Thank you for your interest in career and volunteer opportunities at the Manitoba Museum! The Museum is a unique and exciting place to work and volunteer.
Careers at the Manitoba Museum
The Manitoba Museum is the province’s largest award-winning heritage and science centre. It is unique in its combination of human and natural history themes and renowned for its vivid portrayal of Manitoba’s rich and colourful history, Planetarium shows, and Science Gallery exhibits. The Museum features immersive dioramas, multi-dimensional interpretation, science and astronomy education, and quality school and community programs. The Museum protects over 2.8 million artifacts and specimens in its collections, including the Hudson’s Bay Company Museum Collection.
The Manitoba Museum places a pivotal role in showcasing the rich heritage and natural wonders of our region. Our collections are encyclopedic in scope, encompassing both cultural artifacts and scientific specimens. The Museum strives to conserve collect and share knowledge, while encouraging intercultural dialogue and understanding within our communities. Through innovative, perspective-changing programs, the Museum is creating platforms for critical conversations, showcasing diverse perspectives and promoting inclusivity within our society.
Our team is made up of talented people who are passionate about their work. We employ approximately 40 full-time and 25 – 30 part-time staff. In addition, we often have temporary or term employees working on various programs and projects supported through grant funding. We accept and keep resumes for 6 months, should opportunities become available in your field of interest and qualifications.
The Manitoba Museum is committed to employment equity and welcomes diversity in the workplace, with a goal to build a workforce that represents the community in which we live and that we serve. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all and encourage you to identify your employment equity status in your cover letter. Please request an accommodation if required to enable you to apply and be assessed in a fair and equitable manner during the selection process.
The ideal candidate will support the Manitoba Museum’s values of curiosity, integrity, responsibility, respectfulness, and inclusivity. All successful candidates must be eligible to work in Canada and successfully pass a Child Abuse Registry Check. Some positions will require candidates to successfully pass a criminal record check with vulnerable sector check.
Most of our positions offer:
- Benefit Plan with medical, dental, vision benefits and an Employee Assistance Program
- Pension plan
- Health spending account
- 3 weeks of vacation entitlement
- Branded attire
- Fitness facility discount
- Museum Membership that includes:
- Free or discounted admission to 30+ science centres and museums across Canada
- Discounts at the Museum Shop
- Discounts at local restaurants and businesses in Winnipeg’s Exchange District
- Discounted memberships at local organizations
What’s it like to be a Visitor Experience Associate?
What’s it like to be a Science Communicator?
Volunteering at the Manitoba Museum
Volunteering: It’s Fun!
Current Volunteers:
Hundreds of volunteers assist the Manitoba Museum in any given year. The minimum age to volunteer is 14; there is no upper limit. The benefits for volunteers include acquiring new skills, putting learning into practice, experiencing an exciting work environment, and meeting new people.
Volunteers provide valuable service to the Museum through direct assistance to staff or the delivery of public programs. The Museum recognizes that as a volunteer you give your time, abilities, and enthusiasm freely to help us and we appreciate this significant support. Volunteers share their time, abilities, and knowledge by working with or explaining the Museum’s collections to the public. The work is greatly appreciated by the Museum, and is rewarding and fulfilling to the volunteer. Some of the tasks performed by the volunteers who work with the public include assisting in the Museum Shop, acting as Nonsuch Guides, Science Gallery Hosts, and Gallery Hosts. Volunteers who work behind the scenes make use of their clerical, technical, or scientific skills.
The Museum is a welcoming environment that recognizes the vital role volunteers play in our organization. We offer flexible schedules with opportunities for weekday and weekend shifts throughout the year in the Museum’s public areas, assisting us with a number of interpretive activities. During the week opportunities may be available in ‘behind the scenes’ areas of the Museum including our human and natural history departments. The Museum is not open in the evenings unless we are hosting a special event.
Benefits of Volunteering at the Manitoba Museum
- Opportunity to work with a highly committed team of staff and volunteers in a stimulating work environment;
- Respect and inclusion of volunteers as valued members of the Museum team
- An understanding of the Museum’s Mandate, Vision, and Core Values
- Support and feedback on your performance
- Orientation and training for all volunteer positions, and opportunities to attend training workshops;
- Development and reinforcement of employment-related skills;
- Recognition of your contributions in the form of:
- Annual recognition reception
- Free admission to the Museum Galleries, Planetarium, and Science Gallery;
- Discount on Museum Shop purchases;
- Letter of reference;
- Record of your volunteer hours;
- Borrowing privileges from the Museum Library;
- Parking and bus ticket subsidy available on request.
Qualifications of Museum Volunteers
- An interest in the Museum, Planetarium, or Science Gallery, and a willingness to apply your skills, abilities and experience in support of the Museum’s initiatives;
- Completion of the Volunteer Application Form and an interview with the Manager of Volunteer & Employee Relations. References may be required. Applicants under the age of 16 require written consent from a parent or guardian;
- Ability to value all visitors, staff, and fellow volunteers, and recognize the rights of all to be treated with respect and courtesy;
- Able to make a minimum time commitment of 40 volunteer hours. Due to extensive training needed for positions in the Research, Collections & Exhibitions (RCE) areas, longer commitments are required. RCE volunteer positions are only available Monday-Friday during normal business hours;
- Willing to accept direction, guidance, and supervision from Museum staff;
- Willingness to serve as an ambassador for the Museum by demonstrating an enthusiastic and positive attitude, work with respect and integrity, and act as a steward of the Museum’s collections;
- Ability to welcome, direct your attention to, and engage visitors when in public areas of the Museum;
Current Volunteer Opportunities:
Gallery Host
Do you have a favorite Museum Gallery? Share your knowledge of this gallery with visitors as they make their way through on a visit. Gallery Host positions are flexible and can be done on shorter shifts, making them a perfect option for volunteers with less time available.
Weekday and weekend shifts available.
Nonsuch Guide
Help Museum visitors experience what life was like aboard a 17th century sailing vessel through hands-on interpretation of the Fur Trade and the important role the Nonsuch played.
Weekday shifts available. Commitment: One 3-hour shift per week.
Science Gallery Explainer
Share your interest in science with our visitors in the Science Gallery by helping visitors with the hands-on exhibits.
Weekday and weekend shifts available.
Accessibility
We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all and encourage you to request an accommodation, if required, to enable you to apply to work or volunteer at the Museum, and be assessed in a fair and equitable manner during the selection process.
Applicant Resources
In order to help you be your best, we’ve assembled the following resources:
- The City of Winnipeg’s document on Resumés, Cover Letters and Interview Tips.
Click here to view.
- Tips for applying for a job at the Manitoba Museum:
- Read the job posting carefully to determine your fit for the position.
- Do your background research – visit our website, understand our mission, vision, core values, learn about our organizational structure and programs, read our Annual Report, etc.
- Your application package should include an up-to-date resumé, customized to the position you are applying to, along with a cover letter that demonstrates how your past experience, skills, and knowledge apply to the duties and skills required for the position.
- Please be concise in your information. Resumés should typically be 1-2 pages maximum, unless you are applying for a senior management position. Your cover letter should be 1 to 1.5 pages maximum.
- There are many resumé styles to choose from, pick one that demonstrates your qualities and why you are the best candidate for the position. Ensure your resumé is well-organized, formatted, and demonstrates the skills, experience, and education we are looking for.
- Use your cover letter to ‘sell’ yourself, be clear in expressing your skills, education, and experience to support your fit for the position and how you fit with the organization.
- Include all information relevant to the job position, including international experience.
- Have another person proofread your resumé and cover letter to ensure there are no typos, mistakes, or missing words.
- We encourage all applicants to apply electronically by sending your application package to HR@manitobamuseum.ca. This helps us efficiently process applications, and ensures that all necessary information is included.
- If you are shortlisted and contacted for an interview, start to prepare early to avoid feeling unprepared on your interview day. Refresh your knowledge of the Museum by revisiting our website and if possible visit us in person.
- Research common interview questions on the internet and practice giving concise answers so that you can response with concrete examples tied to the job requirements. Giving specific examples of work you have actually done, rather than vague answers, helps us to see you in the specific role.
- Come to your interview prepared! Bring the following with you:
- A list of questions – these can be job specific, or relating to the organization in general;
- Notes that you have taken during your research about us that you may wish to reference. This shows initiative and an interest in working for the Museum;
- A pen and paper to take further notes, or write down complex questions. Please feel free to ask for clarity or time to craft your answer;
- Your reference information. We prefer two to three work references along with both an email address and telephone number where they can be contacted. Please provide typed reference information so that we have accurate and legible information. Make sure to inform your references before you come to the interview to ensure they are available and comfortable providing a reference on your behalf.
- Be prepared to show confidence in yourself. This is your chance to “sell yourself”, if you are uncomfortable talking about yourself, practice with a friend until you feel more at ease with discussing your skills and accomplishments confidently. If you have been shortlisted and called in for an interview we are very interested in you and want to learn more.
- If you are not successful, please do not give up. We may have another opportunity that is right for you coming up in the near future!
- Frequently Asked Questions:
Careers FAQ:
We encourage all applicants to apply by sending your resumé to HR@ManitobaMuseum.ca. This helps us efficiently process applications and ensures that all necessary information is included.
While previous museum experience is beneficial, it is not a requirement for all positions. We value diverse backgrounds and skills, so we encourage individuals with relevant experience or a passion for the arts to apply.
Generally, you should include a well-crafted resumé and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience, education, and skills. This is your opportunity to sell yourself! Some positions may also require a portfolio, or examples of your previous work. Please review the job posting for specific document requirements.
Yes, you should receive an automatic confirmation email once you submit your application through our online system. This email confirms that we have received your application.
The hiring process duration can vary depending on the position and the number of applicants. We strive to review applications promptly and will contact qualified candidates for further steps as soon as possible.
After reviewing applications, we will shortlist candidates who best meet the requirements for the position. If you are selected for further consideration, we will contact you to schedule an interview or discuss additional steps.
The interview process may include one or more round of interviews. This could consist of phone or video interviews, in-person interviews, or panel interviews with multiple interviewers. The specific format will depend on the position and the hiring team’s preferences.
While we understand the importance of feedback, due to the high volume of applications, we are not able to provide personalized feedback to each candidate. However, we appreciate your interest and encourage you to apply for future openings.
If you are selected for the position, we will contact you directly via phone or email to extend an offer. A qualifying job offer will be dependent upon receiving positive references.
We understand your eagerness and interest. However, due to the number of applications we receive, we will only contact applicants who have been shortlisted for an interview. We appreciate your patience as we work through the selection process.
Yes, you can apply for multiple positions if you have an interest in the position and have the minimum qualifications listed in the job posting. Please submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for.
Yes, depending on the position, we may have part-time or flexible work options available. The job postings will specify the expected work hours and schedule for each position.
Yes, as part of our standard hiring procedures, all positions require a clear child abuse registry check, some positions also require a clear criminal record check with vulnerable sector check. We also conduct reference checks on selected candidates. This helps us ensure the safety and security of our staff and visitors.
To ensure a fair and efficient process, we prefer all applicants to apply electronically and submit their application package to HR@ManitobaMuseum.ca. However, if you have specific circumstances that prevent you from applying electronically, please contact our Human Resources department to discuss alternative options.
Once you have submitted your application, you generally cannot make changes directly to the submitted application. However, if you have significant updates or changes to your qualifications, you can contact our Human Resources department and provide them with the updated information.
Yes, you are welcome to reapply for future job openings if you were not selected for a position in the past. We encourage candidates to continue checking our website for new opportunities that align with their skills and interests.
While we understand your interest, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide individual status updates. If you are selected for further consideration, we will reach out to you directly.
Volunteering FAQ:
Specific requirements may vary depending on the volunteer role. Some positions may require a certain age, specific skills or qualifications, or a commitment to a minimum number of volunteer hours. Please review the volunteer position descriptions for detailed requirements.
Yes, previous museum experience is not always required for volunteer positions. We value enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. We provide training and support to help volunteers succeed in their roles.
Volunteering at the Museum offers various benefits, such as the opportunity to contribute to the cultural community, gain new skills, meet like-minded individuals, and access to certain Museum events and resources. It can also be a valuable experience for personal and professional growth.
The time commitment for volunteers can vary depending on the position and individual availability. Some volunteers may commit to a regular schedule, while others may participate in specific events or projects on an ad hoc basis. We try to be flexible to accommodate different schedules.
Yes, we understand that individuals have different availability and commitments. We strive to offer a range of volunteer opportunities, including weekend and flexible shifts, to accommodate various schedules.
Yes, internship opportunities may be available. Please contact our Human Resources department at HR@ManitobaMuseum.ca for information and application processes.
Yes, as a Museum volunteer, you will receive training and orientation specific to your volunteer role. This ensures that you are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfill your responsibilities effectively.
Volunteering can provide valuable networking opportunities and allow you to showcase your skills and dedication. While there is no guarantee of a job, volunteering at the Museum can help you gain relevant experience and make connections that may be beneficial for future job opportunities.