three references to: [e-mail]. Include “qMAS Curator application” in the subject line of your email.
• Applications must be received by 11:59PM PST on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
• We thank all those who express interest in the position, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
• qathet Museum and Archives is located at 4790 Marine Avenue PO Box 42 Powell River, B.C. V8A 4Z5, telephone No. 604-485-2222.

How to Apply

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