Thanks for your interest. This position has been filled.

Full-time, Fixed-term – up to 13 months

As Historical Costuming Assistant, you’ll channel your passion for historically-accurate costuming and exemplary sewing skills into the construction and alteration of costumes and costume pieces to amaze and delight staff and visitors alike! Reporting to the Historical Costuming Coordinator, this position works to support department volunteers, maintain the costume shop and above all, deliver quality costuming for large groups of people on time and to specification.

If you’re a sewing wizard who loves period costume and you’re intrigued by the thought of having your ‘office’ on 1885 street, then make a difference and apply today! As Historical Costuming Assistant you will be responsible for:

• Cutting costumes from pattern,
• Constructing and altering a wide variety of hats and costumes (including tailored men’s wear) based on historical research and using an extensive variety of materials and techniques,
• Repairing costumes to prolong the life-span of the garments,
• Assisting with costume fittings; taking measurements and notes as required,
• Restocking costumes according to size, classification (‘era’) and gender,
• Assisting in inventory maintenance; assigning inventory numbers and updating Excel spreadsheets,
• Overseeing costume sign-out and return,
• Ensuring costumes are laundered according to best practices (including hand-washing),
• Coordinating dry cleaning orders and sorting costumes upon return,
• Assisting in the transfer of costumes from shop to storage or other areas within the Park,
• Supervising volunteers; assigning appropriate work and offering guidance as necessary,
• General up-keep of costume shop (e.g. vacuuming, sweeping floors, tidying work stations and common spaces),
• Opening and closing the Costume Shop as per established procedures,

• Following all Company and departmental policies, procedures and service standards.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong combination of the following:

Essential Skills & Experience

• Successful completion of a minimum 2 years’ post-secondary program (diploma or degree) in a costume-related subject or the equivalent in experience,
• Excellent sewing skills (both hand and machine); ability to cut and construct garments from a pattern,
• A sound understanding of 19th and 20th Century costume for men and women,
• Superb organization skills and ability to time-manage effectively; essential for working in a fast-paced environment,
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (for inventory purposes),
• Familiarity with Google applications (Gmail, Calendar and Drive),
• A flexible and adaptable approach; for dealing with competing and ever-changing demands,
• Proven problem-solving ability; both independently and as part of a team,
• Excellent communication skills in English; written and oral,
• Demonstrated leadership skills; comfortable directing and supporting others,
• An unwavering commitment to historical and cultural integrity; essential in retaining Fort Edmonton Park’s status as a recognized museum by the Alberta Museum Association.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience working in a similar role and/or work environment,
• Tailoring skills and knowledge of menswear construction,
• Millinery skills/experience,
• Corsetry and historic shapewear-making (e.g. bustles) skills/experience,
• Heritage craft skills (e.g. lace tatting, knitting, beading, moccasin-making, sash-weaving etc.),
• Research skills; for academic historical costume research,
• A flair for drafting and cutting historically-inspired patterns from scratch,
• Specialized skills that you’d love to share with and teach to others!

Perks & Benefits

• $15 – $18 per hour, dependent on qualifications and experience,
• 2 weeks’ paid vacation per annum,
• Free entry to great places across the City (Edmonton Valley Zoo, Muttart Conservatory, City leisure centres, outdoor pools, arenas and much more),
• Staff discounts within Fort Edmonton Park (general admission, merchandise, entertainment programming, Hotel Selkirk rooms and more),
• Health benefits (subject to waiting periods and approval).

Job Requirements

• 37.5 hours per week (up to 40 hours during peak times),
• Monday to Friday, with some exceptions (particularly Christmas-time and April to September),
• Physical demands including lifting (over 15 lbs), climbing of stairs and walking (64-acre Park).

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your resume and covering letter to Claudie.moiret@edmonton.ca. The closing date for applications is NOON on Monday, November 2nd, 2015. Be prepared to bring samples of your work to interview!