Website R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum
Our mission is to connect people to where we are by engaging with our history, and our vision is to be the best heritage and cultural destination in the BC Interior. Our core values—legacy, quality, and teamwork—guide all our activities.
Job Opportunity: Curator at R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum
The Salmon Arm Museum and Heritage Association operates R.J. Haney Heritage Village in Salmon Arm, BC, and is seeking its next Curator.
Our retiring Curator describes this position as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! The Village is a magical place and the largest heritage attraction in the Shuswap. Are you the perfect candidate?
About R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum: R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum is a 40-acre property dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of the Shuswap region. Located on agricultural land with Canoe Creek running through the property, the Village features a vibrant Heritage Village, museum exhibits, and special events that attract over 20,000 visitors annually. It is a key cultural and historical hub in Salmon Arm, BC.
Under the direction of the General Manager, the Curator helps shape the future of the Association’s collections, exhibits, and programs, which form the foundation of our guest experience. The Curator serves as historian and content authority, ensuring that exhibits and programs are developed with integrity, sensitivity to multiple perspectives, and engagement with a diverse community.
Key Responsibilities:
- Curatorial Management
- Oversee research efforts for the Association’s Tactical Plan, focusing on historical components and design elements for the Village’s development and growth.
- Develop and implement a three-year exhibit plan, collection management strategies, and preservation initiatives.
- Assess the design and effectiveness of exhibits, enhancements, and restoration projects in line with the Association’s Tactical Plan.
- Review and update Curatorial policies and procedures based on best practices and guidelines from the BC Museums Association and Canadian Museum Association.
- Provide expert guidance on curatorial collections, exhibitions, and research initiatives.
- Cultivate strategic partnerships with community and professional entities to enhance departmental capabilities.
- Build relationships with Secwepemc Nations and local Métis community members, respecting protocols and cultural systems when managing collections and creating exhibits on Indigenous history.
- Develop and manage annual budgets for exhibitions, curatorial activities, and collection asset maintenance.
- Coordinate approved projects, collaborating with Heritage Village staff and external contractors.
- Foster excellent working relationships with donors, community partners, and other stakeholders.
- Respond to research and collections inquiries from staff, museum professionals, and the public.
- Manage a small team of volunteers and supervise Young Canada Works and Canada Summer Jobs students as required.
- Exhibitions
- Implement the exhibit plan.
- Use sensory experiences such as sound, smell, and sight to bring community stories to life.
- Act as the content authority, ensuring exhibitions balance scholarly integrity with audience appeal.
- Design, research, and write interpretive material for print and digital platforms, collaborating with designers and contributors.
- Develop off-site exhibits and coordinate with prospective venues.
- Generate regular maintenance schedules for exhibits and monitor artefacts for conservation needs.
- Collections Care
- Ensure proper maintenance and care of the collection, including monitoring for humidity, temperature, and light.
- Develop and document the collection.
- Programming
- Design and implement new programs that create multi-generational learning opportunities.
- Collaborate with programming and education staff to integrate marginalized narratives, diversify collections, and offer broader perspectives.
Requirements:
The ideal candidate will have:
- A Bachelor’s degree in History, Museum Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related discipline.
- A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
- An interest in shared colonial history, heritage villages, and public museums.
- A strong knowledge of and interest in local history.
- Superior organizational and administrative skills, with a detail-oriented focus and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Experience with a variety of software applications, including database software.
- Knowledge of safe handling, care, and storage procedures for artefacts.
- Strong technical archival skills and experience installing exhibitions.
- Experience with exhibit transportation, condition reporting, collections management, and loan processes.
- Experience writing successful funding applications to organizations like BC Arts Council, Gaming, and Vancouver Foundation.
- Excellent communication skills, with experience in multiple content forms being an asset.
- A genuine interest and skill in working with the public, with a strong commitment to public service.
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively and manage small teams of volunteers.
- A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
How to Apply:
Email your cover letter, resume, and references to managers@salmonarmmuseum.org
Employment Compliance:
Candidates must adhere to:
- The Workers Compensation Board regulations.
- R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum policies, procedures, and Code of Conduct.
- Job performance expectations.
- The R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum Hiring Manual.
- Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
Candidates must also provide a Criminal Record Check and references upon request.
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those being considered will be contacted.
To apply for this job email your details to manager@salmonarmmuseum.org.