Collections and Archival Technician

Yellowknife Historical Society

Yellowknife Historical Museum

Location: 510 Yellowknife Access Road (by Giant Mine), Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Work arrangement: In office at the Yellowknife Historical Museum

Wage: $22.00 per hour

Hours: 35 hours per week

Term: 52-week contract, contingent on funding approval

Start date: To be determined

Reports to: Museum Manager

Applications accepted: October 9 to October 23, 2026

Relocation assistance: Not provided. Applicants are responsible for their relocation costs.

Position Overview The Yellowknife Historical Society is seeking a Collections and Archival Technician to assist with cataloguing and managing historical artifacts and archival materials at the Yellowknife Historical Museum. The position offers practical museum experience and an opportunity to contribute to the preservation of local history. The role also includes front desk and gift shop coverage shared with other staff.

Under the direction of the Museum Manager and Collections Committee, the technician will maintain collection records and assist with accessioning items into the museum’s holdings. Professional handling and labelling of collection objects are central to the role. The successful candidate must be comfortable working alone and completing assigned tasks independently.

Training will be provided in museum procedures and the collections database.

Responsibilities

- Cataloguing: Describe and photograph collection items and enter information into the museum’s collections database.
- Accessioning: Prepare accession records and connect items with donation paperwork and supporting documentation.
- Object handling and labelling: Handle objects with care and apply identification numbers and labels using professional museum practices and approved materials.
- Collections organization: Assist with organizing storage and maintaining accurate records of item locations.




- Research: Conduct basic research on individual items to help develop their catalogue profiles.
- Project support: Complete assigned collections and archival tasks and provide regular progress updates.
- Front desk and gift shop: Provide coverage in conjunction with other staff, welcoming visitors and assisting with inquiries. Process admissions and gift shop purchases using the museum’s point-of-sale system.

Potential Project Focus One potential project involves cataloguing and organizing the museum’s rocks and minerals collection. This may include reviewing specimen records and improving collection documentation and storage. The work will be carried out in collaboration with, and under the direction of, the Museum Manager and Collections Committee.

Qualifications

Applicants should demonstrate

- The ability to work alone and manage assigned tasks independently.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records.
- Care when handling objects and a commitment to following museum procedures.
- Basic computer proficiency and a willingness to learn collections software.
- Effective communication skills and the ability to work with staff and committee members.

Experience with collections management systems (CMS) is an asset, as is point-of-sale (POS) experience. An educational background in history, public history, museum studies, archival studies, or a related subject is also an asset. An interest in local history is welcome but is not required. Previous museum experience is not essential, and training will be provided.

Transportation to and from the museum is essential. There are no public transit options to reach the museum from town.

How to Apply

Please email your résumé and cover letter, addressed to Dryden Choban, Museum Manager, to [email protected] by October 23, 2026, to be considered for the position.

Pay: $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Work Location: In person

📌 Collections and Archival Technician (Yellowknife)
🏢 Yellowknife Historical Society
📍 Yellowknife