Young Canada Works Archives Intern

Program stream:     Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage

Work location:         Revelstoke, BC

Length of Assignment:   2021-October-04 to 2022-March-25

Hourly Wage:         $18.00 base wage plus vacation pay and employer-paid portion of EI,                                              WCB, CPP.

Duration:                 Full time (35 hours per week for 25 weeks).

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The Revelstoke Heritage Railway Society is seeking an Archives Intern from October 4th 2021 to March 25th 2022 as part of its archival and collections reorganization project. The Museum tells the story of Canada's mountain railways and is situated in one of Canada's original railway towns, equidistant between the iconic Rogers Pass and Craigellachie, site of the Last Spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway. We are known as one of Canada's finest small railway museums and have a collection of railway rolling stock, extensive collections of three-dimensional objects, archival material and photographs.

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The archival and collections reorganization project aims to update and upgrade the Revelstoke Railway Museum’s collections management practices to better align with the field’s current best practices. The full project encompasses a complete inventory of the object and archival collection, catalogue description and location entry in PastPerfect, photodocumentation and database entry for the archival collection from 1992 to 2008. Previously, much of this collection had only been catalogued into an excel spreadsheet.

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As part of this project, the intern’s primary focus will be processing archival materials in the Revelstoke Railway Museum’s collections and creating archival records for them in the Museum’s PastPerfect collections management system. The intern’s primary goal will be to complete database entry for accession and artifact records from 1994 to 1996. As time permits, the intern will also support the Curator’s work in accessioning new donations, developing exhibits, managing the objects collection, and assisting with social media. Tasks may include scanning, research, and writing descriptive text.

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This project will contribute to the intern’s overall employability in the museum field by helping them to develop practical and valuable archival and collections management skills, such as description, research, organization, inventory, and photodocumentation. It will also help them develop database cataloguing skills, specifically with PastPerfect software. This is an opportunity to make a significant difference to the archives of a small institution.

 

Main Duties:

- entering accession numbers,

- creating new records,

- scanning and/or photographing archival materials,

- developing physical descriptions,

- numbering and storing archival materials including physical storage and location information,

- inventorying the archival collection,

- handling and moving archival materials using standard techniques.

 

Requirements:

- successful completion of post-secondary education, with preference given to those who have graduated from a recognized museum studies or archival management program

- basic computer skills, ideally including experience with Microsoft and Adobe Suite

- a working knowledge of PastPerfect is a definite asset

- strong orientation to detail and a high degree of organizational skills

- high level of self-motivation

- excellent verbal and written communication skills

- strong analytical and problem solving skills

- past work experience in a museum or archive is a definite asset

- sensitivity and care in handling archival materials and museum artifacts

- eligibility for employment in the Young Canada Works Building Careers in Heritage program as detailed below:

 

Eligibility:

An individual may be eligible for a YCW-BCH internship if they:

- are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada (non-Canadians holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent status are not eligible);

- are legally entitled to work in Canada;

- are between 16 and 30 years of age at the start of employment;

- are willing to commit to the full duration of the work assignment;

- will not have another full-time job (over 30 hours a week) while employed with the program;

- are unemployed or underemployed;

- are a college or university graduate; and

- are not receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits while employed with the program.

Note: Priority will be given to graduates that have not previously participated in YCW internship programs.

 

To ensure Young Canada Works (YCW) eligibility, all applicants must register online at: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/young-canada-works/students-graduates/careers-heritage-graduates.html

 

Applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those who belong to minority communities and those who have disabilities, are encouraged to apply. This position is subject to grant approval.

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This is an excellent opportunity to obtain practical and valuable skills while making a difference to a significant archival collection and, in leisure time, enjoying the unparalleled scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities in one of Canada’s premiere mountain communities.

 

Please apply by sending your resume and cover letter to Curator Laura VanZant at by August 31st, 2021.

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Museum Store and Visitor Services Attendant

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Full-time (8 hours a day).  Overtime work is rare.

$16 per hour + employer EI & CPP contributions

Deadline for applications: July 31, 2021

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The Revelstoke Railway Museum is seeking an energetic, outgoing individual to join our visitor services and retail team on a full-time basis.  This role is a great opportunity to work at one of Revelstoke’s cornerstone cultural facilities and meet people at one of Revelstoke’s most popular tourist attractions.

 

Overview:

Museum Store Attendants are integral to the museum’s success and help to create an accessible and enjoyable museum and retail experience for all visitors. In this front-of-house position, attendants are visitors’ first point of contact, providing a welcoming reception and sharing knowledge of the Museum and collection. In addition to processing admission, attendants are responsible for assisting visitors within the Museum Store, processing the sale of merchandise, memberships and transactional payments. This position also collaborates closely with and supports our Retail Manager in various aspects of store administration.  

 

Responsibilities:

• Opening and closing the Museum following an established procedure.

• Providing visitors with a warm and professional welcome, detailed information and support services to visitors upon reception.

• Collecting and processing admission fees and membership and museum store sales.

• Answering questions regarding wayfinding in the museum, and COVID-19 related safety and protocol.

• Providing visitors with an enjoyable shopping experience.

• Preparing merchandise shipments from our on-line store.

• Receiving and tagging merchandise and prepare it for sale.

• Assisting with museum store display and inventory.

• Maintaining COVID-19 prevention protocols (e.g. ensuring hand sanitizer stations are full, checking signal lights, periodically wiping high-touch areas).

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Skills and Competencies:

The successful candidate will have the following skills and competencies:

• Available to work 5 days per week including weekdays, weekends and holidays.  The ability to work some weekends and holidays is essential.

• Possesses strong people and communication skills, works well with others and has a friendly and outgoing approach in interacting with diverse visitors.  Experience dealing with the public in a customer service or hospitality environment is preferred.

• Works accurately and multi-tasks well under pressure, manages time well and remains focused and attentive during quieter times.

• Has excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Has an aptitude for basic mathematical calculations and record keeping necessary to accurately perform the retail and ticket selling duties.

• Shows initiative, follows procedures and works well under minimal supervision.

• Committed to following COVID prevention protocols.

• Experience in using cash register, credit sale machine, performing cash handling, credit card transactions, and opening and closing routines.  Experience in using an electronic point-of-sale terminal such as Shopify is preferred.

• Able to lift, move and carry up to 20 kg

 

Please Note: Applications will only be considered for individuals who are already legally eligible to work in Canada.

 

E-mail your resume to: railway@telus.net or mail to:

Revelstoke Railway Museum

Attention: Retail Manager

719 Track St West

PO Box 3018

Revelstoke, BC

V0E 2S0

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