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.
Applications are now being received for an enthusiastic candidate for the temporary contract position of Curatorial Assistant (YCW Graduate Internship) – Collections Review in The Markham Museum in the Economic Growth, Culture & Entrepreneurship Department Development Services Commission. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter online by June 30th, 2026.
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
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Prepare and update inventory lists of items for each major collection area. Draft recommendations on what is to be kept, conserved or deaccessioned.
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Develop a preliminary list of strengths and gaps in each section of the collection that will be incorporated into a new Collecting Strategy based on the exhibition, research and public program goals outlined in our new strategic plan.
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When required, identify storage upgrades. Plan, budget and implement priority improvements with support of volunteers and students. Train and direct volunteers on identified projects.
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Propose consolidation strategies for collections, where appropriate, to improve use of space, general care and management.
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Present recommendations to Collections Committee (and Board).
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Implement and recommend improvements to procedures and reporting systems.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Other duties as required.
REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
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Applicants must be a recent graduate with a degree or a diploma in a related field, including but not limited to: Museum Studies, Archives, History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Natural History, Education and have an interest in museum work as a possible future career
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Ability to present information in a professional manner both verbally and in writing
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Experience working with volunteers
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Completion of a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening check as determined by the City of Markham.
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Work at Heights, Fire Arms Possession and Acquisition License, High Five PCHD Certification and G Drivers License is an asset;
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A natural curiosity and a passionate interest in art, natural history or human history
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Computer skills – standard Microsoft Office Suite and proficiency with managing large amounts of data with care and precision. Knowledge of digital photography and an understanding of collections management software and thesaurus-based cataloguing would be an asset
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Experience working with artifact and archival collections and knowledge of preventive conservation methods is an asset.
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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 maneuverability on a 25-acre site.
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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.
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An understanding of collections management software and thesaurus-based cataloguing would be considered an asset.
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Good verbal/written communication skills and sensitivity to interact with a diversity of staff in a courteous and efficient manner.
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Excellent organizational skills
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Strong teamwork skills
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Ability to work independently
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Excellent attention to detail
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Second language is asset.
CORE BEHAVIOURS
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Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
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Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
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Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
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Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
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Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
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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
