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
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.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
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.
WHAT YOU BRING
3–5 years of experience working with biological collections, including birds and mammals, in a museum, research, or similar institutional setting.
Deep knowledge of avian and mammalian taxonomy, systematics, and identification.
Experience with frozen tissue, wet specimens, skins, mounts, and skeletons.
Familiarity with museum standards for handling, rehousing, and documentation of natural history specimens.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with digital collections databases (TMS or equivalent) and Microsoft Office.
Comfortable with the physical demands of the role (lifting, standing, handling delicate specimens).
Collaborative spirit and excellent communication skills.
A degree in biological sciences or a related discipline is strongly preferred.
WHAT WE OFFER
Comprehensive benefits coverage: 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.
Support for new parents: 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.
And more!
SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
START DATE: December 2025
OPEN DATE: October 24, 2025
CLOSE DATE: Open until filled
STATUS: Full-time Permanent
EMPLOYEE GROUP: OPSEU Local 543
SALARY: $83,093 - $94,964
SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Six (6) months
LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON
WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS
Initial conversation: A 30-minute virtual conversation** with a Recruiter to discuss your interest in the role and ROM and how you can make an impact.
First interview: A 1-hour in-person or virtual interview with the Hiring Manager and a member of the HR team. This in-depth interview will focus on your skills and how they align with the team's and ROM's needs.
Second interview: A 1-hour in-person meeting with the Hiring Manager and relevant team members. You may be asked to present a pre-assigned case study and discuss scenarios relevant to your role. Depending on the position, you might also be given a tour of ROM and receive a preview of your responsibilities and interactions.
Third Interview: a final interview with key stakeholders.
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.
APPLY NOW
Apply today and help us create a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where creativity and learning flourish.
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.
LI-Onsite
