Employment Opportunities

Curator #

Reports to: Executive Director
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Location: Pioneer Acres Museum, Irricana, Alberta
Date: April 2026

Position Summary

The Curator is the Museum’s primary professional resource for collections management, historical research, exhibit development, and public interpretation. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Curator leads all curatorial activities in alignment with the Museum’s mission, strategic plan, and the collections management policies of the Alberta Museums Association. The Curator works collaboratively with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and volunteer committees to ensure the long-term preservation, documentation, interpretation, and accessibility of Pioneer Acres’ unique collection of agricultural and industrial heritage artifacts.

In a low staff environment, the Curator also serves as the designated point of operational continuity when the Executive Director is unavailable due to off-site commitments, vacation, or other absence. In this capacity, the Curator acts on behalf of the Executive Director for day-to-day operational matters within pre-established parameters, escalating decisions of strategic or financial significance to the Board President or designate as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

1. Collections Management and Documentation - Stewardship, documentation, and care of the Pioneer Acres collection, including accessioning, deaccessioning, condition assessment, conservation, and artifact loans; maintenance of the collections information management system; and support and guidance to the Collections Management Committee volunteers on accession documents and procedures.
2. Research and Interpretation - Conduct and oversee original research on the collection and Western Canadian agricultural and industrial history; develop interpretive content for exhibits, signage, visitor guides, and social media; prepare grant narratives, catalogues, and reports; and promote the collection through lectures, tours, workshops, and community engagement.
3. Exhibit Development and Public Programming - Plan, develop, and install permanent, temporary, and travelling exhibits; deliver interpretive programming for students, seniors, and community groups, with a focus on growing off-season tours; and build collaborative relationships with schools, community organizations, and heritage sector partners.
4. Volunteer Engagement and Training - Train, supervise, and coordinate volunteers in collections, exhibit, and programming work; collaborate with the Executive Director and Events Planner on volunteer scheduling; and foster a culture of recognition, meaningful engagement, and continuous learning.
5. Strategic and Organizational Contributions - Contribute to the Museum’s strategic plan, AMA Recognized Museum designation, grant applications, Board and membership reporting, and social media strategy related to artifacts, exhibits, and historical interpretation.
6. Operational Continuity – Acting Responsibilities - Acting Responsibilities – Serve as the designated backup for the Executive Director during absences, acting as the primary staff contact, managing day-to-day on-site operations, and escalating urgent financial, safety, HR, or governance matters to the Board President or designate.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• A post-secondary degree or diploma in Museum Studies, History, Agricultural History, Anthropology, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and demonstrated museum experience will be considered.
• Enrollment in or completion of the Alberta Museums Association Certificate in Museum Studies is considered a strong asset.

Experience

• Minimum two years of experience in a museum or heritage institution environment, with hands-on work in collections management, documentation, and public programming.
• Experience working with volunteers, including training, scheduling, and supervision.
• Experience with agricultural, industrial, or rural heritage collections is a significant asset.
• Experience using artifact database software or collections management systems.

Knowledge and Skills

• Sound knowledge of museum best practices in collections management, accessioning, artifact handling, conservation, and exhibit development.
• Understanding of the Alberta Museums Association standards and the requirements for maintaining Recognized Museum designation.
• Strong research skills and the ability to develop interpretive content accessible to a broad public audience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write for diverse formats (signage, newsletters, grant narratives, board reports, social media).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort learning collections management database applications.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a small-team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with volunteers, Board members, and community partners.
• Genuine interest in and knowledge of Western Canadian agricultural, rural, and industrial history.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Hours of work will generally be five eight-hour days per week and will include times when the Museum is open to the public. Days and hours may be subject to review. Holiday requests are subject to approval by the Executive Director.

The Curator must be physically able to walk the Museum grounds to conduct tours, assess artifact storage, and support events. The role may require the lifting of items up to 20 kilograms and work on ladders or in outdoor settings. Some weekend and evening work is required during the operating season and for special events.

Confidentiality and Discretion

The Curator must maintain the confidentiality of all organizational, member, donor, and operational information and must not discuss such matters outside of Pioneer Acres Plowmen & Threshermen’s Club of Alberta. Tact and discretion must be used in all dealings with visitors, potential visitors, donors, members, volunteers, and the public, to maintain a positive and professional image of Pioneer Acres Museum.

How to Apply

Please submit a Resume and Cover Letter to hr@pioneeracres.ab.ca with the subject line Application for Curator. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Museum Assistant #

Reports to: Executive Director
Employment Type: Full-Time, Temporary
Location: Pioneer Acres Museum, Irricana, Alberta
Remuneration: $18.00/hour
Date: April 2026

Eligibility

Candidates must meet the requirements for Canada Summer Jobs or Young Canada Works:

• Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada,
• Legally entitled to work in Canada, and
• Between the ages of 15 and 30 years of age at the start of employment.
• For Young Canada Works, you must be a high school, college, CEGEP or university student.

Employment Period and Hours

• 37.5 hours/week (5 days a week for 7.5 hours a day), Thursday through Monday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• May through August, with potential for extension

Position Summary

This opening is for one temporary, full-time position, 37.5 hours/week, Thursday through Monday for the summer employment term. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Museum Assistant supports the documentation of Pioneer Acres’ library and artifact collection, guides visitor tours, delivers front-line customer service, and provides daily operational support to the Museum.

Key Responsibilities

1. Visitor Services and Front-Line Operations – Serve as the first point of contact for visitors; process admissions and gift shop purchases; conduct guided tours of the grounds; perform Museum opening and closing procedures; and assist with events, marketing, and other Museum programming as required.
2. Collections and Library Documentation – Catalogue artifacts in the PastPerfect database; properly assess, handle, and store artifacts and library materials in accordance with best practices; and assist with public reference requests by phone, email, and in person.
3. Communications Support – Assist in creating content for Pioneer Acres social media platforms in support of the Museum’s outreach and public engagement activities.

Qualifications and Experience

Education and Interests

• Current enrollment in a high school, college, CEGEP, or university program; an interest in local or regional history, museums, or a related heritage field is an asset.

Knowledge and Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; data entry skills and familiarity with database functions are assets.
• Prior experience with artifact cataloguing is preferable but not required.
• Ability to capture media to assist in creating engaging content for Pioneer Acres social media.
• Ability to initiate and carry out projects independently and work closely with the Curator and other staff.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Hours of work are 37.5 hours per week, Thursday through Monday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, aligned with Museum summer operating hours. The Museum Assistant must be physically able to walk the Museum grounds to conduct tours and support events. The role may require lifting items up to 20 kilograms and working in outdoor settings. Some evening work may be required for special events.

How to Apply

Please submit a Resume and Cover Letter to hr@pioneeracres.ab.ca with the subject line Application for Museum Assistant. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.