Photography & Digitization Intern

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 ROM is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Photography & Digitization Intern to support the digitization of the Museum’s 2D and 3D collections for Summer 2026. Working under the guidance of ROM’s Senior Photographer, you will contribute to the creation of high-quality digital images of objects and specimens that support public access to ROM’s collections through online platforms, digital archives, and museum initiatives. This opportunity is ideal for students or emerging professionals with an interest in photography, digitization, visual storytelling, cultural heritage, or museum collections. You will gain valuable hands-on experience working with photography equipment, digital imaging workflows, and museum collections within one of Canada’s leading cultural institutions.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Support the digitization and scanning of collection materials, including photographic negatives, transparencies, and museum objects.
• Prepare and process high-resolution digital images for use in ROM’s digital archives, online collections, and related platforms.
• Assist with image editing, colour correction, cropping, and digital image optimization using professional imaging software.
• Support the organization and preparation of digital assets for ROM’s digital asset management systems (DAM).
• Assist the Senior Photographer with photography projects and visual content production supporting departments across the Museum.
• Help maintain studio photography equipment, copy stands, lighting setups, and digital imaging workspaces.
• Contribute to accurate file management, image organization, and digitization workflows.
• Support initiatives that improve digital access to ROM’s collections in art, culture, nature, and science.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Completion of at least one year of post-secondary studies in Photography, Media Production, Digital Media, Visual Arts, Museum Studies, or a related field.
• Interest in photography, digitization, cultural heritage preservation, or museum collections.
• Familiarity with digital photography workflows and image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Capture One, or similar applications.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work carefully with digital files and delicate collection materials.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage assigned tasks independently.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a small team environment.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Familiarity with digital asset management systems, studio photography, or scanning workflows is considered an asset.
• Experience handling artwork, artefacts, archival materials, or delicate objects is considered an asset. Training will be provided.
• Interest in art, culture, nature, science, or museum work is strongly encouraged.

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• START DATE: June 2026
• DURATION: 12-14 Weeks
• OPEN DATE: May 22, 2026
• CLOSE DATE: June 5, 2026
• STATUS: Full-time Contract
• EMPLOYEE GROUP: Non-Union
• EXPECTED COMPENSATION: $17.60 per hour
• SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: The internship period will serve as the evaluation period for this role.
• LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON

This position is funded through the Ontario Summer Employment Opportunities (SEO) Program. Applicants must meet the program’s eligibility requirements, including being legally entitled to work in Canada and eligible to participate in the SEO program at the time of hire.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS

1. 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.
2. 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.

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 [email protected] for assistance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• ROM does not require “Canadian experience.” International applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.
• ROM uses technology-assisted tools (including JazzHR TalentFit) to support the review and screening of applications. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.
• This posting is for an existing vacancy.

APPLY NOW

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.

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