Job Position: Curatorial Assistant
Location: Quartermain Earth Science Centre, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick
Position Title: Curatorial Assistant
Status: Full time
Duration: May 5th, 2026 to March 31st, 2027 (negotiable)
Wage: $20/hr
To apply: please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/young-canada-works/students-graduates/careers-heritage-graduates.html
Application Deadline: April 25, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Position Overview
The Quartermain Earth Science Centre (QESC), located at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, New Brunswick, houses one of the largest geological collections in Atlantic Canada. The Centre is dedicated to the effective and sustainable geopreservation of historic fossil, mineral, and rock collections, as well as to advancing Earth science literacy through public exhibits, outreach programs, and experiential learning opportunities.
Over the past decade, the QESC has invested in refurbished collections space and a comprehensive digital database system for natural specimens, developed in collaboration with UNB Libraries. These investments support long-term collections care, research access, and public engagement.
Responsibilities and Duties
The Curatorial Assistant will work closely with the Curator and QESC staff to support museum collections care, digital curation, exhibit development, and outreach activities. Training will be provided.
Primary responsibilities include:
• Cataloguing fossil, mineral, and rock specimens in the UNB Geological Collections Database;
• Verifying and quality-checking existing digital records against physical specimens;
• Preparing specimens for long-term storage following professional curatorial standards;
• Producing photographic documentation and assisting with 2D and 3D digital imaging for selected specimens.
Additional duties may include:
• Assisting with specimen preparation, research, and interpretive planning for a new multi-year exhibit focused on mining and resource development;
• Supporting and maintaining hands-on Earth science outreach activities and educational programs;
• Assisting with museum operations and engaging with visiting students, educators, and members of the public during outreach events;
• Supporting documentation of collections, exhibits, and outreach activities for educational and communication purposes, including social media content.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have completed, or be in the final stages of completing, a university degree in geological sciences, Earth sciences, environmental sciences, palaeontology, or a related STEM discipline. Applicants should demonstrate:
• A strong interest in museum collections, geopreservation, and the natural sciences;
• Attention to detail and clear written communication skills;
• Comfort working both independently and collaboratively in a museum and academic environment;
• Professionalism, honesty, reliability, and self-motivation;
• An interest in science education and public engagement, including working with young students.
Other Desirable Qualifications
Assets include:
• Basic computer proficiency and familiarity with databases;
• Experience with photography or digital documentation;
• Interest or experience in museum, heritage, or outreach work;
• Familiarity with laboratory or analytical equipment (e.g., XRD), or willingness to learn;
• Strong organizational skills and adaptability in a collaborative setting.
Preference will be given to candidates with academic training in geological and/or biological sciences, though applicants from related STEM backgrounds with demonstrated interest and transferable skills are encouraged to apply.
Benefits and Skills Development
The successful applicant will gain valuable, marketable skills in:
• Digital collections management and data quality assurance;
• Museum collections care and conservation practices;
• Geological specimen identification and documentation;
• Science communication, outreach, and public engagement;
• Professional collaboration, project planning, and presentation skills.
The Curatorial Assistant will contribute meaningfully to the preservation of Canada’s geoheritage while gaining experience relevant to careers in museums, heritage institutions, education, research, and the geosciences.
Eligibility
This position is funded in part by Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage. Applicants must be registered in the YCW candidate pool and meet current YCW eligibility criteria. To be eligible, applicants must:
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status in Canada;
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada (valid Social Insurance Number);
• Be between 16 and 30 years of age inclusive at the start of employment;
• Be a college or university graduate (certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate).
Priority may be given to candidates who have not previously participated in a YCW internship and who are unemployed or underemployed.
Details:
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/young-canada-works/students-graduates/careers-heritage-graduates.html
Equity Statement
The Quartermain Earth Science Centre is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. Applications from equity-seeking and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.
To apply, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/young-canada-works/students-graduates/careers-heritage-graduates.html
Application Deadline: April 25, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Questions? Please contact
Dr. Ann C. Timmermans
Curator, Quartermain Earth Science Centre
University of New Brunswick
ann.timmermans@unb.ca
For additional information, please contact:
quartermain@unb.ca | 506-458-7205
Assistant Curator (Summer Position)
Quartermain Earth Science Centre (QESC)
University of New Brunswick – Fredericton, NB
Position Title: Assistant Curator
Status: 9 weeks, Full time
Duration: June 22, 2026 to August 21, 2026 (negotiable)
Wage: $18/hr
To Apply: Please send your cover letter and resumé to Ann Timmermans (ann.timmermans@unb.ca)
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Position Overview
The Quartermain Earth Science Centre (QESC) is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Assistant Curator to join our team for the summer. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in museum work, Earth science education, and public outreach.
The Assistant Curator will support the Curator and Curatorial Assistant in day-to-day operations of the QESC, contributing to collections care, educational programming, exhibit development, and science communication initiatives.
About the Quartermain Earth Science Centre
The QESC is a public-facing museum and outreach unit within the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of New Brunswick. Our mission is to inspire curiosity, support Earth science literacy, and preserve the geological heritage of New Brunswick and beyond.
Our work is centered around four key areas:
Collections care of historic mineral and fossil specimens
Outreach through hands-on, inquiry-based learning
Exhibit development and interactive displays
Research in geoscience communication and collections management
We engage thousands of students, educators, and community members each year through school programs, public events, and partnerships across the province.
Key Responsibilities
Collections and Museum Work
Assist with the organization, cataloguing, and documentation of geological specimens
Support ongoing work on the digital collections database
Help maintain collections storage and preparation spaces
Educational Outreach
Deliver engaging, hands-on Earth science activities for K–12 students
Support school visits, camps, and public programs
Assist with the development of educational materials aligned with the New Brunswick curriculum
Exhibit Development
Contribute to the design and installation of interactive museum exhibits
Prepare specimens and materials for display
Museum Operations and Events
Assist with the planning and delivery of outreach events and public programming
Help maintain museum and laboratory spaces
Communication and Research
Support social media and outreach communications
Assist with data entry and basic analysis for research in geoscience education
Qualifications
Required:
Interest in science education, museums, or collections work
Basic knowledge of Earth science (rocks, minerals, fossils, Earth processes)
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work with children, students, and the public
Honest, organized, reliable, and able to work both independently and as part of a team
Assets:
Creativity and interest in exhibit design or visual communication
Experience with photography, social media, or digital tools
Attention to detail and commitment to safe work practices
What You Will Gain
This position provides valuable experience in:
Museum collections care and conservation
Exhibit design and installation
Science communication and public outreach
Educational program delivery
Professional networking within the geoscience and museum community
Eligibility
To be eligible for Canada Summer Jobs, participant must:
· be between 15 and 30 years old at the start of their summer job
· be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the job and
· be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
o This includes having a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of their summer job
Equity Statement
The Quartermain Earth Science Centre is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. Applications from equity-seeking and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.
We provide accommodations and creating meaningful employment opportunities for all candidates.
How to Apply
Please submit your cover letter and CV to Ann Timmermans at ann.timmermans@unb.ca
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm