Title: Collections Management Project Contractor
Reports to: Curator
Location: Ottawa, ON (Carp)
Employment Type: Full-time, contract position to December 18, 2026. On site, 37.5 hours/week Monday to Friday.
Vacancy Status: This posting is for existing vacancies.
Number of positions: 2
Compensation: $21.00 per hour
Application Deadline: Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET
Anticipated Start Date: Thursday, July 02, 2026
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION
The Diefenbunker is Canada’s most significant surviving Cold War artifact — it is an impressive four-storey underground facility that operated as the country’s central communications headquarters during the Cold War, ready at any moment in case of a nuclear attack. Today, it is a one-of-a-kind museum and national historic site, telling stories of national and international importance and welcoming visitors from around the world.
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Curator, you will contribute to the growth, sustainability and stewardship of the museum as an artifact and of its collections and archives. This will include dedicated and consistent digitization work, contributing to our online database through our website, and working closely with our Collections Registrar. It also includes working towards completing collections reorganization and accessioning identified artifacts into the collection, cataloguing, and defining parameters to describe our collections. This role is directly linked to achieving our mandate to increase interest in and a critical understanding of the Cold War, by preserving the Diefenbunker as a national historic site, and operating a Cold War museum.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
● Complete goal of digitizing and publishing 500 complete Level 1 artifacts and archival material records into the online MINISIS database.
● Ongoing cataloguing and data entry of the museums’ archive and collections. Items to be catalogued and uploaded to MINISIS.
● Develop a final report on work completed during contract and recommendations for further collections enhancements.
● Other duties as related to the project.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
● 1 to 3 years of experience in collections management, museum studies, history, library and information science, IT, computer science, or business administration.
● Strong understanding of operational process and a proven ability to ensure efficient and effective day-to-day management.
● Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
● Attention to detail and accountable to results.
● Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving abilities and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
● Ability to make sound decisions and to seek clarification or further information as warranted by the situation.
● Highly organized, ensuring precise work completed to the required standard.
● Ability to provide a satisfactory Police Record Check.
● Applicant must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
POSITION ASSETS
● Working competency or fluency in French.
● Experience with collections database software.
● Experience working in a museum or cultural institution.
● Experience working in a not-for-profit organization.
● Post-secondary education in Administration, Business Management, IT, Library and Information Science, or related fields.
THE DIEFENBUNKER MUSEUM OFFERS:
● A fun, collaborative working environment.
● A place for continuous learning and growth.
● Robust onboarding and orientation.
● Flexible hours around core working hours.
● Free on-site parking for staff.
● Access to perks at other museums and attractions in Ontario.
To Apply:
Please send your cover letter and resume together in one PDF file via email to [email protected] with the subject line “[Your Name] - Collections Management Project Contractor”.
Thank you to all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Diefenbunker does not use AI-based screening, assessment, or selection tools in the recruitment process.
The Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity in our workforce. Should you require any accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact our team at the email address above.
Please note that there is no public transportation to the Diefenbunker from downtown Ottawa.
For more information about the Diefenbunker, please visit diefenbunker.ca
Pay: $21.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
