Collections Technician 2: Plants & Fungi

WHO WE ARE
Opened in 1914 and welcoming over 1.3 million visitors annually, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada's most-visited museum, ranking among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America. At ROM, we are dedicated to building and sharing global collections, sharing knowledge, inspiring learning, and fostering community engagement. As a globally recognized field research institute, ROM houses an impressive collection of over 18 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens, showcased in over 40 galleries and exhibition spaces. We are committed to creating a space where art, culture, and nature intersect, connecting people and communities to the past, present and shared future.

As we continue to work toward our goals to transform and evolve as one of the world’s foremost 21st-century museums, we seek passionate and dynamic team members who embody our mission and values.

WHO WE NEED

We are seeking a Collections Technician 2 – Plants & Fungi (CT2) to support the long-term care, preservation, digitization, and accessibility of ROM’s plant and fungal collections.

Reporting to the Manager, Collections Care and working closely with Collection Specialists and Curators, this role provides advanced technical expertise in collections management, specimen preparation, databasing, imaging, and preventive care. The position supports research, field collecting, exhibitions, and public engagement initiatives, and contributes to strategic collections management projects across the Department of Natural History.

This role supports two nationally significant collections:

• Plants Collection: Over 500,000 specimens of vascular plants, bryophytes, and algae, with strengths in Ontario and Arctic flora

• Fungi Collection: Tens of thousands of macroscopic and microscopic fungal specimens, including lichens, moulds, and mushrooms

Together, these collections are essential resources for understanding biodiversity, systematics, ecology, conservation, and long-term environmental change.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Provide advanced technical care for plant and fungal specimens, including conservation, storage, re-housing, preventive care, and condition monitoring

• Prepare specimens for accessioning, including pressing, drying, mounting, and packaging of herbarium and mycological material

• Lead and support digitization initiatives through high-quality specimen imaging, metadata creation, quality control, and database management

• Maintain and enhance digital collection records within the approved collections management system to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and research value

• Support molecular and biodiversity research through specimen preparation, tissue sampling, and assistance with DNA barcoding and related workflows

• Assist with field collecting activities, including specimen documentation and preparation

• Support loans, acquisitions, and collection access requests, ensuring compliance with museum standards and procedures

• Collaborate with Collection Specialists, Curators, and departmental colleagues on collections management, research, and exhibition initiatives

• Contribute to public engagement through responding to inquiries, supporting programs, and participating in outreach activities

• Support strategic collections initiatives that advance sustainability, innovation, and long-term stewardship across the institution

• Assist with training and supervision of technicians, interns, students, and volunteers as required

• Perform other related duties in support of collections care, research, and ROM’s mission

WHAT YOU BRING

• Completion of a Master’s degree in the Sciences, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, or informal training in a field relevant to botany, mycology, biodiversity, natural history, or collections data management

• Five (5) to less than eight (8) years of progressive experience in collections care and management or a related technical field; experience in a museum or herbarium setting is an asset

• Demonstrated expertise in plant and fungal taxonomy and systematics, with experience working with herbaria and mycological collections

• Up-to-date knowledge of preparation, conservation, and preventive care techniques for dried plant and fungal specimens

• Proven skill in specimen handling, storage, packing, rehousing, and organization using accepted museum standards and best practices

• Experience with collections databases, digitization workflows, and standard business software; familiarity with TMS is an asset

• Experience with specimen imaging and digital photographic techniques to support documentation, digitization, and data accessibility

• Organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with excellent judgment and initiative

• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with a highly collaborative, flexible, and adaptable working style

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a dynamic, evolving environment and to embrace innovation and change

• Manual dexterity and physical ability to safely lift and move objects weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs.)

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: March 2026
• OPEN DATE: February 25, 2026
• CLOSE DATE: March 31, 2026
• STATUS: Full-time Permanent
• EMPLOYEE GROUP: OPSEU Local 543
• SALARY: $83,093 - $94,964
• SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Six (6) months
• LOCATION (onsite): 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.

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 for assistance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• ROM does not require “Canadian experience.” International applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.
• ROM uses technology-assisted tools (including JazzHR TalentFit) to support the review and screening of applications. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.
• This posting is for an existing vacancy.

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.

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