Collections Technician

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

The Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology (MAE) at SFU collects, researches, and exhibits belongings from around the world with a focus on British Columbia. We are a small team in the Department of Archaeology and work closely with archaeology faculty and staff to care for, conserve, interpret, understand, and facilitate access to the belongings, cultural materials, and images in our care. Partnerships and relationships with Indigenous rightsholders in BC and elsewhere are key to achieving our repatriation goals and to advancing the work of reconciliation at SFU.

About the Role

The Collections Technician helps to care for the collections. This position maintains and develops reciprocal relationships with department faculty and staff, internal and external archaeologists, Indigenous communities, scholars, students, and others to support the research, documentation, stewardship, exhibition, and integrity of the collections. The Collections Technician promotes access and encourages use of MAE collections in research, educational programmes, and exhibitions on and off-campus.

The Collections Technician will play a key role in the development and implementation of strategies to rethink colonial patterns at all levels of policy and access within MAE. This role supports programs of community engagement and promotes active partnerships with Indigenous communities in the care, interpretation, research, repatriation, and presentation of collections.

We are a small, nimble, close team who does a lot with little. We’re looking for someone who can work independently, identify an issue and provide solutions, and communicate clearly. We are creative, innovative, and comfortable with considered risk-taking in service of making positive change. Above everything, we act with integrity, observing not only legal but also ethical and professional best practices.

Qualifications

Master's Degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Cultural Studies, History, Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Cultural Heritage, or Museology. 3 years of experience. An equivalent combination of formal education, certificate/program of study, and experience is acceptable.

• Sound knowledge of environmental and handling standards for physical and digital collections.
• Knowledge of key legal, ethical, and professional obligations pertaining to handling and exhibition of cultural property, use of images, documentation standards, and privacy requirements.
• Knowledge of UNDRIP, DRIPA, TRC and other guiding legislation that influence museum obligations, activities, and practice.
• Experience in curatorial and collections management practices, including recent trends and developments.
• Experience with all aspects of collections care and management including documentation, audits, movement, storage, and conservation.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer continuing employees who belong in the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE Local 3338):

• 3 weeks’ vacation (prorated for the first year)*
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions
• Employer paid defined benefit pension plan
• On-campus tuition waiver for employees and their immediate family members*
• Funding for professional development expenses*
• And more! View our benefits brochure

*Prorated for part-time employees

Additional Information

For external candidates, the starting salary is the first step of the salary range.

Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact pei_reception@sfu.ca.