The Aga Khan Museum connects cultures and communities through the arts. The Museum’s mission is to spark wonder, curiosity, and understanding of Muslim cultures and their connection with other cultures through the arts.
The Toronto-based Museum promotes pluralism through art, storytelling, and enlightened encounters across cultures. Using traditional and contemporary art as well as performing arts as a force for positive change, the Museum’s vision is to impact lives and contribute to more inclusive and peaceful societies. The Museum acts as a global learning hub, playing a unique and pivotal role in building connections between people and communities locally, nationally, and internationally.
Purpose of Position
Reporting to the Manager, Registrar and Touring Exhibitions, the Registration Assistant will support the research, development, and implementation of a comprehensive Collections Emergency Salvage Plan to strengthen the Museum’s preparedness and response to collection-related emergencies. This will involve identifying risks and preventive measures, developing response procedures, building internal and external response networks, and compiling research into a practical written plan for future use. In addition, the intern will assist with collections and registration activities, including condition reporting, art handling, packing and unpacking objects for transport, supporting temporary exhibitions, and completing collections documentation. The Registration Assistant will also support preventive conservation and work closely with the Curatorial and Exhibitions teams on ongoing exhibition projects.
Program Stream: Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage (Graduates)
Schedule: Monday – Friday (32 hours per week)
Contract Duration: September 14, 2026 – March 31, 2027
Hourly Rate: $28/hr
Positions Available: 1
Key Responsibilities
· Conduct supervised research on current museum standards and best practices related to emergency preparedness and the recovery of collection objects following incidents such as floods, fires, power failures, or building system malfunctions.
· Review and summarize resources from recognized professional organizations, including AIC, AAM, ICOM, CCI, and regional museum associations.
· Compile research findings into reference materials to support the development or refinement of the Museum’s emergency response and collections recovery protocols.
· Consult with internal departments, including Collections, Conservation, Curatorial, Facilities, Security, and Visitor Services, to gather information on institutional needs, risks, and existing procedures.
· Participate in meetings and working groups focused on emergency preparedness, collections management, and storage reorganization, under staff supervision.
· Assist in integrating cross-departmental feedback into practical, achievable workflows and guidelines for emergency situations and day-to-day collections care.
· Support outreach to peer institutions, local museums, conservation laboratories, emergency response services, freeze-drying vendors, art handlers, and collections recovery specialists.
· Assist in developing and maintaining a contact list of external resources that could be mobilized in the event of an emergency.
· Document potential partnerships, service capabilities, and response timelines to support institutional emergency planning.
· Conduct visual condition assessments of artworks for temporary exhibitions, incoming and outgoing loans, and storage moves, under the guidance of Collections staff.
· Prepare clear, accurate written and photographic condition reports in accordance with institutional and professional standards.
· Identify and document existing damage, areas of vulnerability, and changes in condition, and communicate findings to Collections staff.
· Assist with the safe handling, packing, and unpacking of artworks for transport, storage moves, loans, and exhibitions.
· Prepare appropriate packing materials and housing solutions in consultation with Collections staff, ensuring compliance with museum standards for object safety and environmental protection.
· Assist in drafting, updating, and organizing policies and procedures related to collections storage, handling, movement, and loans.
· Support the implementation of policies and procedures by helping communicate guidelines to project staff and observing adherence during daily operations.
· Work collaboratively with Curatorial, Collections, and Exhibitions teams to support gallery rotations and temporary exhibitions.
· Assist with object preparation, documentation, transport coordination, and installation support.
· Participate in planning and coordinating storage and exhibition logistics to ensure the safe, timely, and organized movement of objects between storage and gallery spaces.
· Any other tasks assigned by the line manager.
Qualifications & Experience
· Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Museum Studies, Heritage Conservation, or a related field.
· Minimum of one year of experience drafting policies, procedures, or formal reports related to heritage or museum work.
· Experience in collections care, heritage preservation, or building conservation, including the ability to identify and assess risks to heritage collections and historic structures.
· High level of accuracy and attention to detail, with strong planning, organizational, and time-management skills.
· Intermediate computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with digital documentation and record-keeping; familiarity with collections management or conservation systems (e.g., The Museum System [TMS]) is an asset.
· Knowledge of heritage preservation methods, including research, evaluation, handling, storage, and labelling of cultural artifacts or historic building materials, is an asset.
· Able to lift and carry up to 40 lb, stand for extended periods, and bend or lift overhead.
· Expressed interest in the mandate of the Museum.
The Museum encourages applications from youth in the community, including those who may face barriers to employment.
Eligibility to Apply
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
· Be between 16 and 30 years of age, inclusive, at the start of employment.
· Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada.
· Be legally entitled to work in Canada and have a valid Social Insurance Number.
· Commit to the full duration of the contract period.
Note:
· Non-Canadian students holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent resident status are not eligible.
· Priority will be given to graduates who have not previously participated in Young Canada Works internship programs and who are unemployed or underemployed.
To Apply
Please send your resume to [email protected] by July 31, 2026.
The Museum thanks all those who apply; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please note that the Museum is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act for applicants invited to an interview. The Museum encourages applications by individuals identifying as Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, members of visible minorities and/or anyone belonging to equity-deserving groups.
Pay: $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
