Technical Assistant, Fishes : Summer Experience Opportunities program (3-month contract)

Royal Ontario Museum; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading museum as a Technical Assistant Fishes, supporting the wet collections operations. This full-time contract position involves crucial inventory management and specimen care, offering a chance to develop valuable museum management skills. Ideal candidates will have a passion for zoology and hands-on experience with biological specimens, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or acceptable equivalent in Zoology.
• 2-3 years related museum collections experience.
• Comfort working around ethanol and chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Support inventory and top up of fish specimens.
• Conduct data entry and editing using TMS database.
• Assist with barcoding and shelving of specimens.

Skills

Microsoft Access

Microsoft Excel

Attention to Detail

Database Management

Organizational Skills

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Zoology or related field

Job description

Opened in 1914 and welcoming over 1.3 million visitors annually the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canadas mostvisited museum ranking among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America. At ROM we are dedicated to building and sharing global collections sharing knowledge inspiring learning and fostering community engagement. As a globally recognized field research institute ROM houses an impressive collection of over 18 million artworks cultural objects and natural history specimens showcased in over 40 galleries and exhibition spaces. We are committed to creating a space where art culture and nature intersect connecting people and communities to the past present and shared future.

As we continue to work toward our goals to transform and evolve as one of the worlds foremost 21stcentury museums we seek passionate and dynamic team members who embody our mission and values.

WHO WE NEED

We are seeking a Technical Assistant Fishes to support our wet collections operations in Summer 2025. Funded through the Summer Employment Opportunities (SEO) Program this grantfunded fulltime contract position will contribute to the critical work of inventorying and caring for ROMs extensive Fishes collection.

Working primarily at ROMs Oakville Collections Facility and occasionally at the downtown site at 100 Queens Park you will assist with alcohol top up wet collections inventory and contribute to safe collection care practices. This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop museum collections management skills while contributing to important conservation and compliance initiatives.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Support the inventory and top up of fish specimens preserved in ethanol ensuring high accuracy and compliance with fire code regulations.
• Conduct data entry and editing using The Museum System (TMS) database and other digital tools.
• Assist with barcoding and shelving of wet collections specimens at the Oakville facility.
• Follow established protocols for specimen handling storage and chemical safety (e.g. handling ethanolpreserved specimens under fume hoods).
• Work collaboratively with the Wet Collections Technician and Natural History team to meet project goals.
• Maintain detailed records track progress and help ensure safe and organized collection environments.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelors degree (.) with a specialization in Zoology or a related field or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
• 23 years of museumrelated collections experience preferably working with biological specimens or wet collections.
• Strong computer literacy including familiarity with Microsoft Access Excel and The Museum System (TMS) database.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with high attention to detail and sound judgment.
• Ability to lift and move containers weighing up to 50 lbs. (22 kg) and climb ladders to access collection storage areas.
• Strong organizational problemsolving and communication skills.
• Comfort working around ethanol and chemicals (with appropriate PPE provided).
• Ability to maintain focus and accuracy while conducting detailed work for extended periods.

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• OPEN DATE : May 12 2025
• END DATE : May 16 2025
• EMPLOYEE GROUP : Nonunion
• HOURLY RATE : $17.20
• SCHEDULE : 35 hours weekly
• Location : Oakville Collections Facility (primary) with occasional work at 100 Queens Park Toronto ON (onsite)
• First interview : A 30minuteinterview with members of the Natural History team focusing on your collections experience attention to detail and interest in museum operations.

WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE ROM

• Cultural engagement : Daily interactions with Torontos diverse culture and international visitors offer insights into social and cultural trends. We champion inclusive community programs and connections through diverse experiences.
• Continuous learning : At ROM expertise and continuous skill development are paramount. Our culture of curiosity and openmindedness fosters growth beyond traditional career paths.
• Passion & fulfillment : Our work in preserving and curating cultural narratives brings deep satisfaction. We are passionate about the arts global history cultural diversity and leveraging digital technologies to enhance accessibility.
• Team & culture : ROM promotes a positive workplace with collaborative supportive teams that encourage creativity and innovation. We value new ideas and collective problemsolving.
• Academic collaboration : We are committed to education partnering with universities and providing student resources underscoring our dedication to research and accessibility.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY EQUITY INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY

At ROM we embrace diversity in our exhibits communities and teams. We encourage applications from racialized persons Indigenous Peoples persons with disabilities 2SLGBTQI individuals and those who can further diversify our ideas.

We are committed to equitable employment opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

We welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Please contact us at emailprotectedfor assistance.

Apply today and help us create a clean inclusive and welcoming space where culture art and history flourish.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. All verbal job offers are subject to background checks including a criminal background check and verification of professional references and other checks depending on the role.

LIOnsite

Required Experience :

Manager

Key Skills

Microsoft Office,Public Relations,Google Docs,Data Collection,MailChimp,Microsoft Word,Dermal Fillers,Microsoft Powerpoint,Research Experience,Microsoft Excel,Adobe Photoshop,Writing Skills

Employment Type : Contract

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

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