Curatorial Assistant

Heritage Park Historical Village; Calgary; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A Canadian historical museum in Calgary seeks a Curatorial Assistant to support collections management, exhibits, and research activities. Responsibilities include inventory management, artifact processing, and assisting in exhibit preparation. Candidates should have a background in History or related fields and possess strong organizational and communication skills. This seasonal position offers flexible hours and the chance to work in an engaging outdoor museum environment.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Free entrance to the Park

Employee discounts

Qualifications

• Enrolment in or completion of relevant post-secondary education.
• Previous experience in a museum setting is an asset.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting the annual inventory of artifacts.
• Process and catalogue artifacts, ensuring accurate records.
• Prepare artifacts for storage or display.

Skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Computer skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Post-secondary education in History, Museum Studies, or related field

Tools

FileMaker Pro

Microsoft SharePoint

Photoshop

Job description

Department: Programming & Experience - Curatorial

Position Type: Seasonal

Hourly Rate: $19.00

Contract Start Date: April 2026

Contracts End Date: October 2026

Hours: 35 hours per week

Application requirements: Cover letter + resume

What We Offer

• Flexible work arrangements where no one day is similar
• 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 Assistant Curator, the Curatorial Assistant will be responsible for performing various duties associated with collections management, exhibits, and research at Heritage Park.

Responsibilities

Collections, Exhibits and Research

• Assist in conducting the annual inventory of artifacts, ensuring accurate records and documentation
• Process and catalogue artifacts, including data input into the collections database, condition reporting, photography, and digitization efforts
• Prepare artifacts for storage or display, ensuring proper handling and care
• Conduct regular preventive conservation and cleaning of exhibit and collection spaces, including preparation for seasonal site opening and closing
• Assist in exhibit installation and maintenance, contributing to the presentation and preservation of artifacts
• Support curators in research and writing for artifacts and exhibits, contributing to the development of informative and engaging content
• Work on specified projects as assigned, which may include conducting material culture and exhibit-based research, as well as participating in digitization initiatives
• Perform other duties as required

Organizational Excellence and Wellbeing

• Contribute to inspiring and immersive experiences at the Park through your roles and responsibilities by engaging in Heritage Park initiatives that align with the overall mission and vision of the Park
• 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 policies including the Code of Conduct and the Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy
• Actively support a positive work environment by creating an atmosphere of inclusion, engagement and fulfillment in line with Heritage Park values
• Demonstrate responsible stewardship of our people, collections and financial assets by ensuring that they are handled with integrity, sustainability, and a focus on long‑term benefits for the organization and its stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• Enrolment in or completion of post‑secondary education in History, Museum Studies, Art History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Canadian Studies or related field is required
• Previous experience (volunteer, student, or employment) with research, collections, or exhibits in a museum setting is an asset
• Strong organizational, analytical, and computer skills; experience with FileMaker Pro or other collections database, Microsoft SharePoint, Photoshop considered an asset
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills in a client‑faced setting
• All successful candidates (over the age of 18) will be required to go through a Police Information Check as a condition of employment.

Special Clothing and Equipment

• Appropriate costuming and safety equipment will be provided by Heritage Park if applicable;
• 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;
• This position is physically demanding, and the incumbent must be able to lift heavy items, stand for long periods, and walk throughout the Park for extended periods.

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);
• Occasional holiday, evening, and weekend work may be required