Curatorial Assistant & Exhibitions Specialist

City of Markham; Markham; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant municipal organization is seeking a candidate for a temporary seasonal position at the Markham Museum. This role involves supporting exhibition programs, maintaining collections, and developing educational programming for youth audiences. The ideal candidate should have a relevant post-secondary education, strong research and communication skills, and the ability to work in various environments, including outdoor settings. This full-time position lasts 15 weeks starting in May 2026, with applications due by March 13, 2026.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in or completed a relevant post-secondary degree/diploma.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work outdoors and perform physical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist with research assignments for exhibitions.
• Maintain existing exhibitions and support regional tours.
• Develop and deliver object-based programs for youth.
• Plan and execute an independent exhibition project.

Skills

Research skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

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

Tools

MS Office

Collections management software

Job description

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 5 th consecutive year as one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2025, the City of Markham is ranked 2nd among municipalities in Canada and 12th overall for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 366,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.

Applications are now being received for the above position in Markham Museum in the Economic Growth, Culture & Entrepreneurship Department Development Services Commission. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter online by March 13, 2026.

Start Date: Full-time for 15 weeks starting May 4, 2026.

Note: This position is supported by Young Canada Works for 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 successful candidate will work within the Curatorial division and will be responsible for supporting the exhibition program as well as related care of collections, exhibit maintenance, and the delivery of hands-on object-based programming at the Markham Museum during our peak summer season.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Assist senior curatorial staff with research assignments for upcoming major exhibition project on the theme of compassion, this 6,000 sq. ft. temporary exhibition will appeal to local family audiences.
• The successful candidate will also maintain existing exhibitions and support the Regional tour of an exhibition to local museums.
• Assist with day-to-day curatorial tasks that may include: preventive conservation, pest & environmental monitoring, maintenance of exhibitions, object transfers;
• Plan, develop and deliver object-based public programs for youth audiences (4-12 years of age);
• Develop one independent exhibition project during the summer. Duties will include: project research, exhibit planning and design, preparation of artifacts, fabrication of mounts, scanning, digital photography and installation;
• Other duties as required.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Enrolled in or completion of a post-secondary degree/diploma in Museum studies, public history, archives, anthropology, archaeology, natural sciences, library sciences or another relevant degree is required.
• 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 team work skills
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent attention to detail
• Candidate must have the capacity to perform work requiring heavy lifting (up to 20 kg), as well as bending, and stooping, overhead reaches while positioning objects, and general manoeuvrability 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.
• Previous experience working with archival and /or artifact collections, knowledge of digital photography is an asset
• An understanding of collections management software and thesaurus-based cataloguing would be considered an asset.
• Drivers License is an asset

CORE BEHAVIOURS

• Service Excellence : Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovatio n: 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 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:3>

Temporary Seasonal Vacancy