Archives Assistant (summer internship), Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, ON

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Compensation: $20.00/hour
 
Looking for a paid summer internship that's fun, by the waterfront and gets you access to one of Toronto's most iconic events? Come join our team at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)!   

The CNE, often affectionately referred to as The Ex, is one of the top ten agricultural fairs in North America. Learn what it takes to run Canada's largest community event. Get hands-on experience and a behind-the-scenes look at some of our event attractions and interactive entertainment experiences including: concerts, midway rides and games, shopping, exhibits, tech and gaming hubs, food and wacky treats!   

The CNE fair is a cherished tradition, attracting approximately 1.5 million visitors annually over the course of its 18-day run. Be a part of this summer tradition and help us inspire Canadians and create memories.  

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Archives Assistant to join our dynamic team. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation of the CNE's rich history while supporting archival and records management practices in a high-energy, public-facing environment. As an integral member of the archives team, the Archives Assistant will assist in processing, cataloguing, and preserving archival materials, while also playing an active role in public engagement through exhibits, historical tours, and events during the CNE and throughout the year. If you have a passion for history, archival work, and the excitement of working at a major cultural event, we invite you to apply and become part of the team that helps bring the CNE's legacy to life.  

Description and Duties    

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Archives Assistant to join our dynamic team. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation of the CNE's rich history while supporting archival and records management practices in a high-energy, public-facing environment. As an integral member of the archives team, the Archives Assistant will assist in processing, cataloguing, and preserving archival materials, while also playing an active role in public engagement through exhibits, historical tours, and events during the CNE and throughout the year. If you have a passion for history, archival work, and the excitement of working at a major cultural event, we invite you to apply and become part of the team that helps bring the CNE's legacy to life.
 
Qualifications 

• Education: Post-secondary education in Archival Studies, Records Management, Museum Studies, Library & Information Science, or a related field. Experience in event planning/management is a strong asset.
  
• Archive Experience: Experience working with an archive, library, museum, records management, or community events. Assist with the processing, cataloguing, and preservation of archival materials, including photographs, documents, and artifacts. Familiarity with archival standards (RAD), cataloguing, and preservation techniques including knowledge of best practices in archival handling, storage, and conservation to safeguard historical assets is recommended.  
• Records Management: Support records management initiatives by organizing, inventorying, and implementing retention schedules for institutional records.  
• Digitization Experience: Assist in the digitization of archival materials for preservation and public access. Experience processing both electronic and paper-based records and working with digital archives is an asset.  
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with archival databases (ArchivERA), digitization equipment, Microsoft Office, and digital tools for exhibit creation, virtual archives, and online records management. Maintain and update finding aids, databases, and digital records to improve accessibility and retrieval.   
• Communication & Public Engagement: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with the public, provide reference services, host walking tours, and participate in other public engagement activities. Interact with the public, stakeholders, and researchers to promote the archives and its initiatives.   
• Exhibit Creation: Develop and install archival exhibits during the CNE event and off-season. Conduct research to support archival projects, exhibits, historical inquiries, and organizational needs. Proven ability to create engaging exhibits and educational programming for diverse audiences within set budgets and time-frames.  
• Cultural Sensitivity: An understanding and appreciation of the diverse communities represented at the CNE, including Indigenous, immigrant, and multicultural groups, to ensure exhibits and programs are inclusive and relevant to all audiences.  
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to navigate workplace conflicts professionally. Experience supervising and mentoring staff, interns, or volunteers.   
• Administrative Skills: Ability to manage administrative tasks such as payroll, scheduling, record-keeping, and budget tracking. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.  
• Time Management: The ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines, particularly during the busy CNE season, ensuring that tasks such as exhibit setup, archival research, and administrative duties are completed efficiently.  
• Team Collaboration: Able to work independently as well as collaboratively with various departments, including Programs, Exhibit Sales, Marketing, and Operations  
• Physical Requirement: May require lifting and moving archival boxes weighing 25 pounds or more as part of regular duties. When working the CNE, the archives assistant will need to work in both outdoor and indoor environments.   
• A demonstrated interest in Canadian history, cultural heritage, or the history of the Canadian National Exhibition is an asset.  

Qualifications & Skills for Working at the CNE  

• Event Experience: Knowledge of event planning and coordination, particularly within a cultural or heritage context, is an asset.   
• Public Engagement: Strong interpersonal skills for interacting with the public, staff, and external stakeholders. The ability to engage with diverse audiences, including visitors, and community members, is crucial for promoting the archives and assisting with public-facing initiatives.  
• Problem-solving skills: Ability to think on your feet and address challenges that arise during event-related tasks, such as last-minute changes, equipment issues, or unexpected visitor inquiries.  
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Willingness to take on a variety of tasks, from administrative duties to on-the-ground event support, and the ability to adapt to the fast-paced nature of CNE operations.  
• Customer Service Excellence: Exceptional customer service skills, especially in a high-traffic, public-facing environment like the CNE, to assist visitors with information requests or guide them through exhibitions and walking tours.  
• Crisis Management: Preparedness to respond to unexpected situations calmly and effectively, especially in a large-scale public event setting.  
• Availability: Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required. Must be available to work throughout the summer including Labour Day.  

Work Conditions  

Working at the CNE, an Archives Assistant will need a unique blend of qualifications and skills to thrive in a dynamic and high-profile environment. This role requires someone who can balance the technical aspects of archival work with the flexibility and people skills necessary for a fast-paced, public-facing environment.

 
Additional Information   

What We Offer  

We offer a dynamic and fun work environment where interns can gain hands-on experience. This is a unique opportunity to support the archival and records management practices of the Canadian National Exhibition Association, playing a key role in preserving its rich history and ensuring effective information management.  
 

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume outlining related experience and qualifications to the attention of Human Resources. Please note only candidates invited for an interview will be contacted.  

At the CNE we are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment, where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. The CNE offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities as part of its recruitment process. If you are contacted for an interview, please advise us if you require any accommodation.
Application Webpage (URL): https://secure.collage.co/jobs/theex/52062
Application Deadline    n/a