Student Researcher

JOB POSTER

Position: Student Researcher, Collections and Programs (Summer 2026)

Presented by: Merrickville & District Historical Society (MDHS)

This position is conditional on funding through the Young Canada Works (YCW) in Heritage Organizations program.

POSITION DETAILS

Field

Description

Position Title

Student Researcher, Collections and Programs

Organization

Merrickville & District Historical Society (MDHS)

Duration

Full-time Term Position (Approx. May – August 2026)

Hours

Up to 40 hours per week

Wage Range

$20.04 to $24.29 per hour

Work Model

Hybrid: 3 days/week Remote + 2 days/week Onsite (at MDHS facilities, e.g., MDHS Archive or Merrickville Public Library)

OPPORTUNITY SUMMARY

Join the MDHS Cultural and Heritage Programs division! The Student Researcher will play a critical role in enhancing our capacity for research, exhibition development, and public programming by assisting with the intellectual and physical management of our artifacts and artworks. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in collections management and exhibit installation in a professional heritage setting.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES (Scope of Work)

The successful candidate will report to the Collections Officer/Cultural Planner and be responsible for tasks across three key areas:

1. Collections Management & Preservation:
   • Execute proper registration and comprehensive cataloguing (intellectual and physical) of new and existing artifacts and artworks.
   • Prepare and package artifacts for display, delivery, and installation, ensuring strict adherence to Provincial Conservation Standards.
   • Assist with maintaining optimal display, exhibition, and storage spaces, and documenting artifact shipments.
2. Historical Research & Documentation:
   • Conduct detailed historical research specific to the Merrickville area, including histories of local historical properties.
   • Execute specialized research to support exhibition themes, interpretation, and public programming.
3. Exhibition Implementation:
   • Provide technical support for exhibit installation, implementation, and dismantling. This includes using specialized tools for construction and physical preparation of the space.

CANDIDATE PROFILE & REQUIREMENTS

A. YCW Eligibility Requirements (MANDATORY)

Applicants MUST meet all Young Canada Works eligibility requirements, including:

• Be between 16 and 30 years of age.
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada.
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Be registered in the YCW online candidate inventory.
• Be a full-time student returning to school full-time in the next academic year (2026-2027).

B. Education and Experience (Preference Given)

• Enrollment: Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program.
• Field of Study: Preference for candidates in History, Art History, Museum Studies, Fine Arts, or Social Sciences.
• Experience (Minimum 1 Year): Demonstrated experience in collections management/registration AND/OR technical experience in a museum/gallery environment (e.g., using specialized tools for installation).

C. Mandatory Certifications and Licenses

• Current Standard First Aid, CPR and/or AED certificates.
• Valid Ontario unrestricted G class driver’s license (or provincial equivalent) with a clean driving record.

D. Key Skills and Competencies

• Communication: Strong organizational, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Detail-Oriented: Acute attention to detail for cataloguing and documentation.
• Work Ethic: Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision (essential for the remote work portion) and maintain flexibility.
• Physical: Ability to lift 40 pounds safely (required for exhibit preparation and installation).

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates who meet all YCW eligibility criteria should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their relevant experience (collections and technical)

Note on Conditions of Employment: The successful candidate must successfully complete a Criminal Records and Judicial Matters Check (Level 2) prior to commencement of work.

If you need assistance with applying to this position or have any other job search-related needs, please contact CSE in Kemptville at 613-258-6576 or in Prescott at 613-925-0222.