Collections Agent, Part-Time

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’re looking for a highly organized and detail-oriented Collections Specialist 2 (CS2) to support the care, documentation, accessibility, and strategic development of ROM’s Birds and Mammals collections. Reporting to the Manager of Collections Care, Natural History, this role requires a skilled professional with deep knowledge of avian and mammalian taxonomy and specimen care practices.
The ROM Bird Collection is the largest research collection of avian specimens in Canada and among the most comprehensive globally, representing 58% of the world’s bird species and housing the world’s largest bird skeleton collection. The Mammal Collection holds over 124,000 specimens, with particular strengths in bats, tropical small mammals, and mammals of Ontario, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia.
This is a hands-on, collaborative role that will also support institutional-wide collection initiatives, exhibitions, programming, and data management priorities.
Support the physical care, preservation, and documentation of ROM’s bird and mammal collections.
Assist with rehousing efforts, integrated pest management, and frozen tissue collections.
Maintain and enhance collection records in the collections management system (TMS).
Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to fulfill loan requests, research needs, and public inquiries.
Contribute to upcoming exhibitions (e.g., Raptors, Whales) and off-site storage projects.
Support institution-wide strategic initiatives related to collection assessments and digitization deliverables.
Participate in cross-departmental efforts to advance ROM’s collections care strategy.
3–5 years of experience working with biological collections, including birds and mammals, in a museum, research, or similar institutional setting.

• Proficiency with digital collections databases (TMS or equivalent) and Microsoft Office.
• 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.
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.
Full-time Permanent
OPSEU Local 543
A 30-minute virtual conversation** with a Recruiter to discuss your interest in the role and ROM and how you can make an impact.
# A 1-hour in-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and a member of the HR team. All virtual conversations and interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and may be recorded.**
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.
We are passionate about the arts, global history, cultural diversity, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance accessibility.
Academic collaboration: We are committed to education, partnering with universities and providing student resources, underscoring our dedication to research and accessibility.
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 welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Apply today and help us create a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where creativity and learning flourish.