Leacross Foundation Internship – Fossils (3-month contract)

Toronto, ON, Canada
Full Time
COLLECTIONS & RESEARCH
Entry Level
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
The Leacross Foundation Internship Program is for a summer internship at ROM for female-identifying students, representing a partnership that will build and strengthen the careers of undergraduate scholars while advancing ROM’s position as a premier Canadian research institution. There will be a cohort of five interns, one in Biodiversity, one in Earth and Space (including Climate Change); Fossils; Art & Culture; and Collections Care, and these interns will meet throughout the summer to learn more about the ROM and the different collections and initiatives going on.

For the Leacross Foundation Internship, Fossils, we seek a dynamic individual who could work on our diverse collection of invertebrate fossils. The ROM Invertebrate Fossil Collection represents an irreplaceable systematic resource for researchers and students worldwide about invertebrate fossils, fossilized plants, trace fossils, and microbial structures. The collection is global in scope, with scientifically significant material spanning the entire geological column. Built through dozens of ROM-led field expeditions, ROM holds the world’s largest and most comprehensive Burgess Shale collection on behalf of Parks Canada. The ROM Fossils collections help researchers and visitors explore important topics such as evolution, climate change, and biodiversity, using the fossil record to reference past global changes.


HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
  • Carefully unpack newly acquired fossil samples while preserving their original collecting integrity and associated metadata.
  • Work closely with Curators, Collections Technicians, and Collections Specialists to sort, photograph, and prepare specimens for eventual cataloguing in the museum’s database.
  • Assist in the safe storage of primary type fossils and published fossils by constructing storage boxes and cradles.
  • Participate in a variety of collection management techniques, including the proper care, handling, and conservation of specimens.
  • Maintain accurate records, including photographic, digital, and hard copy documentation of rare fossil samples.
  • Assist with various day-to-day tasks in the lab and collections.
  • Participate in public outreach events as needed, sharing knowledge with diverse audiences.
  • Engage with other Leacross Interns to gain insight into different projects and areas within the institution.

WHAT YOU BRING
  • Completion of at least two (2) years of post-secondary training/education in a Palaeontology discipline, such as geology, biodiversity OR an acceptable equivalent in education and experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in sample handling and imaging, particularly with an aptitude for independent and collaborative work, showing strong attention to detail, is a valuable asset.
  • Familiarity with fossil nomenclature and fossil preparation, such as safe storage boxes/cradles, would be an asset.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) would be an asset.

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
  • START DATE: May 20, 2025, to August 29, 2025
  • OPEN DATE: March 12, 2025
  • CLOSE DATE: April 4, 2025
  • STATUS: Full-time Contract
  • EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-Union
  • HOURLY RATE: $18.00
  • SCHEDULE: 5 days a week, up to 35 hours weekly
  • LOCATION (Onsite): Toronto, ON

WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS
  1. Interview: A 30-60-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.
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.

APPLY NOW

Apply today and help us create a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where creativity and learning flourish.

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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