Job Description

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

The Leacross Foundation Internship Program is a summer internship designed to support female-identifying undergraduate students in exploring careers in research, collections, and museums.

Five interns will work across different areas of the museum: Biodiversity, Earth & Space (including Climate Change), Fossils, Art & Culture, and Collections Care. Throughout the summer, interns will participate in cohort learning opportunities to gain exposure to ROM’s collections, research initiatives, and institutional work.

For the Leacross Foundation Internship – Earth & Space, we are seeking a motivated student to support curatorial work related to climate change research and geological collections.

The intern will assist with projects connected to Crawford Lake and Biidaasige Park, contributing to research and collections stewardship by documenting and organizing geological specimens and learning digital tools used in climate and environmental research.

This role offers hands-on experience working with geological collections, petrographic materials, and research data within a collaborative museum environment.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Document, describe, label, and organize petrographic thin sections from rock and ore collections to support long-term collections stewardship
• Catalogue and organize sedimentary rock specimens, ensuring accurate documentation and storage within the collections
• Learn to use Dragonfly FreeD imaging software to analyze sediment layers in Crawford Lake cores and share findings with the project team
• Support climate and environmental research by assisting with field sampling activities at Biidaasige Park
• Collaborate with fellow Leacross interns and participate in cohort learning sessions to gain insight into other areas of the museum

WHAT YOU BRING

• Completion of at least one (1) year of post-secondary education in Earth Sciences or a related field (e.g., geology, environmental science, mineralogy, planetary science)
• Experience with petrographic microscopy and petrology
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when working with specimens and research materials
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research or collections environment
• Interest in geological collections, climate research, and museum-based scientific work

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• START DATE: as early as May 19, 2026
• END DATE: as late as August 14, 2026
• OPEN DATE: March 18, 2026
• CLOSE DATE: April 10, 2026
• STATUS: Full-time Contract
• EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-Union
• EXPECTED COMPENSATION: $18/hour
• SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: The internship period will serve as the evaluation period for this role.
• LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON

WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS

1. First interview: A 30-minute virtual panel-style interview with the hiring team. This in-depth interview will focus on your skills and how they align with the team's and ROM's needs.

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 careers@rom.on.ca 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.

APPLY NOW

You must include a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest, and an updated CV.

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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