Museum Operations Worker (Seasonal)

Position Details

• Employment Type: Seasonal
• Contract Duration: Anticipated contract duration begins April 15, 2027
• Department: Museum

Position Summary

The Museum Operations Worker Seasonal position is part of a team responsible for the creation, maintenance and operation of the skating trail, as well as preventive care and maintenance of the museum’s collection and facilities, including equipment and heritage buildings. The Museum Operations Worker undertakes preventive care of the Simcoe County Museum facilities and grounds, including artifact preventive maintenance and special projects under the direction of the Museum Operations Supervisor.

The Museum Operations Worker performs a variety of museum-specific preventive conservation, exhibit prop fabrication and installation, and artifact handling duties in accordance with established procedures and policies of the County and applicable legislation.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Museum Operations Supervisor, build, maintain and operate the skating trail. Ensure the safe operation of the trail.
• Under the direction of the Museum Operations Supervisor and in collaboration with the Collections Technician, perform preventive conservation repairs related to the Simcoe County Museum heritage buildings, contents, artifacts, galleries, and grounds.
• Complete the construction and set-up of displays and/or builds for special exhibits and events, including arranging and hanging artwork and/or static displays, on and off site.
• Interpret exhibit designs and shop drawings to fabricate final builds.
• Perform duties including, but not limited to, basic carpentry and construction, painting, finishing, basic plumbing, upkeep of mechanical equipment, basic electrical troubleshooting of minor electrical issues on heritage machinery and equipment, basic welding, minor repairs, building cleaning and general duties as required.
• Ensure any unusual concerns or circumstances related to the site are brought to the Museum Operations and Site Supervisor’s attention to initiate repairs.
• Service, install and perform repairs on defined heritage equipment, heritage buildings, heritage vehicles, exhibition systems and controls, within established safety guidelines.
• Conduct the safe and secure transport of large heritage machinery and artifacts to offsite demonstrations and to the Museum.
• Ensure properties, including Museum galleries, exhibitions and heritage structures, are in good working order on a day-to-day basis and perform general building upkeep duties.
• Maintain site-related documentation using manual and computerized systems throughout the Simcoe County Museum facilities as required.
• Assist with safety and maintenance inspections as required.
• Conduct heritage building and operational maintenance, including groundskeeping such as snow shoveling and removal.
• Maintain records, utilize approved systems and follow preventive conservation schedules as required.
• Utilize and reconcile County purchases using approved systems and conduct deliveries and pick-ups as required.
• Attend and participate in meetings as required.
• Perform all assigned duties in accordance with conservation techniques, recognized Simcoe County Museum standards and all applicable legislation.
• Comply with Simcoe County Museum Standard Operating Policies, Procedures and Guidelines.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned, including redeployment in emergency situations.
• Comply with provincial and County occupational health and safety legislation, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Corporate Competencies

Has knowledge of and demonstrated ability in the following corporate competencies:

• Acts with the Customer in Mind
• Ensures Accountability
• Continuously Seeks to Improve Work Processes
• Collaborates
• Communicates with Impact
• Is Resilient

Education, Technical Skills And Certification

• Grade 12 diploma. This job may be considered for educational equivalency in accordance with County Policy.
• Knowledge of building operations, including mechanical and structural elements.
• Strong knowledge of rough and fine carpentry and/or construction obtained through relevant experience or apprenticeship.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work well with external and internal customers.
• Highly motivated with excellent customer and interpersonal skills and capable of working well under pressure.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt positively to change in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with an ability to learn and operate in a fast-paced, multi-functional environment where priorities change on a regular basis.
• Basic mathematical, computer and office equipment skills.
• Ability to operate assigned equipment and tools.
• Ability to act independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Manual quickness, dexterity and initiative required.
• Valid G class driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle. Class DZ would be considered an asset.
• Criminal Records Check that is less than six months old at time of hire.

Experience

• Minimum one year of experience within a museum environment or one year of related experience handling heritage pieces.

Effort

• Some heavy physical activities are required, including shoveling, lifting, building and moving furniture, transporting and handling heavy artifacts, and working in heritage buildings and confined spaces.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Working Conditions

• Exposure to dust, mold, dirt, chemicals, cleaning solvents, etc.
• Many duties are performed outside, year-round.