Collections Specialist 1, Mineralogy & Geology

Toronto, ON, Canada
Full Time
COLLECTIONS & RESEARCH
Experienced
WHO WE ARE
Canada’s largest and most comprehensive museum, ROM, is home to a world-class collection of artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. As the country’s preeminent field research institute and an international leader in new discoveries, ROM plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of the artistic, cultural and natural world. Join our team at ROM and consider a fulfilling career as a Collections Specialist,1, Mineralogy & Geology.

WHO WE NEED
We are seeking a meticulous and collaborative Collections Specialist, 1 in Mineralogy & Geology, to join the Department of Collection and Research. In this role, you will support the care, preservation, organization, documentation, and accessibility of four significant collections within ROM’s Earth and Space section: rocks and ores, minerals, gemstones and contemporary jewelry, and meteorites. These collections are vital to understanding Earth’s history and the origins of our solar system.

Reporting to the Manager of Collections Care, you will work in close partnership with curators, conservators, registrars, and other colleagues to maintain physical and digital records, facilitate access, implement best practices in collections care, and support ROM’s exhibitions, research, and programming initiatives. You’ll also support the integration of strategic data management solutions and help steward high-value and high-risk specimens.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
  • Organize, rehouse, maintain, and monitor collections using specialized care techniques, with responsibility for storage, security, and environmental conditions
  • Manage object records and digital assets in the museum’s collection management system (TMS), ensuring data accuracy and consistency
  • Support acquisitions, loans, and fieldwork in collaboration with curators, technicians, and registrars
  • Facilitate access to collections for researchers, staff, and visitors while ensuring compliance with safety and conservation standards
  • Produce photographic documentation, contribute to reporting, and assist in policy and procedure development
  • Represent the Earth and Space section in strategic projects, including the TMS data restructuring initiative
  • Participate in programming, including tours, presentations, and outreach
  • Assist in the supervision of volunteers, students, and interns

WHAT YOU BRING
  • Master’s degree in arts or sciences, or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline
  • At least 3 years of experience in collections care and management (museum experience strongly preferred)
  • Proficiency in mineral and petrologic taxonomy and systematics
  • Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in object/specimen handling, storage, and documentation
  • Experience using digital collection management systems (TMS preferred), including metadata and photographic documentation
  • Familiarity with collections-related health and safety and accessibility practices
  • Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Manual dexterity and ability to lift and move objects up to 23kg
  • Experience working with donors, scholars, researchers, and public inquiries
  • Comfort navigating isolated fieldwork environments and complex collection spaces

WHAT WE OFFER
  • Comprehensive benefits coverage: For permanent and full-time contract positions (conditions apply), enjoy 100 percent premium-free benefits for individuals and families, a health spending account, flexible working options (varies by position), and an Employee Assistance Program.
  • Worry-free retirement savings: With our pension plan, you benefit from an employer-matched Defined Benefit contribution plan, which provides predictable lifetime retirement income, survivor benefits, and early retirement options without the stress of investment decisions.
  • Support for new parents: Enjoy a parental leave top-up to 95 percent of your salary for 17 weeks, helping you balance work and family life.
  • Perks: Free ROM membership for permanent full-time and part-time staff, plus discounts to over 200 attractions through Attractions Ontario.
  • And more!

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
  • START DATE: November 2025
  • OPEN DATE: September 17, 2025
  • CLOSE DATE: Open until filled
  • STATUS: Full-time Permanent
  • EMPLOYEE GROUP: OPSEU Local 543
  • SALARY: $78,575 - $89,800
  • SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly
  • PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Six (6) months
  • LOCATION (on-site): Toronto, ON

WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS
  1. 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.
  2. First interview: A 1-hour in-person or 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.
  3. Second interview: A 1-hour in-person meeting with the Hiring Manager and relevant team members. You may be asked to present a pre-assigned case study and discuss scenarios relevant to your role. Depending on the position, you might also be given a tour of ROM and receive a preview of your responsibilities and interactions.
  4. Third Interview: a final interview with key stakeholders.
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.

#LI-Onsite
Share

Apply for this position

Required*
We've received your resume. Click here to update it.
Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or Paste resume

Paste your resume here or Attach resume file

Human Check*