The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre’s mission is to preserve and dynamically present the heritage of Rossland and area. We do this with comprehensive indoor and outdoor displays on the industrial, social, natural, and cultural history of Rossland with a particular emphasis on the mining and skiing histories of the area. We are designated as the “Mining in the Kootenays” historic site – on top of the original Black Bear Mine – with 5 acres of property and 6 exhibition buildings among many other outbuildings/shelters. Additionally, we have an extensive community archive, a provincial visitor information centre, numerous educational community programs in-house and through outreach activities, heritage walking tours, and various special events throughout the year.

Job Description:

The Collections Assistant will work on a number of key projects in partnership with the Collections Manager and trained volunteers to ensure our collection is well managed, documented, and cared for. This includes ongoing collections management such as intake processing, condition reporting, inventory, and database entry.

In addition to working in the collection storage, during their term, the Collections Assistant will assist with ongoing updates to our permanent exhibitions and outreach exhibit program. They will also assist with the research and digitization required for the growing public accessibility of the collection. All staff assist with the opening, operating, maintenance, and closing procedures associated with daily operations.

Current projects include:

Assist in the inventory & reorganization of collection storage rooms (upper and lower) and planning preparation for a storage move

Assist in the cataloguing, photographing, and rehousing of the geology and ski collections

Assist the Collections Manager and volunteers in the continuation of the database/cataloguing project including completing catalogue worksheets, photographing artifacts, and data entry

Research and curate 2-3 outreach exhibits during their term

Coordinate volunteers to assist with ongoing projects

Assist with the development of senior’s memory exploration boxes

Job Requirements/Qualifications: The following are essential qualifications for the job:

Graduate in Museum, Archival, Library, or History studies, or related fields

Excellent English verbal and written communication skills

Excellent computer skills (incl. Microsoft Office/Google Docs, Squarespace, Dropbox)

Should be very well organized, detail-oriented, and able to problem-solve

Excellent public speaking abilities

A passion for history and education

The following are desired assets for the job:

Creativity and enthusiasm

Experience working as or directly with a project manager

Experience in or with the tourism and/or cultural sector

Knowledge of Rossland or West Kootenay history

Passion for skiing/winter sports and/or mining/railway history

Interest in or knowledge of geology

Current First Aid certificate

Recommended Training: BSAFE - BC Safety Assured For Everyone Foundations of Workplace Safety (includes WHMIS) Salary/Wage: 17-18/hour Job Application Process: All applicants must meet YCW-BCH eligibility criteria. We encourage participation from the Government of Canada’s job equity groups, including women, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression to apply.

Please submit your resume and cover letter clearly demonstrating how you meet the qualifications and quoting the position(s) you are applying for by email (preferred) to museumdirector@rosslandmuseum.ca or 1100 Hwy 3B (junction of Hwy 3B and Hwy 22). Please be prepared to provide at least two professional references.

For more information about this position, please contact Joelle Hodgins, Museum Director, at museumdirector@rosslandmuseum.ca or call (250) 362-7722.