Job Posting: Collections Intern

The Summerland Museum and Archives Society is a team dedicated to keeping our community’s history alive. Our vision statement is to commit to the passionate exploration of Summerland’s history. We carry out this vision statement by engaging the community in a variety of public programming such as historical tours, educational activities for children, exhibits, and hosting presentations.

Summerland is situated within the beautiful South Okanagan Valley. With a population of about 12,000 people, Summerland is an agricultural community with a location that makes it a natural tourist hot spot, particularly in relation to wine tourism, the Ornamental Gardens, and the Kettle Valley Railway. It has many opportunities for indoor and outdoor recreation, as well as a vibrant arts community.

The Summerland Museum and Archives Society is looking for a Collections Intern from September 2023 to early March 2024 (flexible start and end dates may be considered). This position will provide direct hands-on, career-related experience for a recent graduate considering a career relating to museum work. Volunteer or work experience at a museum or similar heritage organization is an asset.

The position involves working with the Curator on a Collections Documentation Project. The Collections intern will be responsible for assisting with the implementation of this project, including but not limited to:

•           sorting, filing and updating collections records;

•           data cleaning of the Museum’s collections database;

•           assessing and deaccessioning items as determined by the collections criteria;

•           assisting the Curator in implementing a full artifact collection inventory;

•           accessioning, documenting and photographing artifacts;

•           and other related duties related to museum operations.

The candidate must (as required by Young Canada Works):

•           be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada (non-Canadians holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent status are not eligible);

•           be legally entitled to work in Canada;

•           be between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment;

•           be willing to commit to the full duration of the work assignment;

•           not have another full-time job (over 30 hours a week) while employed with the program;

•           be unemployed or underemployed;

•           be a college or university graduate; and

•           not receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits while employed with the program.

The ideal candidate will:

•           have a bachelor’s or higher degree in Archival Studies, Library and Information Sciences, Museum Studies, Digital Humanities, History and/or other related degree/diploma;

•           be familiar with using collection management systems and digitization methods and devices;

•           have experience using PC operating systems and the ability to work with new software;

•           have strong multi-tasking and time management skills;

•           have education, practical training and/or experience working with the public;

•           be an adaptable and energetic self-starter who is friendly, responsible, and conscientious;

•           have basic research experience and a willingness to learn new research skills;

•           have a working knowledge of the history of Summerland or the Okanagan area;

The successful candidate is required to supply a criminal record check and a copy of their credentials.

The Summerland Museum and Archives recognizes the benefits of having a diverse team and an inclusive work space.

Members of the BIPoC and LGBTQIA2S+ communities and other underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours/ week

Contract Length: 25 weeks between September 4th 2023 to March 1st 2024

Rate of Pay: $19/ hour

Closing Date: 5:00 PM, August 11th, 2023

To Apply: Please send resume and cover letter via email to curator@summerlandmuseum.org with the subject line “Collections Intern Position”. We want to thank all applicants; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.