Overview
Curatorial Assistant, Exhibition Coordinator – Museum Jobs in Markham, Canada at City of Markham
Title: Curatorial Assistant, Exhibition Coordinator – Museum
Company: City of Markham
Location: Markham, Canada
Category:
Applications are now being received for an enthusiastic candidate for a temporary contract position of Curatorial Assistant (YCW Graduate Internship) – Exhibition Coordinator in the Markham Museum, part of the Economic Growth, Culture & Entrepreneurship Department.
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. Applicants should review to confirm eligibility.
Job Summary
The Markham Museum is a 25-acre site with 31 modern and historic buildings, gardens, orchards and landscape features that aid our interpretation of local history. It hosts 50,000 visitors annually, including programs, camps, events and private rentals. The museum also has 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 to support the planning and design of a major temporary and touring exhibition on the theme of “LAND.” This project is co‑produced with the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) Museum & Archives and supported by the Government of Canada. The intern will also assist with large community events, outreach activities and maintenance of existing exhibitions.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Document progress in planning and design for the upcoming exhibition, monitor project budget and timelines, schedule meetings and follow up with staff and partners to ensure critical milestones and standards are met.
Update and maintain project management tools, recommending efficiencies and ensuring accountability across the team.
Draft preliminary tender documents, assemble vendor lists and assist with managing a competitive bidding process in compliance with municipal by‑laws and grant terms.
Track copyright, credits, loan agreements for objects and any purchases for props, toys or interactive elements.
Maintain an accurate credit panel list.
Create touring agreements and develop accompanying frameworks for installation instructions and educational kits, working with YRDSB couriers to ensure designs fit shuttle requirements.
Conduct research and visit local organisations, repositories and individuals to gather supporting information for the project, documenting all contributions.
Present exhibition schedule updates to the Collections Committee (and Board).
Recommend and implement improvements to procedures and reporting systems.
Assist with care and maintenance of existing exhibitions, including routine tasks, repairs, dismantling, and re‑installation to professional standards; support minor additions to shows, pop‑ups and events.
Participate in regular team meetings, networking opportunities and social events as appropriate; support colleagues as requested.
Work safely and responsibly, respecting all corporate policies; report incidents promptly using correct forms and processes.
Perform other duties as required.
Required Skills and Competencies
Completion of a post‑secondary degree or diploma in a related field such as Museum Studies, Archives, History, Anthropology, Archaeology, Natural History, Education or another relevant discipline.
Interest in museum work as a potential future career.
Ability to present information professionally in both verbal and written forms.
Experience working with volunteers.
Successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Screening check as required by the City of Markham.
Curiosity and passion for art, natural history or human history.
Proficiency in MS Office, database management and keyboarding skills.
Demonstrated research and writing skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with sensitivity to diverse staff.
Excellent organisational skills, teamwork, independence, attention to detail and problem‑solving ability.
Values: customer service, innovation, fiscal accountability, inclusiveness, results orientation, teamwork, communication and quality focus.
Capacity for light heavy lifting (up to 20 kg) and general physical activity on a 25‑acre site, including outdoor work and exposure to weather variations.
Knowledge of digital photography is an asset.
Experience managing artefacts and archived…