WHO WE ARE
Opened in 1914 and welcoming over 1.3 million visitors annually, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada's most-visited museum, ranking among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America. At ROM, we are dedicated to building and sharing global collections, sharing knowledge, inspiring learning, and fostering community engagement. As a globally recognized field research institute, ROM houses an impressive collection of over 18 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens, showcased in over 40 galleries and exhibition spaces. We are committed to creating a space where art, culture, and nature intersect, connecting people and communities to the past, present and shared future.

As we continue to work toward our goals to transform and evolve as one of the world’s foremost 21st-century museums, we seek passionate and dynamic team members who embody our mission and values.

WHO WE NEED
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is seeking a Summer Archives Assistant through the Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations (YCWHO) program. This position offers a unique opportunity for a student to gain hands-on experience in archival processing, collections management, and heritage research within one of Canada’s leading cultural institutions.

Working within the Library & Archives department, the Summer Archives Assistant will support the processing of the Esther Amrad Dagan fonds, a significant archival collection related to African art and dance. This work will directly contribute to improving access to archival materials that contextualize objects within ROM’s Global Africa collections.

This role is ideal for a student pursuing studies in Library and Information Science, Archives, Museum Studies, or a related field who is interested in developing practical, career-relevant experience in a professional archives environment.

This position is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Young Canada Works program, which supports students in gaining meaningful employment in the heritage sector.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Support the appraisal, arrangement, and description of archival materials within the Esther Amrad Dagan fonds, contributing to the preservation and accessibility of records related to African art and dance.
• Work closely with the ROM Archivist to evaluate the historical significance of materials and determine appropriate archival retention and organization.
• Apply established archival standards and practices to process materials, including arranging records and creating detailed descriptions.
• Develop a finding aid and associated metadata for the collection, supporting its integration into Archeion and improving access for researchers.
• Assist in implementing appropriate preservation and storage solutions for a variety of archival formats, ensuring long-term care and usability.
• Contribute to quality control processes to maintain the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of archival data and digital assets.
• Engage with fellow interns and staff across the Museum to gain broader exposure to ROM’s collections, research, and institutional practices.

WHAT YOU BRING
Education & Enrollment

• Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program in Library and Information Science, Archives, Museum Studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience & Skills

• Completion of at least one year of study in an archives, library, or museum studies program, or equivalent coursework or practical experience.
• Foundational knowledge of archival principles, including arrangement, description, and preservation practices.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a structured environment.
• Demonstrated ability to handle materials with care and follow established procedures for collections management.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document and describe materials clearly and accurately.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with archival databases or metadata standards is an asset.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (Young Canada Works Program)

• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada.
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada and have a valid Social Insurance Number.
• Must be between the ages of 16 and 30 at the start of employment.
• Must be currently enrolled as a full-time secondary or post-secondary student.
• Priority will be given to candidates who have not previously participated in the Young Canada Works program.

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• START DATE: as early as May 2026 
• END DATE: as late as August 2026 
• OPEN DATE: April 9, 2026
• CLOSE DATE: TBD
• STATUS: Full-time Contract
• EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-Union
• EXPECTED COMPENSATION: $20.00 per hour
• SCHEDULE: 35 hours per week for a period of approximately 8–12 weeks
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: The internship period will serve as the evaluation period for this role.
• LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON

Important Note
This position is funded through the Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations (YCWHO) program. Employment is contingent on the successful candidate meeting all eligibility requirements of the program and completing required documentation.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS

1. Initial conversation: A 30-minute virtual conversation with a member of the HR team to discuss your interest in the role, your academic background, and how this opportunity aligns with your career goals.
2. First interview: A 45–60 minute virtual or in-person interview with the Hiring Manager and/or team members. This conversation will focus on your relevant coursework, skills, and interest in archival work, as well as your ability to contribute to the project.

The above-listed process may change or vary based on the nature and scope of the position.
**All virtual conversations and interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and may be recorded.**

WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE ROM

• Cultural engagement: Daily interactions with Toronto's diverse culture and international visitors offer insights into social and cultural trends. We champion inclusive community programs and connections through diverse experiences.
• Continuous learning: At ROM, expertise and continuous skill development are paramount. Our culture of curiosity and open-mindedness fosters growth beyond traditional career paths.
• Passion & fulfillment: Our work in preserving and curating cultural narratives brings deep satisfaction. We are passionate about the arts, global history, cultural diversity, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance accessibility.
• Team & culture: ROM promotes a positive workplace with collaborative, supportive teams that encourage creativity and innovation. We value new ideas and collective problem-solving.
• Academic collaboration: We are committed to education, partnering with universities and providing student resources, underscoring our dedication to research and accessibility.

If you’re excited about this role, even if your experience differs from the specific requirements, we encourage you to apply. We’re keen to meet candidates who can contribute their talents to our goals, and will consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY
At ROM, we embrace diversity in our exhibits, communities, and teams. We encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and those who can further diversify our ideas. We are committed to equitable employment opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

We welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Please contact us at [email protected] for assistance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• ROM does not require “Canadian experience.” International applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.
• ROM uses technology-assisted tools (including JazzHR TalentFit) to support the review and screening of applications. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.
• This posting is for an existing vacancy.

HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, candidates must apply through the Young Canada Works (YCW) online portal.

1. Visit the Young Canada Works website (click here) and create an account by completing a candidate profile.
2. Search for this position under “Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations.”
3. Submit your application by expressing interest in this position through the YCW system.

Candidates may also be required to submit an application through the ROM careers page. Only applicants who apply through the YCW portal and meet eligibility requirements will be considered.

Students selected for the position will be required to complete program documentation, including a Candidate Eligibility Form, during the hiring process.

Please note: Priority may be given to students who have not previously participated in the Young Canada Works program.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that all candidates receiving a verbal job offer will be subject to a background check. This includes a criminal background check and verification of professional references, and, other checks depending on the role.

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