Assistant Curator of Collections - Calgary, AB

Job Title: Assistant Curator of Collections · Department: Programming and Experience – Curatorial · Position Type: Permanent Full-Time · Hours: 35 hours per week · Application Deadline: March 6, 2026 · Expected Start Date: April 7, 2026 · What we offer: · Flexible work arrangemen ...

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Curator of Collections

Department: Programming and Experience – Curatorial

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time

Hours: 35 hours per week

Application Deadline: March 6, 2026

Expected Start Date: April 7, 2026

What we offer:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Comprehensive Benefits package includes Extended Health Care, Dental Benefits, Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Employee and Family Assistant Program (EFAP)
• Employer-matched Pension Plan at 5%
• Generous paid time off, including Vacation days, Sick Time
• Working in a beautiful park setting
• Free entrance to the Park, including to our many public special events
• Employee discounts on food and retail items and free parking

Who We Are:

Heritage Park is Canada's largest living history museum and offers visitors a chance to experience life in Western Canada from the 1860s to the early 1950s. The park features historical buildings, costumed interpreters, working antiques, and various exhibits that provide insight into the region's past.

Job Overview:

Under the direction of the Curator of Collections, the Assistant Curator of Collections will be responsible for performing a variety of duties associated with collections, exhibits, and research at Heritage Park. As part of the growing curatorial team, this position will work closely with other departments to ensure the care of our collections and accuracy of historical information.

Responsibilities:

Collections Care & Management

• Assist with proper documentation of the museum collections, including accessioning and de-accessioning, cataloging, donations and other records
• Play a key role in the ongoing inventory of artifacts, ensuring accurate record-keeping, collaborating closely with the Curator of Collections throughout the process
• Preparation of artifacts for storage or display
• Conducts regular preventive conservation and cleaning of exhibit and collection spaces, including tasks related to seasonal site opening and closing, in accordance with Alberta Museum Association best practices
• Maintains organization of the artifact receiving room in consultation with the Curator of Collections
• Assists with exhibit installation and maintenance
• Supports collection digitization projects (including photography) under the guidance of the Curator of Collections, ensuring efficient and accurate preservation of historical materials in digital formats
• Coordinates volunteers for curatorial projects
• Aiding in the packing and relocation of objects
• Database management and cleanup
• Perform other duties as required

Organizational Excellence and Wellbeing

• Contribute to inspiring and immersive experiences at the Park by engaging in Heritage Park initiatives that align with our mission and vision, ensuring authenticity in our historical setting and stories.
• Actively support a positive work environment by creating an atmosphere of inclusion, engagement, belonging, and fulfillment for employees and volunteers, in line with Heritage Park values.
• Recognize all contributors to our community as integral to our success, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
• Demonstrate responsible stewardship of our people, collections, and financial assets by driving growth with innovation, transparency, and financial sustainability, while embracing our historical assets and recognizing all contributors.
• Demonstrate commitment to workplace health and safety by complying with Heritage Park's Health, Safety and Environment Management System (HSEMS), following safe work practices, reporting work-related incidents, injuries, and hazards, participating in employer training, and adhering to policies including the Code of Conduct and the Workplace Violence and Harassment policy.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum completion of Bachelor's degree in History, Museum Studies, Art History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Canadian Studies or related field is required; Masters' degree or further certification considered an asset
• Minimum 2 years combined experience with a collection, research, or exhibit-based museum position
• Prior experience in a museum setting is an asset
• Prior knowledge and expertise in museum cataloguing practices is an asset
• Demonstratable historical research and critical analysis skills and understanding of Western Canadian History and material culture
• Strong organizational, analytical, and computer skills; experience with FileMaker Pro or other collections database, Microsoft Sharepoint, Photoshop, considered an asset
• Energetic and creative individual with a willingness to contribute and share ideas
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently
• Commitment to growth in leadership skills and professional development
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills in a client-faced setting
• All successful candidates (over the age of 18) will be required to go through Police Information Check as a condition of employment.

Special Clothing and Equipment:

• Professional attire is required when in the office;
• Appropriate costuming and safety equipment will be provided by Heritage Park if applicable; and
• Footwear, as designated by the Heritage Park Costume Department, will be provided by the employee.

Special Working Conditions:

• The position will be exposed to weather extremes and will work both indoors and outdoors; and
• This position is physically demanding, and the incumbent must have the ability to lift heavy items, stand for long periods of time and walk throughout the Park for extended periods during set-up, delivery and take-down.
• Majority of time will be concentrated in exhibit spaces

Hours of Work:

• The standard hours for this position are 35 hours per week;
• The schedule will generally be five consecutive days per week (Monday to Friday); and
• Occasional evening, and weekend work may be required