Heritage Specialist at Town of Bracebridge

File #: 2025-O-022
Position: Heritage Specialist
Classification: Full-Time OPSEU Bargaining Unit
Weekly Hours: 35 hours per week
Number of Existing Vacancies: 1
Department: Planning and Development
Wage Information: An hourly rate of pay of $30.22 (starting) - $31.43 (after 3 months) - $32.70 (after 12 months)
Closing Date: January 6, 2026

Reporting to the Manager of Economic Development or designate, the Heritage Specialist is responsible for the care, documentation, preservation, and accessibility of historically significant artifacts and archives that form part of the Town of Bracebridge’s heritage assets. The position is responsible for managing the Woodchester Collection and the Bracebridge Digital Archive, ensuring that the Town’s artifacts are preserved to professional standards and made accessible to residents, researchers, and visitors. The Heritage Specialist develops exhibits, coordinates heritage projects, guides tours, and fosters community engagement that strengthens awareness of local history while supporting cultural tourism and economic development.

Position Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and administer the Woodchester Collection in accordance with the Woodchester Collection Management Policy.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for accessioning, deaccessioning, cataloguing, digitization, and documentation of artifacts and archives in collaboration with the Manager.
• Undertake digitization, research, and documentation of objects for inclusion in the Bracebridge Digital Archive, ensuring accuracy, contextual detail, and accessibility of heritage information.
• Identify and recommend storage, conservation, and display options consistent with professional museum and archival standards.
• Evaluate items offered for donation, negotiate transfer conditions, and guide donors through the legal process of ownership transfer in collaboration with the Manager.
• Plan and deliver public heritage initiatives, events, and educational programs that enhance engagement with local history.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma from an accredited university or college in Museum Studies, History, Anthropology, Cultural Management, English, or a closely related program, or equivalent.
• Minimum one (1) year of progressive, related experience in heritage preservation and archival work is required, preferably in a municipal setting.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and preserving heritage collections, including accessioning, cataloguing, researching, documenting, and digitization of artifacts; developing exhibits and interpretive materials; and delivering public tours, programs, and projects that promote community engagement with local history.
• Experience assisting with developing and implementing procedures, policies and standards, an asset.
• Standard First Aid and CPR-C or willingness to become certified, an asset.
• Good working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and WHMIS 2015.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively in a team environment and to exhibit courtesy, tact, and diplomacy in dealing with the public, department officials and other members of staff. Ability to adhere to confidentiality requirements at all times.
• Good written and verbal communication, administrative, customer service, organizational, analytical, problem-solving, research and report writing, and time and project management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, and SharePoint. Experience using PastPerfect museum software, an asset.
• Ability to provide a current and acceptable criminal record check.
• Possess the physical ability to perform the essential duties of the job.
• A valid Class “G” Ontario Driver’s License in good standing with a current acceptable Driver’s Abstract and a reliable vehicle to use on corporate business.

to this opportunity by 4:30 p.m. on January 6, 2026 with your cover letter and resume, quoting File 2025-O-025 and your first and last name to: [email protected].

Learn more about why you should Join Our Team!

We thank all who , however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Town of Bracebridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to meeting its obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Questions regarding collection of information or accommodation should be directed to the Corporate Services Department at (705) 645-5264.

Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, S.O. 2001, c.25 and will be used to determine employment eligibility.