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Job Type: Permanent Full Time (80%)

Language Required: English

Annual Salary Range: $32,760 - $34,320 with two weeks (8 days) vacation.

 

We are seeking an imaginative, experienced individual who will report to the Museum Director and work closely with staff. The Museum Curator will breathe life and meaning into the museum collection and help make history accessible to the public. Individuals with a visitor-focused approach to museum work, experience working collaboratively and an interest in community engagement are encouraged to apply.

 

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About the Vancouver Police Museum & Archives

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A Living Heritage

We are dedicated to the gathering and sharing of information depicting the history of the Vancouver Police Department, the City Coroner’s Services and City Analyst’s Laboratory. We strive to achieve excellence in collections management, preservation, care, and conservation of artefacts and archival materials that conform to national and international museum standards to ensure best practices are applied. 

 

Our Values

The Vancouver Police Museum and Archives values offering a rounded perspective and providing an open and safe place to discuss topics of law enforcement and crime in Vancouver's past and present. The VPMA strives to provide an educational experience that looks beyond the VPD to engage visitors with intriguing contextual information that places the choices and practices of local law enforcement within a wider scope.

• Connecting with our visitors and our community

• Providing a rounded perspective and informative experience 

• Dedication to cultural heritage excellence

 

Job Summary

The Curator is responsible for stewardship, development and documentation of the museum collection and the development of exhibits in accordance with museological best practices. Reporting to the Museum Director and working collaboratively with team members, this position plays a key role in the management and success of the museum. The Curator serves as an important representative of the VPMA, acting as a liaison with the public on matters pertaining to the history of Vancouver’s Police Department, City Coroner’s Services and City Analyst’s Laboratory especially in their relation to forensic science and criminal investigation. 

 

Collection Management 

• Responsible for developing and implementing collection policies and procedures, including collection disaster planning, in conjunction with the Museum Director.

• Evaluates current practices, stays current with professional standards, and ensures long-term sustainability of the collection;

• Manages all aspects related to acquisitions and ensures that legal requirements are met;

• Responsible for the accurate documentation and records of the collection and related materials, including accessioning, cataloguing, managing restrictions, inventorying and tracking;

• Responsible for all aspects relating to care, handling, preservation and conservation of the artefact archival collection under the Museum's stewardship.

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Exhibit Development 

• Responsible for the development of exhibitions including: initial proposals, budgeting, research, design, fabrication, installation, and creation of related marketing materials;

• Manages the development and implementation of policies and procedures related with exhibitions. 

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Other Duties

• Manage and mentor volunteers in areas of interest and provide opportunities for future museum professionals to gain knowledgeable skills;

• Liaise with donors and build relationships with local community partners; 

• Participate in curatorial outreach and facilitate curatorial and archival research requests;

• Supervision of the contract archivist and archival volunteers;

• Delivery of museum tours or presentations at public events, or for promotion of exhibitions;

• Guest services support;

• General building maintenance duties;

• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Museum Director. 

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Desired Experience, Qualifications and Skills

• University degree, preferably at the graduate level, in Museum Studies, History, Art History, Anthropology, or other related discipline;

• A minimum of three years’ experience in a recognized museum-related position in a heritage context is preferred. A combination of education and experience may be considered;

• Proficiency using collections records management software or digital database systems for managing artefact collections would be an asset;

• Experience in managing an artefact collection with both digital and physical objects;

• Sound knowledge of Canadian museums standards, ethical practices, policies and procedures;

• Up to date knowledge of the theories, principles, practices and values of curatorial practice, including basic artefact conservation, and experience with their practical application;

• Experience with the full cycle of exhibit planning, development, design, fabrication and installation is required;

• A strong interest in local history, and a desire to connect people to Vancouver’s history;

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills marked by professionalism, teamwork, and courtesy;

• A self-starter who enjoys working independently and within a team;

• Demonstrated project management experience with excellent organizational and time management skills;

• Photographic skills are an asset;

• Ability to engage with collection records that encompass difficult or challenging content, and manage content restrictions;

• Knowledge of copyright, intellectual property and privacy legislation and their application in a museum collection setting are an asset;

• A valid British Columbia drivers licence is required, as is a criminal record check.

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Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Combination of work in an office environment, and onsite in exhibition and collection spaces;

• Requires lifting and moving objects up to 23 kg. Must be able to safely climb inclines, negotiate uneven surfaces, stairs and ladders;

• May require long periods at a desk, reading of lengthy documents, and time in front of a computer.

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Position Expectations

The Museum Curator is a permanent (80%) full-time position comprising 30 hours per week over 4 days, between Wednesday and Sunday. Some flexibility in scheduling is required to accommodate occasional evening shifts for special events and seasonal programming. Salary range is between $32,760 - $34,320  based on 30 hours per work week.

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We invite interested applicants to submit a cover letter and résumé combined as one PDF file 

via email to Diane Panozzo, Museum Director at adm@vancouverpolicemuseum.ca with the subject line Museum Curator Position. The cover letter should provide concrete examples that illustrate how they meet the education and experience aspects listed in the Desired Experience, Qualifications and Skills section.  

 

The Vancouver Police Museum & Archives is committed to employment equity and to building and maintaining an inclusive work environment that reflects the diversity of the audiences we serve. We strongly encourage applications from qualified individuals who are LGBTQ2S+, BIPOC, and persons with disabilities. Should you require accommodation during the application or hiring process, please be in touch with us at adm@vancouverpolicemuseum.ca, so that we may meet your needs.

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This job competition will remain open until it is filled. Interviews will start the week of June 28, 2021. We are grateful to all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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