Collections Technician 1: Fishes

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 1: Fishes to support the care, management, and accessibility of ROM’s extensive ichthyology collections.

Reporting to the Manager, Collections Care, this role plays a vital part in preserving, organizing, and documenting natural history specimens to support research, education, and public engagement. The Collections Technician works closely with curators and collections staff, contributing to specimen preparation, conservation, cataloguing, loans, acquisitions, and fieldwork.

This position also supports ROM’s Ontario Fish Identification workshops, including preparation, facilitation, and travel with collections, and contributes to broader technical and programmatic needs within the Fishes collections.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Prepare, preserve, and conserve fish specimens using established techniques, including fixation, rinsing, alcohol preservation, identification, counting, and morphometric and meristic measurements
• Maintain and enhance the organization, storage, re-housing, and physical care of the Fishes collections in collaboration with curators and collections staff
• Support acquisitions and loans by preparing specimens, completing documentation, coordinating shipping, and tracking materials in accordance with museum policies
• Accurately catalogue specimens by entering, reviewing, and maintaining collection data within the approved collections management system, ensuring completeness and accuracy
• Record detailed locality and geographic data, including waterbody names, political boundaries, coordinates, and watershed codes
• Prepare labels, cards, and digital assets, and photograph specimens for inclusion in collection records
• Support and participate in fieldwork under curatorial direction, including specimen collection and documentation
• Monitor and maintain wet collections, frozen tissue collections, alcohol storage, and cold storage infrastructure
• Facilitate access to collections by supporting research visits, responding to inquiries, and assisting with exhibitions, outreach, and public programs
• Prepare and support Ontario Fish Identification workshops, including updating course materials, packing and transporting collections, assisting instructors, and travelling to workshop locations
• Support contract staff, part-time staff, volunteers, interns, and students in collections-related tasks

WHAT YOU BRING

• Completion of a Master’s degree in Arts or Sciences, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, or informal training in biodiversity, natural history, or collections data management
• A strong academic background in biology or a closely related discipline
• Three (3) to less than five (5) years of experience in collections care, specimen preparation, or a related technical field; museum experience is an asset
• Demonstrated experience working with wet collections; prior museum experience in this area is strongly preferred
• Knowledge of current preparation, conservation, and best practices for natural history collections
• Experience with collections databases and standard business software; familiarity with TMS is an asset
• Experience with digital photography techniques and documentation of specimens
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and care in handling specimens and data
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Ability to lift and move objects up to 25 kg (50 lbs.) and safely climb ladders up to 3 metres

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 31, 2026
• OPEN DATE: February 25, 2026
• CLOSE DATE: March 31, 2026
• STATUS: Full-time Permanent
• EMPLOYEE GROUP: OPSEU Local 543
• EXPECTED COMPENSATION: $78,575 - $89,800
• 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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