Curatorial Assistant, Exhibition Coordinator – Museum

City of Markham Ontario; Markham; On-site; CAD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Markham’s Markham Museum seeks a Curatorial Assistant (YCW Graduate Internship) to support planning and design for a major LAND-themed exhibition. The role partners with the York Region District School Board and the Government of Canada, and includes helping with touring agreements and educational kits.

The intern will assist with community events, maintain existing exhibitions, and contribute to documentation, research, and reporting while working outdoors when needed.

Qualifications

• Completion of a post-secondary degree/diploma in a related field is required.
• Interest in museum work as a possible future career.
• Proficiency in MS Office, database management and good keyboarding skills.
• Demonstrated research and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Document planning and design progress for upcoming exhibition, monitor budget and timeline.
• Update project management tools and recommend efficiencies.
• Draft preliminary tender documents and assist with competitive bidding.
• Track copyrights, credits, loans and purchases for props and interactive elements.
• Create touring agreements and installation/educational kit instructions.
• Support outreach and research activities with local organizations.

Skills

MS Office proficiency

Strong writing skills

Professional verbal communication

Ability to work with volunteers

Excellent organizational skills

Teamwork and collaboration

Education

Post-secondary degree/diploma in Museum Studies or related field

Tools

Collections management software

Thesaurus-based cataloguing

Database management

Job description

The City of Markham is consistently ranked among Canada’s top municipal employers. In 2026, the City received its sixth consecutive Canada’s Best Employers recognition from Forbes and Statista Inc., placing third among municipalities and 15th overall in Government Services. An award winning municipality, Markham is recognized for its leadership in sustainability, innovative urban planning, and strong fiscal management. Serving a diverse and growing community of more than 370,000 residents, Markham combines rich heritage with a vibrant local economy and offers employees the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, impactful work that helps strengthen the community we serve.

Curatorial Assistant (YCW Graduate Internship) – Exhibition Coordinator

(temporary contract position) – The Markham Museum, Economic Growth, Culture & Entrepreneurship Department Development Services Commission.

Start Date: August 31, 2026 – March 31, 2027

Hours: 28 weeks and 35 hours per week

Note: This position is supported by Young Canada Works Building Careers in Heritage. Applicants should review the website to confirm their eligibility: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/young-canada-works.html

Join us and make a lasting difference!

Job Summary

The Markham Museum is a 25 acre site with 31 modern and historical built structures. Our gardens, orchards and landscape features complement the buildings and aid our interpretation of local history. The Museum is host to 50,000 visitors annually, including booked programs, summer camps, special events and casual groups. We also host private rental events for weddings and corporate functions. Included on this site is a 17,000 sq.ft. Collections Building for temporary exhibitions, collections management and public research.

The Curatorial Assistant will work as a member of the curatorial team and will be responsible for supporting the planning and design of a major temporary and touring exhibition on the theme of LAND (working title). This is a project co‑produced in cooperation with the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) Museum & Archives. It is produced with support of the Government of Canada.

The intern will also participate in the production of large community events at the Museum as well as outreach activities. They will also maintain our existing exhibitions during the work term.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Play a central role in documenting the progress in planning and design for an upcoming exhibition, monitoring the project budget and timeline, scheduling meetings and following up with staff and partners to ensure we achieve critical milestones and product standards.
• working with and updating our existing project management tools to keep the entire team accountable, the Intern will also recommend efficiencies.
• draft preliminary tender documents, assemble lists of vendors and assist with managing a competitive bidding process in compliance with regulations found in municipal by-laws and the supporting grant terms.
• be responsible for tracking copyright, credits, loan agreements for objects and making any purchases for props/toys/interactive elements.
• the intern will keep track of all the names for the credit panel.
• be responsible for creating the touring agreements and the accompanying framework for the installation instructions & educational kits. This will include working with the YRDSB courier to ensure the design of the touring housings work within the resources of their shuttle (ensuring weights and shapes of cartons are suitable for the vehicles, doorways in typical borrowing facilities and the lifting capacity of staff).
• assist with research and visit with other local organizations, repositories and individuals to gather information in support of the project. They will play a key role in documenting all the contributions of others.
• present exhibition schedule updates to the Collections Committee (and Board).
• implement and recommend improvements to procedures and reporting systems.
• assist with care and maintenance of existing exhibitions. The work involves administration of tasks, repairs to mounts and general preparation tasks for the dismantling and reinstalling of components to professional standards. May also assist with minor additions to existing shows or pop‑ups for festivals, fundraisers and events.
• participate in the life of the Museum by participating in regular team meetings, engaging in networking opportunities and social events as appropriate and supporting colleagues upon request.
• work in a safe and responsible manner respecting all corporate policies. Report all incidents promptly and thoroughly to their supervisor using correct forms and processes.

• Other duties as required.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Completion of a post‑secondary degree/diploma in a related field, including but not limited to: Museum Studies, Archives, History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Natural History, Education or another relevant degree/diploma is required.
• Have an interest in museum work as a possible future career
• Ability to present information in a professional manner both verbally and in writing;
• Experience working with volunteers
• Completion of a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening check as determined by the City of Markham.
• A natural curiosity and a passionate interest in art, natural history or human history
• Proficiency in MS Office, database management and good keyboarding skills.
• Demonstrated research and writing skills.
• Good verbal/written communication skills and sensitivity to interact with a diversity of staff in a courteous and efficient manner.
• Excellent organizational skills
• Strong teamwork skills
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent attention to detail
• Values including customer service, innovation, fiscal accountability, inclusiveness, results orientation, teamwork, problem solving, communication and quality focus.
• Capacity to perform work requiring some heavy lifting (up to 20 Kgs.), as well as bending, and stooping, overhead reaches while positioning objects, and general maneuverability on a 25 acre site
• Due to the nature of the site, the candidates will be required to work outdoors from time to time and in unconditioned storage buildings where they may be exposed to weather fluctuations, pollens, molds, dust, insects and other small wild animals.
• Knowledge of digital photography is an asset
• Experience working with artifact and archival collections and knowledge of preventive conservation methods is an asset
• An understanding of collections management software and thesaurus‑based cataloguing would be considered an asset.
• Work at Heights, Fire Arms Possession and Acquisition License, High Five PCHD Certification and G Driver’s License is an asset; Second language is asset.

Core Behaviours

• Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
• Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self‑management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

Candidates must be eligible for hiring in accordance with the requirements of the federal Youth Employment Strategy and enrolled in the student registry of Young Canada Works.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

We thank all applicants who have applied, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by email.

AI Disclosure

At the City of Markham, we value transparency and fairness in recruitment. While our system (ADP Workforce Now) includes AI‑powered features, we do not use AI to screen, assess, or select applicants. All evaluations are conducted by people.

Vacancy

Temporary Seasonal Vacancy

Tagged as: REC