Collections Assistant
Government of Nunavut · NU · CA$103,476–CA$117,452 (stated in the posting)
Title: Collections Assistant
Department: Culture and Heritage
Community: Gatineau, QC
Requisition Number: 1006
Type of Employment: Term ending March 31, 2027
Salary range: $103,476 to $117,452 per year, 37.5 hours/week
Housing: Subsidized Staff Housing is not Available
Union Status: Nunavut Employees Union
Closing date: November 13, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m. eastern time
This employment opportunity is open to all applicants. Applicants must be currently eligible to work in Canada.
An eligibility list may be created to fill future vacancies.
As this is a term position until March 31, 2027, current indeterminate Government of Nunavut employees may be offered a competitive transfer assignment for the duration of the term if they are deemed to be the successful candidate, however this is subject to managerial approval.
Reporting to the Manager, Heritage Collections, the Collections Assistant is responsible for processing and facilitating access to the Government of Nunavut’s (GN) Heritage Collections at the Canadian Museum of Nature’s Collections and Research Facility in Gatineau QC. The position ensures that written and photographic documentation activities are carried out according to professional museum standards. This includes cataloguing, photo documentation, collection inventories, catalogue searches, retrievals and assisting visitors and researchers to access the collections. The position will also provide information, services, and advice on the GN Collections to external stakeholders including the public, researchers, museums, donors, lenders, community heritage organizations and various levels of government.
The Collections Assistant s main responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Processing collections by cataloging, researching and describing collection material;
Contributing to maintaining accurate written and electronic information about the holdings, including the Collections catalogue/database by adding and updating information;
Assisting with selections through catalogue/database searches;
Confirming accuracy of collection documentation, such as availability, measurements and description;
Assisting with the preparation of collection material for exhibition or loan, including packing and unpacking;
Providing collection documentation for researchers and other visitors in accordance with copyright legislation and Heritage Collections Program policies;
Responding to internal and external requests for collection information.
The knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this job are usually obtained through a recognized:
- Post-secondary certificate or diploma in Museum Studies or Collections Management;
- three (3) years’ experience working with multi-disciplinary collections in a Museum, Archives or Cultural Heritage Centre;
- One (1) year working with Inuit collections;
- Master’s degree in museum studies is considered as an asset.
This is a Position of Trust and a satisfactory Criminal Record Check is required.
The Official Languages of Nunavut are Inuktitut, English and French. Applicants may submit their resume in any of the official languages of Nunavut. Fluency in more than one of Nunavut’s official languages would be considered an asset. Knowledge of Inuit communities, culture, land, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, Inuktitut and experience working in a northern cross-cultural environment are also considered assets.
Acceptable combinations of education and experience may be considered for this position. We encourage you to apply if you have equivalent years of education and/or experience equal to the education and experience requirements listed above.
- The Government of Nunavut is committed to creating a representative workforce; therefore, priority will be given to Nunavut Inuit who self-identify as being enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement in accordance with the Priority Hiring Policy.
- Government of Nunavut employees serving a probationary period must obtain and provide written authorization from the deputy head of their employing department. The authorization from the deputy head must accompany your application for your application to be considered.
- Possession of a criminal record may not disqualify candidates from being considered. An assessment of the criminal record will be measured against the scope and duties of the position. This is only a requirement for positions that require a satisfactory criminal record or vulnerable sector check.
- Applicants may submit their resume in any of the Official Languages of Nunavut.
- Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
- The onus is on candidates in receipt of foreign post-secondary education credentials to have their foreign credentials assessed through a recognized Canadian education institution. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of their application.
The Government of Nunavut was selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, Top Employers for Young People and recent graduates. With one of the fastest growing and youngest populations in Canada, Nunavut is a dynamic, vibrant territory, committed to becoming an even better place for future generations. As a government, we are strengthening our unique model of governance - one that integrates Inuit societal values, promotes use of the Inuktut language, achieves a representative public service, and collaborates with partners to achieve the promise of Nunavut. Successful applicants will enjoy a competitive salary, medical and dental benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, relocation privileges and opportunities for training and career advancement.