Hands-on Galleries Facilitator (24-month Contract)
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 and ranks among the top 10 museums in North America. At ROM, we are dedicated to building and sharing global collections, promoting 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
We are seeking Hands-On Gallery Facilitators (Part-Time) to support engaging, safe, and inclusive visitor experiences across ROM’s interactive gallery spaces, including Hands-on Biodiversity, Discovery, Schad, and WonderWorks Galleries.
Reporting day-to-day to the Engagement Coordinator Team, this role engages children, families, and general visitors through hands-on activities while supporting gallery operations, guiding volunteers, and maintaining welcoming and well-functioning environments.
Successful candidates will be enthusiastic, adaptable, and confident working in fast-paced, public-facing environments, with availability for evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak programming periods.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
- Facilitate engaging, hands-on learning experiences for visitors of all ages, using play- and inquiry-based approaches
- Deliver excellent customer service by creating welcoming, inclusive, and supportive interactions with diverse audiences
- Support gallery operations, including opening/closing procedures, setup and takedown, inventory, and maintaining clean and organized spaces
- Ensure the safe handling of specimens, artifacts, and equipment while reinforcing gallery guidelines with visitors
- Monitor gallery environments and respond appropriately to incidents, including safety concerns, visitor issues, or emergencies
- Provide guidance and direction to volunteers and part-time staff, supporting coverage, activities, and daily operations
- Model effective facilitation techniques, customer service, and adherence to procedures for volunteers
- Assist with the care and monitoring of live animals in accordance with established protocols
- Support special events, high-volume programming, and crowd flow management as required
- Contribute to the development and delivery of learning activities and resources
WHAT YOU BRING
- Completion of some post-secondary education in a related field (e.g., museum studies, education, natural history, or cultural studies), or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Minimum 1–2 years of experience working with children, youth, families, or the public in an educational or program-based setting
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
- Demonstrated ability to engage audiences through hands-on, interactive learning experiences
- Experience working with or supporting volunteers or teams in a public-facing environment
- Comfort working with digital, audio, and visual technologies in an educational or program setting
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Strong judgment and awareness of health, safety, and visitor experience considerations
- Willingness to obtain or possess a Vulnerable Sector Check
- Availability to work a minimum of three full days per week, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak periods
- Comfort handling and caring for live animals (e.g., invertebrates, frogs, fish)
- Fluency in French or other languages is an asset
SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
- START DATE: ASAP
- OPEN DATE: May 12, 2026
- CLOSE DATE: Open until filled
- STATUS: Part-time, Contract
- EMPLOYEE GROUP: OPSEU Local 543
- HOURLY RATE: $26.60 – $30.41
- SCHEDULE: Up to 24 hours weekly
- PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 420 hours or six (6) months
- LOCATION (onsite): Toronto
WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS
- Initial conversation: A 30-minute virtual conversation** with a Recruiter to discuss your interest in the role and ROM and how you can make an impact.
- First interview: A 30-minute virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and a member of the HR team. This in-depth interview will focus on your skills and how they align with the team's and ROM's needs.
**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.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITYAt 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.
APPLY NOW
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.
#LI-Onsite
