Position Details:
- Current Rate of Pay: Min = $41.82/hr, Max = $48.47/hr
- Employment type: Permanent Full-time
- Hours of work: 35 hrs/week
- Work location: The Village at Black Creek
- Division: Education and Training
- Business unit: The Village at Black Creek
- Travel: None
- Remote Work: Hybrid; primarily on-site, however 1-2 days remote as programming dictates
About TRCA:
With more than 60 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario, created to safeguard and enhance the health and well-being of watershed communities through the protection and restoration of the natural environment and the ecological services the environment provides.
TRCA is considered the provincial leader in conserving, restoring, and managing natural resources to advance safe and sustainable development.
Please submit your resume and cover letter in one PDF or Word file prior to 11:59 pm on October 18, 2024.
How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:
The Costume Designer is responsible for designing, fabricating, and maintaining The Village’s reproduction period costume collection. This position also cares for textiles and supports the development of programs, events, and exhibits.
Major Responsibilities:
- Designs, creates, sources, maintains and repairs 19th century period costumes for staff and volunteers
- Sources and procures historically accurate appropriate fabrics, trims, notions, and accessories for all costumes and reproduction household textiles
- Manages an inventory of The Village’s reproduction textile collection of costumes and drapes, maintaining detailed and accurate records of all items in the inventory and coordinating regular care of the pieces
- Plans, manages and implements all stages of the garment construction process. Researches, designs, creates and cares for all household curtains, drapes and other reproduction household linens displayed in Village buildings to ensure authenticity
- Prepares and maintains costume manual with guidelines for appropriate hair styles and footwear, as well as for the proper wear of issued costume pieces. Provides training to staff and volunteers regarding the proper wear of all costumes
- Provides quality control function for proper wear of costumes through mentoring, checks and coaching
- Designs and fabricates thematic costumes, textiles and décor in support of events and exhibits that realize the program vision and meet logistical considerations
- Builds required period costumes, sourcing materials and working collaboratively with the individuals
- Consults with Curator to assess needs and prepare budget estimates for costuming, textile and needs
- Assumes all responsibilities as a Weekend Lead for The Village, in rotation, on weekends, holidays and at other times as required.
What will you need to succeed:
Education (degree/diploma/certifications/licenses)
- Post-secondary diploma or degree in Theatre Design or Costume Design or a related field, with specialized courses in costume design and construction, fashion, and/or textiles
- Specialized training in pattern drafting and machine and hand sewing
- Valid Ontario Class G2 driver’s license.
Experience
- 3+ years of experience period costumes design, development and fitting
Knowledge/Skill/Ability – Competencies
- Advanced-level knowledge of 19th century fashion, with skill to study and evaluate primary historical and material culture sources (i.e. photography, fashion plates, patterns, textile artifacts, etc.)
- Strong applied skills in pattern drafting, cutting, machine and hand-sewing, and production of made-to-measure garments with the ability to undertaking garment fittings and alterations to achieve a tailored/bespoke fit
- Specialized equipment training (industrial sewing machine, serger, industrial iron)
- Ability to communicate effectively with tact and courtesy
- Self-motivated, with strong organizational and time management abilities
- Proficiency in MS Office suite including online software such as MS teams, WebEx, and SharePoint
What TRCA has to offer you:
As part of a progressive team, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact to preserving and protecting nature, while maintaining a balance between the natural environment and built environment. Working with experts within our field, you will join a team of colleagues that are committed to TRCA’s core values by demonstrating the following behaviours: integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect, and excellence (icare).
You will be part of a diverse and inclusive organization that:
- Makes a positive difference in the communities we serve.
- Fosters high performance and collaborative teams.
- Provides continuous learning and development opportunities.
- Offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits program (including Defined Benefit Pension Plan – OMERS/OTPP).
- Pregnancy & Parental Leave Top-Up Program.
- Provides unique TRCA Perks.
- Provides flexible work arrangements.
- Offers potential for career growth and advancement.
While the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) thanks all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for interviews. Please be advised that successful incumbent(s) may be required to undergo a vulnerable sector screening and/or driver’s abstract check as a part of the final step in the hiring process.
TRCA is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and TRCA Policies, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to the TRCA. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.
Personal information you provide through the TRCA recruitment, selection, and onboarding process is collected under the authority of the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27. Collection of this personal information is necessary for the proper administration of this recruitment process for employment and volunteer positions with TRCA. Personal information is protected from disclosure pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Any questions regarding this collection activity should be directed to the Manager of Records and Information, 101 Exchange Avenue, Vaughan, Ontario, L4K 5R6, (437) 880 2308.