Costume Coordinator

Role Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Seasonal Sites Curator, the Costume Coordinator is responsible for the acquisition, production, research and management of historically accurate interpretive costumes, essential for the accurate portrayal and interpretation of Branch sites. This position produces and acquires historically representative garments from various eras, issues costumes and educates interpreters on correct appearance and costume care, and maintains garments through proper storage, cleaning and repair. In addition, the position is responsible for maintaining a costuming database tracking an extensive inventory of costumes (several thousand pieces of clothing, headwear, footwear and other accessories), sewing materials and supplies.
 

Key Responsibilities:

• Construct historically accurate costumes and coordinate the production of these costumes for the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village (UCHV) Branch sites.
• Issue and retrieve costumes for seasonal staff and volunteers.
• Implement and maintain procedures for overseeing the interpretive costume, fabric and pattern inventories using a FileMaker Pro database system.
• Identify, implement and research garment cleaning and maintenance procedures to ensure the care and longevity of costuming garments.
• Prepare and administer the interpretive costume budget to ensure the efficient use of allocated funds to meet interpretive costume needs at the various UCHV Branch sites.
• Operate and perform maintenance on a range of equipment used for costume construction and care.
• Conduct research on historically appropriate clothing, accessories and personal deportment to ensure that interpreter appearance accurately represents the time periods interpreted at the historic sites in the UCHV Branch.
• Train interpretation staff on issues relating to interpretive costumes and provide interpretive costume information to other interest groups, as requested, 
• From time to time, supervise and train temporary positions, contractors, volunteers and practicum students to ensure that costume construction and maintenance meets the standards of historical accuracy and quality of work. 

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.
 

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.
 

• Drive for Results - Facilitates the creation of plans and strategies based in previous experience and works in collaboration with other stakeholder groups to meet and exceed expectations.
• Creative Problem Solving - Facilitates the creation of a work environment for generating and finding newer ideas to solve existing and potential problems.
• Systems Thinking - Considers the impact of strategies and changes on the work of clients, stakeholders, and team members and support organization vision and goals through strategic planning of tasks and considering relationships between different work approaches and their impact on different programs, divisions and ministries.
• Develop Networks - Develops and sustains a network of relationships across the division and with other GOA ministries on issues and work with other branches to develop effective communication channels to enhance and maximize the effectiveness of interactions.

Qualifications

Minimum two years post-secondary level education and training in one or more of the following: garment design, tailoring, pattern drafting and costume construction including related studies in textile fabrication, clothing embellishment techniques and historic costume, or equivalent.
 

• Minimum two years' experience in historic costume production, pattern drafting and wardrobe management is required
• Ability to operate a range of sewing machines and related equipment at a professional level.
• Strong skills in pattern drafting, grading and garment construction.
• Previous experience and demonstrated ability for independent decision-making and self-management along with strong organizational skills.
• Research skills and knowledge of historic clothing worn in Alberta. 
• Experience in recruiting, training and supervising workers or volunteers is an asset.
• Related studies or experience in historic resource management, computer database systems and museum studies are an asset.
• Skills in other heritage hand crafts, such as hand sewing, knitting, embroidery, weaving, finger weaving, beadwork, tatting, leatherwork and millinery are an asset.
• Knowledge of FileMaker Pro is an asset.
• Valid driver's license. 

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.  Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.
 

Notes

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part time or full time.
 

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 
 

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance