WHO WE ARE
Opened in 1914 and welcoming over 1.3 million visitors annually, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada's most-visited 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 world’s foremost 21st-century museums, we seek passionate and dynamic team members who embody our mission and values.
WHO WE NEED
We are seeking a Wet Collections Intern to support wet collections operations for Summer 2026. This full-time, grant-funded contract position, supported through the Ontario Summer Employment Opportunities (SEO) Program, contributes to the critical care, preservation, and stewardship of the Royal Ontario Museum’s (ROM) extensive Insects & Invertebrates collections.
In this role, you will support the maintenance and preservation of ethanol-preserved specimens, an essential collections care activity that helps ensure the long-term stability, accessibility, and integrity of ROM’s wet collections. You will assist with monitoring specimen containers, identifying preservation concerns, and supporting conservation-focused collection management activities.
Working closely with ROM’s Insects & Arachnids team, this opportunity offers valuable hands-on experience in museum collections care, natural history preservation, and conservation operations within one of North America’s leading cultural institutions. This position is ideal for students or emerging museum and natural history professionals seeking practical experience in collections stewardship and preservation practices.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT-
Support the inventory management, inspection, and topping up of ethanol-preserved specimens, ensuring accuracy and compliance with collections management standards and fire code regulations.
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Identify and report preservation concerns, including evaporation, container deterioration, label degradation, or storage-related risks.
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Follow established museum protocols for specimen handling, storage, collections care, and chemical safety procedures related to wet collections.
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Assist with maintaining organized, safe, and accessible collection storage environments.
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Maintain accurate records, document progress, and support ongoing collections tracking and preservation initiatives.
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Collaborate closely with the Wet Collections Technician and Insects & Arachnids team to support departmental goals and project timelines.
WHAT YOU BRING-
Currently enrolled in or recently completed a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree specializing in Zoology, Biology, Museum Studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
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Previous museum, collections, laboratory, or research experience, preferably involving biological specimens or wet collections.
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Strong attention to detail and the ability to conduct careful, methodical work with a high degree of accuracy.
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Ability to work independently and demonstrate sound judgment in a collections-based environment.
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Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
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Comfort working with ethanol-preserved specimens and related chemicals while following established health and safety protocols. Appropriate PPE and training will be provided.
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Ability to safely lift and move containers weighing up to 50 lbs. (22 kg) and climb ladders to access collection storage areas.
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Ability to maintain concentration and accuracy while performing detailed, repetitive tasks for extended periods.
SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT-
START DATE: June 2026
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DURATION: 12-14 weeks
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OPEN DATE: May 22, 2026
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CLOSE DATE: June 5, 2026
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STATUS: Full-time Contract
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EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-Union
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EXPECTED COMPENSATION: $17.60 per hour
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SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly
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PROBATIONARY PERIOD: The internship period will serve as the evaluation period for this role.
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LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON
This position is funded through the Ontario Summer Employment Opportunities (SEO) Program. Applicants must meet the program’s eligibility requirements, including being legally entitled to work in Canada and eligible to participate in the SEO program at the time of hire.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS-
Initial conversation: A 30-minute virtual conversation** with a Recruiter to discuss your interest in the role and ROM and how you can make an impact.
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First interview: A 1-hour in-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and a member of the HR team. This in-depth interview will focus on your skills and how they align with the team's and ROM's needs.
The above-listed process may change or vary based on the nature and scope of the position.
**All virtual conversations and interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and may be recorded.**
WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE ROM-
Cultural engagement: Daily interactions with Toronto's diverse culture and international visitors offer insights into social and cultural trends. We champion inclusive community programs and connections through diverse experiences.
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Continuous learning: At ROM, expertise and continuous skill development are paramount. Our culture of curiosity and open-mindedness fosters growth beyond traditional career paths.
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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.
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Team & culture: ROM promotes a positive workplace with collaborative, supportive teams that encourage creativity and innovation. We value new ideas and collective problem-solving.
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Academic collaboration: We are committed to education, partnering with universities and providing student resources, underscoring our dedication to research and accessibility.
If you’re excited about this role, even if your experience differs from the specific requirements, we encourage you to apply. We’re keen to meet candidates who can contribute their talents to our goals, and will consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
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
[email protected] for assistance.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION-
ROM does not require “Canadian experience.” International applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.
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ROM uses technology-assisted tools (including JazzHR TalentFit) to support the review and screening of applications. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.
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This posting is for an existing vacancy.
APPLY NOW
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that all candidates receiving a verbal job offer will be subject to a background check. This includes a criminal background check and verification of professional references, and, other checks depending on the role.
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