Work At The Museum

Job Opportunities

VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY – VERTEBRATE PREPARATOR

Project supervisors: Ryan Fisher, Danae Frier
Lab/Collection: Vertebrate Zoology

Project Description: We are seeking up-and-coming wildlife biologists to work as zoology lab assistants. The position will focus on the preparation of bird study-skins and skeletons for inclusion into the provincial natural history collection and may involve some field work. You can expect to have hands-on experience conducting rigorous data collection and specimen preparation. You will also work with communications staff to develop social media posts about your experience working at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum and increase the public’s knowledge and appreciation for Saskatchewan’s natural history.

Skills needed: At least one year of university study in biology or technical diploma program, work independently and part of a team, good manual dexterity and fine motor skills, eagerness to learn.
Skills to be gained: Bird identification, dissection skills, data collection, science communication.

Salary: $21.00 per hour
Start/End Dates: May 4, 2026 to August 21, 2026

Application Process:  Email applications (cover letter and resume both in one .pdf or .docx file) by March 20, 2026 with the email Subject line “Vert Preparator Position – [Your Last Name]” (e.g., Vert Preparator Position – Smith) to: Dr. Ryan Fisher, ryan.fisher@gov.sk.ca

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INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY – INVERTEBRATE LAB ASSISTANT

Project supervisors: Cory Sheffield, Ryan Oram
Lab/Collection: Invertebrate Zoology

Project Description: We are seeking aspiring biologists with a keen interest in insects to work in our Entomology lab. The position will focus on working with our world-leading collection of bees and wasps, as well as our smaller collections of beetles and other insects, getting specimens ready to be stored in their new forever home at the Royal Saskatchewan Museums Entomology Collection. You will get hands-on experience conducting rigorous data collection, specimen preparation and handling, as well as a better understanding of the biodiversity of insects found within Saskatchewan and around the world.

Skills needed: At least one year of university study in biology or technical diploma program, the ability to work independently and part of a team, and an eagerness to learn.
Skills to be gained: Insect identification, data collection, collections management.

Salary: $21.00 per hour
Start/End Dates: May 4, 2026 to August 21, 2026

Application Process:  Email applications (cover letter and resume both in one .pdf or .docx file) by March 20, 2026 with the email Subject line “Invert Lab Assistant Position – [Your Last Name]” (e.g., Invert Lab Assistant Position – Smith) to: Dr. Cory Sheffield, cory.sheffield@gov.sk.ca

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CONSERVATION LAB – CONSERVATION INTERN*

Project supervisors: Victoria Kablys Nielsen, Bailey Monsebroten
Lab/Collection: Conservation Lab, Indigenous Cultural Heritage Collection

We are seeking a Conservation Intern to work with staff in the Conservation and Indigenous Studies departments at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum (RSM). This position offers hands on experience in conservation science, preventive care, and culturally informed stewardship of Indigenous belongings. The successful candidate’s projects will include:

1. Pesticide Residue Testing – Testing belongings using a portable X‑ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometer and assisting with organic residue sampling.
2. Preventive Conservation and Stabilization – Performing treatments to stabilize belongings for safe handling and relocation.
3. Packing and Move Preparation – Assisting with packing belongings for an upcoming collection move using contamination‑aware protocols.

The incumbent will also contribute to documentation workflows and may assist with social media updates to share insights about conservation work and cultural stewardship at the RSM.

Qualifications: To qualify for this position, the incumbent should have a strong background in the conservation of historic materials. The ideal candidate will be a recent graduate of a recognized conservation program, preferably with a specialization in objects conservation and strong foundational knowledge in conservation science and preventive conservation.

Skills needed: NRCan pXRF Level 1 Certification (ideal) or willingness to obtain certification prior to starting; strong attention to detail and accurate documentation skills; ability to work collaboratively and independently in an organized, efficient manner. Prior museum collection experience and an interest in Indigenous cultural heritage belongings—with experience following cultural protocols—are considered strong assets.
Skills to be gained: Sampling and testing for pesticide residues; object handling and preventive conservation; culturally informed stewardship practices; documentation and data collection; conservation treatment; packing and rehousing methods; science communication.

Salary: $21.00 per hour
Start/End Dates: May 4, 2026 to November 2, 2026 (with the possibility of a 1-year term, subject funding approval)

Application Process:  Email applications (cover letter, resume/curriculum vitae, and a sample treatment report) by March 30, 2026 with the email Subject line “Conservation Intern Position – [Your Last Name]” (e.g., Conservation Intern Position Position – Smith) to: Victoria Kablys Nielsen, victoria.kablysnielsen@gov.sk.ca

*This conservation lab position is subject to funding approval from external agencies. We expect to know whether this funded position has been secured by April 1, 2026.

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