Museum Assistant
We are looking for a museum assistant to help with a modernization project currently ongoing within the Kaatza Station Museum. The position will be tasked with designing (including research and refining available information) and beginning construction on a new exhibit focused on the forest industry within the Cowichan Lake region and of the International Woodworkers of America (IWA) Union.
Museum Background:
The Kaatza Historical Society began in 1974 and the Kaatza Museum opened in the 1980s following the renovation of the local Canadian Pacific rail station originally built in 1913. The museum focuses on the history of the Cowichan Lake region; this includes the Town of Lake Cowichan, the T’suubaa-asatx First Nation, neighboring communities such as Youbou, and a wealth of forestry history.
Lake Cowichan is located approximately 30km west of Duncan, BC on Vancouver Island. The town is a small rural setting so commuting to work is a necessity given limited rental options. Car share options are available if possible via museum staff. The museum has been undergoing a modernization process over the last few years, replacing displays, re-organizing collections, and establishing relations and partnerships with local and provincial organizations.
This contract position focuses on the largest display and exhibit room present in the museum. Forestry and logging served as the backbone of economic stability and development throughout the Cowichan Lake region during the 20th century and with it, the IWA Union played an instrumental part in pushing for union rights for industry workers and has notable events throughout its history regarding environmental and social movements.
The intent will be to replace the existing display with one that follows a current design philosophy and incorporates history and perspectives from individuals and communities that are currently underrepresented or were previously unknown in the present display. The position will also entail community engagement, as the logging history is a central component of the local history and doing it properly while also modernizing it to include diverse perspectives from other groups involved is essential.
Tasks include but not limited to:
- In cooperation with the museum curator and extended staff, research, develop, and begin construction of a new exhibit on the history of the forest industry in the Cowichan Lake region.
- Adhering to Chenhall artifact nomenclature standards, dismantle the existing exhibit and integrate those items into the recently reworked collections management system.
- Physical deconstruction and renovation of the current exhibit with the assistance of museum staff.
- Work with the museum curator on additional projects such as temporary pop-up displays during public events or aid in the operation of the museum when needed.
Application deadline for this position is September 23rd with a start date aiming for 1 week later (the start date is somewhat flexible depending on candidate availability). The position is a 6 month (26 week) contract position through YCW. E-mail a resume and cover letter to kaatzamuseum@shaw.ca and fill out the "interest in position" section of the YCW job post.
Qualifications:
• A Bachelor of Arts in History, Museum Studies, Archives, Public History, Cultural Resource Management, English, or a related discipline is required. Relevant experience will also be considered.
• An interest and/or knowledge in Canadian history and ideally local history as it pertains to the Cowichan Valley region on Vancouver Island, BC.
• Experience working with a museum, archive, art gallery, or a familiarity with museum practices would be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of museum software such as PastPerfect and of standard office programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, and Publisher. Knowledge of Photoshop and other editing software will be an asset.
• Candidate must be able to provide a clean criminal record check.
This position is funded through the Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage. Refer to the YCW Job Post for additional job requirements.
