Museum Curator

Job No: 102828
Location: Laxgalts’ap, BC (Greenville)

  • Take the next step in your career with this unique opportunity to take on a pivotal role with a leading First Nation's organization! 
  • Relocation assistance and fantastic benefits for the right candidate!
  • Receive up to 38 days of leave!

About the Organization

The Nisga'a Lisims Government (NLG) building opened its doors in 2000, and has since been responsible for a vital set of functions carried out under various departments including Finance, Programs & Services, Fisheries & Wildlife, and Lands & Resources, all which contribute to the development of the surrounding area. NLG's directives are governed under Nisga’a laws as well as federal and provincial laws.

About the Location

Laxgalts’ap, also known as Greenville, is a Nisga’a village located in the Nass Valley in British Columbia, Canada. The Nisga’a Museum is considered a precious ‘Jewel’ in the heart of the Nisga’a Nation.

Located on BC's rugged northwest coast, 150km north of Terrace, Nisga'a Lands are blessed with soaring mountains, dramatic lava beds, picturesque fjords, and thriving rivers and streams. The natural beauty of Nisga'a Lands is complemented by the Nisga'a Nation's rich cultural traditions. There is a wealth of activities for you to enjoy, including fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ATVing, and much more!

The Kitimat-Terrace Regional Airport is the largest in the area with several direct daily flights to Vancouver, as well as flights to a host of other Northwestern communities. Terrace is served by daily, direct flights from Vancouver by Air Canada Jazz, Central Mountain Air and Westjet. Flying time is under 2 hours from Vancouver.

About the Opportunity

NLG is seeking a full-time Museum Curator to join the group in Laxgalts’ap (also known as Greenville) in beautiful British Columbia. 

As the Curator, you will be responsible for all aspects of curatorial, collections and programming developments, including Museum operations management.

More specifically, you will provide vision, direction and oversight for exhibit, research and collections development at the Museum while representing the Museum regionally in these respective human history areas and building support for the Museum through fundraising efforts.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following duties:

  • Overseeing the management of day to day operations of the Nisga’a Museum
  • Developing, implementing and managing successful institutional strategies (budgets, works planning, fundraising, strategic planning)
  • Working cooperatively with the Nisga’a Museum Advisory Committee, Nisga’a Lisims Government, volunteers and staff to ensure organizational stability and best practices in Museum Management
  • Developing and monitoring capital projects and Museum maintenance with NLG Maintenance personnel including the maintenance of climate controls, ensuring a safe environment for all Museum collections
  • Developing and maintaining partnerships within and beyond the local community
  • Development of Exhibitions, Collections care, maintenance and safety for all artifacts in the current and future (temporary and permanent) collections at the Museum
  • Developing a repatriation program at the Museum, including artifact rotation as mandated by the Nisga’a Final Agreement
  • Growing relationships and networks with provincial and national museums and museum organizations to further repatriation efforts
  • Facilitating long-term loans and artifact rotation, to bring new materials to the Nisga’a Museum on a consistent basis, for the benefit of the Nisga’a Nation
  • Programming, event and rental management at the Nisga’a Museum
  • Developing and maintaining a Nisga’a Museum marketing plan and maintaining cultural outreach
  • Working to increase fundraising efforts for the Museum and Nisga’a Cultural activities
  • Growing awareness of the Nisga’a Museum and it’s work towards cultural preservation to increase sponsorships
  • Facilitating the development of archival and research materials at the Nisga’a Museum for exhibition and public use
  • Writing grants and applying for alternative sources of funding for projects and large capital expenses at the Museum 
  • Fostering grant writing skills and knowledge with Museum staff

This is the ideal role for someone who is truly passionate about art and culture. 

We invite you to apply if you have a University Degree in Education, Museum Studies, History, Visual Arts or a related discipline combined with 2 - 5 years’ of experience working in a museum, art gallery or cultural centre setting, with 1 year at the Curator / Director levels.

You will also possess:

  • A dedication and interest in the preservation of history and ideally a knowledge/understanding of the Nisga’a people, their history, geography, cultural practices and language
  • The ability to manage effectively, problem solve and set priorities in a fast-paced, complex and evolving multi-stakeholder environment with multiple competing deadlines and competition for resources.
  • A history of solid fiscal management and organizational financial health through frugal management techniques, and be well versed in the creation of annual budgets, capital budgets and budget tracking
  • Proven curatorial track record of collections management, acquisition, research, interpretation and exhibition creation, fabrication and installation
  • An in-depth knowledge of curatorial and educational programming
  • A working knowledge of Museum methods and techniques, such as those relating to the identification and cataloguing of objects
  • Knowledge on the B.C. provincial and Government of Canada funding programs/granting program accessible to museums and a demonstrated ability to complete successful grant applications
  • Knowledge of Nisga’a history, culture and language in addition to school curriculum guidelines would be highly desirable.

Along with excellent leadership qualities, you will possess outstanding skills in team building, meeting management, facilitation, conflict resolution and public relations. As a creative professional, you must have the ability to work in a collaborative community context to increase the Museum’s impact in British Columbia and Canada.

Finally, you must possess a valid Driver's Licence and be flexible and adaptable to changing work schedules, priorities and timelines. 

Don't miss this unique opportunity to work at one of British Columbia's most stunning museums and locations.  

About the Benefits

In appreciation of all your hard work and determination, you will be rewarded with a highly competitive annual salary and a fantastic host of benefits including:

  • Relocation assistance for the right candidate
  • 38 days off (20 vacation + 18 elective leave)
  • Extended Health and Dental
  • Short and Long Term Disability
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Professional Development
  • Group Pension Plan
  • Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) which provides confidential counseling services to assist employees with a variety of life's challenges

Nisga'a Lisims Government strives to maintain its position as an employer of choice. We operate with respect for one another in the workplace and we value the contribution of all of our employees. We encourage transparency and open communication within our organization throughout all of our departments.

At NLG, you will be met with an exciting career, an ethical and respectful work environment, and opportunity to serve in public service for the good of our Nation. With hard work and determination, the possibilities for career progression are endless at NLG.

If you're looking for a rewarding and challenging role with a progressive First Nation - Apply Today!

Apply Now

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