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Historical Costuming Coordinator
(Up to 13 months)

The Historical Costuming Coordinator, reporting to the Managing Director of Programming and Interpretive Services is responsible for the management and overall success of the Costuming department at Fort Edmonton Park. With a passion for historically-accurate costuming, the Historical Costuming Coordinator plans and oversees projects from beginning to end, ensuring on-time delivery of costuming for large groups of staff – costuming to amaze and delight both staff and visitors alike!

As the interim Historical Costuming Coordinator you will:

• Assist in the research, design and production of historically accurate costumes for staff and volunteers of all ages through our four time periods: 1846, 1885, 1905, and 1920’s, overseeing the work of department staff and volunteers.
• Coordinate all aspects of garment construction, pattern drafting, cutting, fitting, and assembly, delegating work to other Costuming staff and volunteers as necessary.
• Ensure costumes are designed to withstand wear and tear, outdoor work, and exposure to a variety of seasons and weather conditions.
• Conduct costume fittings, issue costumes and orient staff on costume policy and deportment.
• Inspect, maintain, distribute, retrieve and catalogue all pieces of the collection.
• Coordinate the maintenance of costumes including laundering, repairs, alterations and dry cleaning.
• Work with Costuming Staff and Volunteers to build a stock of basic pieces to add to the collection.
• Produce costume renderings as requested.
• Design and/or coordinate costumes for 2-3 shows at the Capitol Theatre per year and attend dress rehearsals and technical rehearsals in evenings as required.
• Recruit, train, coach and develop Costuming staff and volunteers including performance review/management.
• Maintain accurate records of inventory and produce an annual inventory report.
• Coordinate projects, assign workloads, set schedules and maintain records for payroll.
• Administer the Costuming budget and maintain expenditure records.
• Develop, update and publicize the Costume Policy and ensure adherence to it in conjunction with Supervisors and Managers.
• Create and maintain relationships with vendors and contractors.
• Source and purchase garment construction supplies as well as Costume Room equipment as required.
• Manage the use of shared spaces including the Costume Shop, storage spaces and dressing rooms on site, using creative solutions to fully utilize available resources.
• Represent the Costuming Team at Logistics and Animation meetings when required.
• Develop new wardrobe-related programming and workshops and oversee existing programming including the monthly volunteer “Knitting Circle” and weekly evening workshops.  
• Liaise with institutions requiring assistance in the costuming, textile or sewing field.
• Oversee the cleaning and light custodial duties of the Costume Shop.
• Maintain and service all Costume Shop equipment, procuring new equipment as necessary.
• Other duties as required.

Essential Skills & Experience

• 5+ years’ experience creating authentic period costumes within a similar work environment
• Diploma or degree in Costume Design from a recognized program or equivalent in education and experience
• Confidence using Microsoft Excel to produce spreadsheets and reports
• Excellent sewing skills and knowledge
• Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment
• Well-developed supervisory skills including the ability to communicate instructions, delegate work, evaluate staff performance and inspire and motivate a team
• Excellent interpersonal skills for dealing with the public, staff and volunteers
• Flexible and adaptable; able to adjust plans to meet the needs of the Park e.g. design of costumes outside of the usual specifications/eras
• Ability to prioritize workload effectively to provide costumes in large numbers within tight deadlines
• Collaborative and creative; accustomed to working with others to find and implement imaginative solutions
• Highly organized with a keen attention to detail and exceptional time management skills
• Proactive; ability to think and plan a season ahead
• Ability to lift, bend, sit for extended periods, climb stairs, walk long distances and work in a unique environment
• Openness to working some weekends and evenings as required

Desired Skills & Experience

• Previous leadership experience to include management of departmental budgets
• Tailoring experience
• Corsetry and millinery skills
• Knowledge and experience with aboriginal craft work (e.g. beading, making moccasins, working with hides etc.)
• Knowledge of Edmonton history from 1846 to the 1920’s.

Hours of work: 40 hours p/w
Rate of pay: $22 p/h + perks + benefits

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please e-mail your resume and cover letter to: sophia.maher@edmonton.ca

Closing date for applications:
12 noon on Monday, November 23, 2015

Applicants should be prepared to bring in samples of their work or a portfolio.

We would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this employment opportunity, however only those candidates considered for the position will be contacted.