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Job summary

The Collections Assistant will support a storage upgrade project by deinstalling exhibit cases, tracking objects, and performing cleaning protocols. They are responsible for documenting all collections activities and maintaining accurate records within the museum's database.

Job details

Staff - Union Job Category CUPE 116 Job Profile CUPE 116 Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 2 Job Title Collections Assistant, Special Projects Department Collections Care and Case Contamination Project | Museum of Anthropology | Faculty of Arts Compensation Range $28.90 - $31.63 CAD Hourly Posting End Date September 25, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date November 30, 2027 There are 4 vacancies for this position. At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. Job Summary Collections Assistant, Special Project is a temporary, full-time position within the Collections Care, Management and Access Department at the Museum of Anthropology (MOA), working under the direction of the Conservator. Working as part of a team, the position will assist with a collections storage upgrade project, focusing on MOA’s visible storage gallery. Responsibilities will include: implementing established cleaning protocols; conducting object tracking; completing condition documentation including activity photography; and maintaining personal protective equipment. Organizational Status This position reports to the Conservator and works closely with the Collections Care Management and Access Department staff. Work Performed This position carries out a variety tasks related to the Collections special project including: Deinstalling collections from exhibit cases in MOA’s multiversity galleries, including maintaining accurate records of object placement, case hardware, exhibit labels and mounts. Performing consistent and precise object tracking between MOA collections spaces. Assessing all collections and materials types and following the appropriate and established cleaning procedures. Documenting all actions, including cleaning, mounting or rehousing. Cleaning exhibit casework following established procedures. Updating project database. Identifying and reporting data inconsistencies or gaps to senior staff for review. Performing sample collection and preparation for analysis as required. Maintaining clean, organized workspaces and equipment, including restocking supplies, managing laboratory laundry, and notifying supervisors of inventory requirements. Following all MOA safe work procedures and UBC Health and Safety guidelines. Fabricating handling supports. Liaise with collections and conservation staff for collections locations in preparation for case deinstallation. Consequence of Error/Judgement The Museum is a public trustee of rare and valuable collections; the Collections and Conservation Assistant is responsible for the safe keeping of both public and private collections, and for ensuring that the records associated with these collections are maintained. Errors could have financial, legal, ethical and other consequences for lenders and for the University. Supervision Received The position reports to the Conservator. Performance is judged by results (see Consequences of Error above) and in accordance with established procedures but exercising judgement in establishing priorities and carrying tasks is expected. Minimum Qualifications High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. - Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own - Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion Preferred Qualifications Education / Experience Practical training in collections management processes, or equivalent practical experience. Awareness and sensitivity to issues concerning collections originating from First Nations and other communities is required, as well as experience in working with the public and the university community. Skills / Knowledge A demonstrated competency making housing systems for museum collections or demonstrated hand skills. Awareness and sensitivity to issues concerning collections originating from First Nations and other originating communities. Knowledge of MOA's collections is preferred. Experience entering data in a collections management system. Basic knowledge of professional conservation ethics and material culture is desirable. Physical ability to perform the duties of the job. (e.g., lifting, standing, working at heights). Ability to accurately create and maintain records. Ability to efficiently and effectively coordinate tasks. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to exercise sound judgement while handling confidential or sensitive information. Some knowledge of workplace health and safety practices and experience working safely while using personal protective equipment PPE.

What you’ll do

The Collections Assistant will support a storage upgrade project by deinstalling exhibit cases, tracking objects, and performing cleaning protocols. They are responsible for documenting all collections activities and maintaining accurate records within the museum's database.

Requirements

Candidates must have a high school diploma and at least two years of related experience in collections management or a similar field. Strong organizational skills, physical ability to handle museum objects, and sensitivity to diverse cultural perspectives are required.

Listed skills

• Teamwork · Preferred
• Attention to detail · Preferred
• record keeping · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Data entry · Preferred
• Inventory management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Collections management
• Conservation ethics
• Object tracking
• Condition documentation
• Data entry
• Museum collections
• Material culture
• Handling supports fabrication
• Health and safety
• Inventory management
• Record keeping
• Communication
• Attention to detail
• Teamwork
• First Nations cultural sensitivity
• Innovation
• Ethical Standards And Conduct
• Writing
• Research
• Occupational Safety And Health
• Collections
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Social Work
• Anthropology
• Employment Equity
• Object Tracking
• Working at Heights
• Photography
• Care Management
• Collections Management
• Sample Collection
• Museum Collections Management

Job areas

• Art & Design
• Science & Research
• Education
• Administrative
• Special Collections Assistant
• Billing Clerk (General)
• Accounting and Bookkeeping Clerks
• Billing and Posting Clerks